The Fell Pony
By Wendy & Larry Ihlang

In the misty land of northwest England, a breed of horse that roamed the upland hills for nearly 2000 years may still be found. The Fell Pony, taking its name from the native term for "hill", stands proudly today as a survivor of the turbulent history of this island country.

Alleged to be the product of the crossing of the mighty Friesian (which was introduced by the invading Roman armies to aid in the construction of Hadrian's Wall in 120 A.D.), with the native hill pony, the Fell Pony exhibits the outstanding traits of both these breeds. The Fell has successfully adapted over the centuries to the needs and demands of the locals without sacrificing breed type or character.

The demands on this willing, strong, and intelligent breed have been many. The Fell has been used as a mount for the Picts in their raids on Hadrian's Wall. Under the Viking influence, Fells were used in agriculture, primarily to pull simple plows and other implements. The Normans used the Fell as a pack animal, to haul wool to market. Throughout this early history, the Fell Pony was a riding horse, carrying shepherds and merchants to their daily business.

The late 18th century saw the Fell as the pack animal of choice, carrying loads of lead ore to coastal smelters. Fells were often driven in pack trains of ten animals each, carrying a ton of lead ore between them. The loads were just heavy enough so that two men could lift up the pack saddles while a boy led the Fell out from under. The active, long strides of the Fell Pony meant the pack train could travel over 30 miles a day, over 230 miles a week, for 7 days a week, year-after-year, with no breaks for the animals.

The Fell became the mount of choice for the Post Office to carry the mail in Cumberland and Westmorland. In the northern towns, the Fell was also a driving animal, crucial to tradesmen. In the 1800's, the breed gained renown as a premier trotter, frequently winning against all breeds.

The 20th century, however, nearly spelled the end of the Fell Pony. Widespread use of internal combustion and steam power became the order of the day. Large herds of Fells were sold for slaughter. Only the efforts of The Fell Pony Society, with the aid of sponsors such as Beatrix Potter and King George V, were able to stabilize the breed. Fells were registered, and displayed through organized shows.

Under the patronage of HM the Queen, membership has greatly increased. Breed shows, stallion shows, performance shows, and the licensing of stallions has done much to stabilize the breed and to help introduce it to the rest of the world.

The versatile, gentle, undemanding Fell has been asked to do much to serve over the centuries. It has evolved, but its appearance has changed little since post-Roman times. The present day Fell is an ideal riding and driving machine, with the strength to carry adults, but not too big for a child to ride. Fells tirelessly carry riders on holiday in the rugged, beautiful Lake District of Cumbria, the breed's home. It can be seen in demanding combined driving competitions at organized events, often with participation by Prince Philip, driving a team of the Queen's Fells.

The Fell Pony is also used in logging, hunting, and in competition in dressage, show jumping, and long-distance rides. The gentle and willing disposition of the breed is well documented, with Fells being chosen as mounts in Riding for the Disabled activities. R.S. Summerhays, a horseman-writer, said, "A well-trained Fell makes a delightful ride for his activity, strength and hardiness, born of generations of scrambling about the mountains, give him great balance and what horse is worth riding without this?" He adds, "I believe him to be the ideal family pony for he can carry a heavy man with ease and with his temperament he may be trusted with children."

All in all, the Fell is a remarkable breed, a breed we would like to introduce to your world. Currently, Musta Hevonen Farm in Rainier, Washington, has 7 registered Fell Ponies of the less than 50 in North America, including stock selected in and imported from England, as well as the first Fell Ponies born on the West Coast.

	Larry & Wendy Ihlang own Musta Hevonen Farm, on 15 acres in Rainier, Washington. The farm name is Finnish for "black horse". The naming rights went to Wendy, the Finn, because Larry, the Norwegian's tongue was too shriveled from Lutefisk to speak. The farm, in the scenic Pacific Northwest is surrounded by Douglas Fir, and is situated a close drive away from majestic Mt. Rainier as well as the wild Pacific Ocean. At Musta Hevonen Farm, the goal is to breed true to the endangered Fell Pony line. To that end, all Fells are registered with the Fell Pony Society of England, with adherence to the Society's goals and philosophy. Our objective is "helping to return a breed with enduring strength, perseverance, and loyalty back to the world". Musta Hevonen Farm is the first and only Fell breeder on the West Coast, as well as the oldest existing breeder in the U.S.
Hometown: Rainier, Washington Phone: (360) 446-0143 Web Page: http://www.fellponies.com/ Email Address: fellpony@yelmtel.com