In 1861, a show class at the Orton Agricultural Exhibition was for “the best Fell Pony of any age.” During that time, record-keeping of breedings began, and Fell ponies were registered in the Polo and Riding Pony Stud Book in 1898.

But it wasn’t until 1922 that the Fell Pony Society (FPS) was organized in the United Kingdom, not to improve, but to keep pure the breed of pony that helped shape its homeland.

Today’s Fell Pony is as sturdy and even-tempered as its ancestors, though it has gotten larger in height over the centuries to suit more uses, including as an adult riding pony. They now stand between 13 and 14 hands. Black is the predominant color, although bay, brown and gray are also seen. While most are solid, they can have minimal white markings, such as a star or socks on the hind pasterns.

Celebrating the Centennial

In 2022, the FPS celebrated 100 years of the breed with a fun competition for Fell owners. Fell Pony owners around the world participated in the 100 Mile Challenge, where owners were encouraged to ride, drive, lead or otherwise log miles with their ponies to reach the 100-mile mark. Commemorative T-shirts were included, and for those that reach the mark, a special rosette to signify the accomplishment was furnished as well.

At the Royal Windsor Horse Show, held each year in May, well-known Fell Pony fan Queen Elizabeth II asked for 20 to 30 Fells to be in attendance. The Queen has been the patron of the Fell Pony Society since 1982. At the show, the FPS presented her with special gifts marking the 100 years. The FPS also held a range of events, including a Centenary Ball.

The Rare Breed of the Fell Pony

Despite their royal ties, Fell Ponies are listed as threatened by the Livestock Conservancy. The breed did not come to North America until approximately 1999, and now has around 800 horses registered. The Fell Pony Society of North America (FPSNA) is a member club for U.S. owners, but does not register horses. All Fells are registered with the UK registry.

“There are very few consistent breeders here, and fewer yet that show regularly,” says Melissa Kreuzer, chairperson and Zone 3 representative for the FPSNA. “This was different a decade ago, but some of the breeders have gotten older since I started. Virtually no breeders, besides myself, show their ponies now.”

Kreuzer has shown her own Fells in a number of disciplines. She was the 2009 U.S. Dressage Federation All Breeds Award Winner. She has won the FPSNA PPA Supreme Champion three times, with three different horses: Stennerskeugh Danny Boy (2016), DreamHayven Avalon Mist (2020) and Grace II (2021). Her stallion Littletree Bodini is a six-time FPSNA PPA Stallion Progeny Award Winner.

Perfect Trail Pony

Kimberly Dunn, owner of Get Grounded Equine, is a breeder and trainer of Fell Ponies in Oregon. She was introduced to the breed when she purchased a bay weanling colt from local breeder.

“I was looking for a unique clean-slate project that I could train for technical in-hand trail obstacle and liberty disciplines,” Dunn explains. “I was incredibly impressed with the intelligence, curiosity, sure-footedness, and agility of that colt.”

Soon after, Dunn had the opportunity to work with a 4-year-old Fell that was just beginning his riding training.

“As a trainer, my intrigue with the breed kept increasing, and I proceeded to train and start them under saddle,” she says. “The domino effect was set in place, leading me to a journey of training for other breeders as well as breeding, raising, and training for myself.”

Dunn loves trails, both for recreation and competition. The sure-footedness of the Fell Pony fit her lifestyle perfectly.

“The Fell Pony has the agility, confidence, and positive attitude needed for this versatile kind of work,” she says. “I like how they are solid in structure, maintain good balance in a variety of maneuvers, and are very strong in mind and heart. Even though they have characteristics similar to draft breeds such as calm, thoughtful temperaments, they are not dull or lazy.”

Along with trail, Dunn trains Fells to do long-lining, obstacle-based ground work, and liberty. In the past, she has done cow sorting, jumping, driving, string packing, and working equitation with this versatile breed.

