Gowbarrow Hall Farm Fell Ponies

We can communicate on so many platforms these days with our modern technology but these ponies need to be "seen to appreciate their unique characteristics of hardiness and friendliness" when approaching them in a group.

This was very apparent yesterday when the Ladies with Livestock Group went to see the cattle and ponies in the parkland at Gowbarrow Hall Farm. The cows stayed much more aloof from us but the ponies came to say hello.

Their inquisitive nature seems to challenge their basic instincts to stay away, is it because of their long relationship with humanity that draws them towards us?

The Fell pony has served our needs for so long on a daily bases over many centuries, as a working pony, is it now in their DNA.

Safeguarding their equine heritage is an important role for the FPHT. The five points of Animal welfare is our aim in protecting the hefted herds for the future.

1. Diet.

The Fell ponies can naturally roam the fell eating native vegetation and drinking pure spring water. They eat want they need when they need it.

2. Environment.

The breed we see today has been shaped by the upland environment and the ponies who live there are frequently the most hardiest and most fertile in rearing strong foals for the future of breeding generations.

3. Company.

Equines have a very strong need to be with their own kind. The breeding herds on the fell are like family groups. The yearly born groups of foals learn how to live on the fell from their dams ( mothers ) and from each other as they play and socialise.

4. Health.

All the semi-wild herds of Fell ponies are owned and managed by the hill farmers. The hill living Fell pony is in good physical condition all year and hereditary unsoundness with good breeding is very seldom seen. The key is to be observant at all times while visiting the groups and you can soon see if one has a health problem.

5. Natural Behaviour.

The Fell Ponies way of life on the upland fell as semi-wild ponies in breeding herds has helped preserve the true character of these versatile ponies both mentally and physically. Learning from each other respect and manners by being just a pony for the first years of their growing up, which will then help them to adapt well to any task put to them in the future.

If you are passionate about the Cumbrian semi-wild hill bred Fell Pony, its heritage and preservation within the Cumbrian landscape we'd love to hear from you.