Fell Ponies

What is a Fell Pony and where did they come from? The Fell Pony is a versatile, working breed of mountain and moorland pony originating in the north of England in Cumberland and Westmorland farms of northwest England, and is used as a riding and driving pony. The breed is closely related to its geographic neighbour, the Dales Pony, but is a little smaller and more pony-like in build. 
The Fell Pony is noted for hardiness, agility, strength, and sure-footedness. Fell Ponies vary a good deal in weight and size, so ponies may be found to carry almost any rider. The average height of the breed is 13.2 hands (54 inches, 142 cm), and the upper height limit for the breed is 14 hands (56 inches, 142 cm). The breed was bred for the unforgiving mountainous environment of Cumbria in north-west England, so they are adaptable to almost any temperate climate.
 Why are they called Fell Ponies?
The Vikings used ponies to plough and pull sledges as well as for riding and pack work. The animals in use were kept handy in the villages, and the breeding stock lived out on the fell.
The colours accepted in the breed are black, brown, bay, grey, and chestnuts (if both parents are registered). Piebalds, and skewbalds are not allowed. A star on the head and/or a small amount of white on or below the hind fetlock is acceptable. However, excess white markings are discouraged. Here we see examples of some of the color variations.

The Fell Pony was originally used as a packhorse, carrying slate and lead, copper, and iron ores. They were also used for light agriculture and the transportation of bulky farm goods such as wool. With their sturdy bodies, strong legs, and equable disposition, and being good, fast walkers, they would travel up to 240 mi (390 km) a week. They were favoured by the Vikings as packhorses, as well as for ploughing, riding, and pulling sledges.

In October of 2011, one of the new coats to come out of the 3.1 update was the Fell Pony. The Solid Midnight Tan Fell Pony, Solid Dark Brown Fell Pony, Solid Dark Red Fell Pony, Solid Dark Grey Fell Pony, Solid Silver Fell Pony and Solid Black Fell Pony were one set of many exciting possible Non-Starter coats that could come from breeding “Starter Horses.

Also in October Amaretto introduced the Charmed Molten Fell Pony, with the Red Lava eye. Charmed Horses are NOT able to pass their coats or eyes. However, you could get extremely lucky and birth another Charmed Horse.

June of 2012 came the Blue Heat Molten Fell with Abyss Eye. It sold at the Auction For a Cure  for a record breaking 2.6 million linden! The Amaretto community is amazing! The coat and Abyss eye on this beautiful horse CAN pass.

Since then Amaretto has added the White Fell and the Blue Fell Ponies.

You can read up on all these Fell Ponies and the many uses Amaretto has put them to for great coats here.

Happy Breeding!