“Most Americans think a pony under 14 hands is only suitable for smaller riders such as youth,” she says. “Interestingly, the Fell Pony is considered by most [as an adult’s riding horse] rather than children’s. When thinking about the measure of weight bearing ability, the Fell Pony will often show more ability structurally than many taller breeds. The direct contributing factors are substantial leg bone, short back, deep and well sprung ribs, notable muscling, and a well-balanced base that stands true to four corners.”

The Fell Pony has carried away many a heart with its quiet disposition and natural ability. If you’re looking for your next trail or all-around horse, it might be good to remember that great things come in small packages.

This article about Fell Ponies appeared in the October 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post 100 Years of Fell Ponies appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The Definition of Miniature Horse vs. Pony

Merriam-Webster defines a pony as “a small horse; especially one of any of several horse breeds of very small stocky animals noted for their gentleness and endurance.”

The same dictionary defines Miniature Horse as… nothing, actually. There is no listing for “miniature horse.” Commence the head-scratching…

Size and Appearance Matters: How does the horse industry differentiate them?

Ponies are distinguished from full-sized horses based on size and stature. Ponies are smaller—under 14.2 hands—and usually stockier than horses. Ponies also often have thicker coats, manes, and tails than horses. They are proportioned differently than a full-sized horse, with shorter legs, wider barrels, and a thicker neck. There are dozens of breeds characterized as ponies, from the popular Shetland and Hackney breeds to the lesser-known Fell and Exmoor.

In comparison to ponies, the difference with Miniature Horses is that they are currently bred to resemble a full-sized horse on a smaller scale. A much smaller scale. According to the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA), they must be under 34 inches up to the last hairs at the base of the mane at their withers (Minis are measured in inches rather than hands). The current miniature horse is bred to be more refined than the pony, with a long, flexible neck, straight legs, and a short back.

The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) also registers Minis between 34” and 38”.

Historical Influence

The roles ponies and minis have played in history have contributed to their current size, appearance, and temperament.

The earliest appearance of Miniature Horses is recorded to have been in 1650 at the Palace of Versailles where King Louis XIV kept a zoo with unusual animals, including tiny horses. Miniature Horses were originally brought to the United States to work in coal mines, as their small size enabled them to access underground tunnels. They have also been bred in South America over time to develop the current petite and proportional ideal standard, epitomized by the tiny Falabella.

Ponies are stockier and hardier than most horses; they had to survive in harsh climates and on rugged terrain. They first appeared as domesticated stock in the United States the 1800’s to be used in coal mines and for agricultural work and driving. However, they have been in the wild in the U.S. since at least the 1600’s on Assateague Island, off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia.

What Do You Do With a Miniature Horse or Pony?

Both little equines have their fans.

According to the AMHA, “today’s American Miniature Horse is among the fastest growing and most beloved of equine breeds.” Miniature horses shouldn’t be ridden because of their small stature, but they are popular for driving and in-hand classes. The AMHA says, “Miniature Horse owners come from all walks of life. Some Miniature Horses are owned as companions by families with small children or by retired adults with a passion to enjoy life, while others are purchased solely as investments.” Minis have also become increasingly popular therapy animals.

Ponies come in a wide variety of breeds, and they are especially popular children’s mounts, competing in just about any type of equestrian sport, whether it be jumping, eventing, driving, and more. In some communities, ponies are still used for farm work because their strength enables them to pull heavy equipment.

Miniature Horses vs. Ponies Key Takeaway

Though there may always be some wiggle room when it comes to classifying and defining horses, ponies, and Minis, hopefully, this clears things up a bit for our petite equine friends.

Now let us know in the comments: where does your preference lie, with Miniature Horses or with ponies?

Learn More:
◆ A Guide to Miniature Horse Care
◆ 5 Fun Facts About Miniature Horses

This article about the difference between miniature horses vs. ponies is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post What’s the Difference Between Miniature Horses and Ponies? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.