Just under the height of a wall. [https://scontent.fman2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/18121877_605310822999680_2774119199453625352_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=3&_nc_sid=09cbfe&_nc_ohc=GJOziPRemBoAX_Rj1RB&_nc_ht=scontent.fman2-2.fna&oh=22002b1a094cabbf47cd45ce701841af&oe=604E7A58 source]

You may have seen Fell ponies at local shows or at Lowther country fair being ridden and driven, or shown in hand to breed standard*. But did you know that there are small breeding groups that can be seen on the upland fells running semi-wild all year round? These herds travel around 20 miles a day, feeding as they move and seeking shelter by a stone wall in bad weather. It is for this reason that the average height of a fell pony is just under the height of a Cumbrian stone wall!

Transported image. [https://scontent.fman2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/146223692_1499431550254265_592754070002960383_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=qO-rcfMm8o8AX8Dhgpc&_nc_ht=scontent.fman2-2.fna&oh=83773cd030ad43ec719e97cfecd8499c&oe=604D6CD1 source]

This is just one of many ways that the Cumbrian environment has influenced the characteristics of this ancient breed. Living in their natural habitat gives these ponies great strength and stamina. Traversing the upland terrain makes the ponies sure-footed which means they have great balance when being used as riding and driving ponies. In contrast to their stabled companions they must search for their food rather than having it provided in a bucket. The semi-feral Fell pony is a true survivor!

In return the pony gives back to the fells in a number of ways. Studies of the ponies' eating habits show that they ignore wild flowers and heather, but eat the rough grasses and the bark of shrubs - exactly the kind of management the hills need. Their grazing in turn helps the conservation of birds and other fauna……all of which contributes to the beauty of the region and attracting visitors to boost the local economy.

The pony is disappearing from the fells

Despite these benefits, you may have noticed that the scenes I have painted are becoming an increasingly rare occurrence. At the latest count there are less than 150 breeding mares on the fells of Cumbria. Contrast this to a single dairy farm with 250 cows and it is not surprising that sightings are rare. To see ponies in their natural habitat you will need to travel to Birkbeck Common near Shap or Caldbeck Common.

But hurry because sightings are set to become rarer still in future. Unlike farm animals, the Fell ponies attract no subsidy or support and rising costs and bureaucracy threaten economic viability of these herds. The old farmer-breeders are enthusiasts, but they are getting older and the young people to replace them are few and far between. The upland herds depend on commons grazing rights, some of which are under dispute. As the late Thomas Capstick, breeder of the Murthwaite ponies, put it, “The breed isn’t under threat itself, but the pony in its natural surroundings is”.

In contrast, the other Lake District icon, the Herdwick sheep, is positively thriving. Beatrix Potter left her Cumbrian sheep farms to the National Trust in her will with the stipulation that they continue her support for the Herdwick. They are ably assisted in this task by the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association and by Diane Hannah, who has popularised the Herdwick with her “Herdy” brand and chain of shops. It is a little known fact that Beatrix Potter also wrote about the Fell pony in her book “The Fairy Caravan”. Reading Beatrix’s strong caricature of “Billy the pony” in this book leads me to imagine that she would be very concerned about the plight of the Fell pony today.

Transported image. [https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/135381266_1476812172516203_7473583083944006607_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=55bO7yLw9r0AX9_X5fr&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=918f2d84a39d099788e2a05504fd0ff3&oe=604F85B7 source]

The old farmer-breeders were well aware that sheep and ponies are complementary grazers. Despite this the modern upland farmer focuses on sheep and doesn’t want the ponies “eating his profits”, especially since the pony’s working role on the farm has been taken over by the quad bike.

Does it really matter if the ponies disappear? To the ponies it certainly does. Without access to the fell environment they will lose their breed characteristics. To us humans it represents the loss of our heritage and skills and a permanently changed landscape.

The Fell Pony Heritage Centre Project

What we decide to do about it is up to each of us, but the days are numbered for the ponies on the fells so we need to act soon.

Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, David Murray, has done sterling work in support of the fell pony and it’s role in maintaining fell biodiversity. He has published two detailed reports and articles in national newspapers. You can read more about David’s work at www.shadow-of-the-wall.co.uk. Breeder and secretary of the Fell Pony Breeders Association, Tom Lloyd, has produced 5 short films capturing the perspective of the hill breeders. You can view his films at [http://fellponybreeders.org/films/ here]. The Fell Pony Society has grown membership numbers, extended the global reach of the breed and promoted the breed at shows. But the fact remains that these campaigns have made limited impact on the plight of the pony on the hill.

We are currently developing a proposal to establish a Fell Pony Heritage Centre to protect a herd on the fells and to preserve the working practices for future generations. The centre will be a living museum and a visitor attraction. It will enable visitors to learn about Fell pony history* and to see them in their natural environment. It will offer daily demonstrations of working Fell ponies and activities such as carriage rides or a walk with a pack pony on the historic Cumbrian drover trails. We envisage that the centre will run special days for school children enabling them to experience how ponies would have been used on a traditional hill farm. And finally, and very importantly, we aim to conduct research to quantify the positive impact of Fell pony grazing on the upland ecosystem. We will also campaign for subsidies to support native ponies grazing in their natural habitat post Brexit.

We have received much encouraging positive feedback on our plans from a variety of organisations including the Lake District National Park, the National Trust, Natural England, Cumbria Tourism, the Cumbria Commoners and a host of land-owners, breed associations and educational establishments.

Now our challenge is to make the plans a reality. We are actively looking for premises and grazing to start the centre and would welcome your suggestions. Maybe one day, with a lot more help and dedication, the Fell pony will be as common a sight on the hills as the Herdwick sheep.

Find out more and support our cause

You can register your support and keep up to date on what is happening with the Heritage Centre project by following our facebook page: “Fell Pony Heritage Centre”.

You can read about Fell Pony history and the breed standard [http://www.fellponysociety.org.uk/about_breed.htm here].

Credits Article inspired by Libby Robinson Words by Kerry Turner Photographs by Fleur Hallam

You can see more of Fleur’s superb Fell pony photographs at her facebook page “Fleur Hallam Photography” or in her book “The Spirit of the Fell Pony” (Published by Halsgrove).