Historically Fell ponies ran in semi-feral herds. Born and raised in mountainous areas, they derived their name "Fell" from the Norse word for "hill". Fells are believed to have originated during Roman times, almost 2,000 years ago in the region which is now the border between England & Scotland.
During the four centuries of Roman occupation, auxiliary troops were brought in to help man Hadrian's Wall, which separated these two areas. French, Dutch, German, Polish, Spanish & eastern European cavalrymen were posted there and archaeological evidence supports the presence of several foreign breed types. Such foreign blood was believed to have influenced the Celtic pony and thereby shaped many British native pony breeds, including the Fell. Such a cross likely produced a variety of heights from pony to horse, but over the long term, anything over 13.2 hands high could not survive the conditions on the northern fells without extra feeding, so, it is theorized by natural selection, that the Fell breed stabilized as a pony.
The now extinct Galloway pony in southern Scotland was a type related to the Fell & Dales & all were probably interbred across the northern counties of England. Old farmers still sometimes refer to a Fell as a Galloway. Until the mid 19th century, both areas bred types ranging from the taller Dales & Highlands to the smaller end of the Fells.
The original ponies reflected their Celtic pony heritage – brown, dun, black and dark bay. The Cistercian Order (Grey Friars) owned large amounts of land in the Lake District in northwest England; it is believed that the gray color in the Fell breed partly traces back to their preference for horses of this color.
Well maintained roads were rare from the 4th Century until the 18th Century when roads were surfaced again. Therefore packponies were the only reliable means of transporting goods; the Fell was particularly good for this purpose, being a fast & steady walker.
Canals, roads & trains were developed in the 18th & 19th Centuries & the ponies were gradually replaced for distance transport, although they were still used locally. In the 19th Century they were utilized for trotting races & sports events, light arable farm work, shepherding, & transport of goods.
In the 20th century Fells were used in County Durham as pit ponies (in coal mines). The smaller ones worked underground, while the larger ones moved machinery above ground or worked on dairy farms. In some areas Fells were used for 'deer stalking', which required a steady, surefooted pack pony to carry the dead stag down the hills for the hunter.
The Fell Pony Society (FPS) was formed in 1916. Queen Elizabeth II, a knowledgeable owner & breeder, is its patron today. Her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, often competes in driving events with Fells.
