Fell pony
breed information
www.FellponyInfo.com (Home)
(previously Fellpony.com)
|
Fell pony
breed information www.FellponyInfo.com (Home) (previously Fellpony.com)
|
|
|
March of
2003 - Press Release TO:
Fell
pony community
What
does the FPS “North American Liaison Officer” do? ·
Liaison oversees the Educational/Promotional
Program – this program was created by FPS originally to help with the
continued proper introduction of the Fell pony breed to North America. The
program includes submitting articles and photos to publications, offering
assistance with information for books, educational purposes, breeder
information, and distributing correct literature.
All work, materials, and distribution require approval by FPS
consultants. A web page has been created at: (deleted - obsolete link) History
of the Liaison position The
position of Fell Pony Society “North America Liaison
Officer” was developed during a time of transition in the North American
Fell pony community in February 2001. However, its roots go back to June of 1999
when the Fell Pony Conservancy of North America was formed.
The Conservancy was a loosely knit/organized network of NA breeders and
owners supporting the NA Fell community; it comprised all the breeders and 95%
of known owners and potential breeders at the time. Its main thrust was
education and communication. In
early February of 2001 I was appointed the new Conservancy secretary (mostly to
help field general information inquiries and facilitate networking). At that
time, NA had approximately 40 ponies and five breeders, in 12 states and
provinces. Discussions were opened
for a more formal organizational format. Within
a three day span, however, the Conservancy’s originator, under heavy pressure
and still unconvinced that NA was ready for a formal association, dissolved the
Conservancy. During
this same time period, I was asked by the FPS to become their Liaison; to field
general Fell inquiries, and act as an ambassador to North America on behalf of
the FPS. Since
originally accepting the Liaison position, I have diligently worked for the FPS
to outline the prototype for their “North American Liaison Officer”.
It began with much the same work as the Conservancy
did – corresponding with NA breeders, facilitating breeder/owner networking,
and fielding inquiries. Today,
we have over 80 ponies in 21 states and provinces.
The responsibilities of the FPS Liaison to North America have grown to
include educational/promotional outreach, redesigning the layout and content of
informational handouts, assisting and problem solving with North American owners
in regard to registry issues, and recently to fundraising, and developing a core
of people who support and assist the Liaison Officer. Accomplishments
of 2002 ·
April 2002 – The FPS council
approved Liaison to visit to the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) International Museum
of the Horse, for the purpose of sharing literature & information from the
FPS regarding the Fell breed. This
visit was specifically in support and anticipation of the exclusively British
2003 exhibit at KHP, “All the Queen’s Horses.” ·
May 2002 – The FPS council
approved Liaison’s Educational & Promotional Program.
Since this program launched in June, Liaison has overseen the creation
& implementation of a web site which brings together the following printable
resources: ·
August 2002 – Liaison
assisted in The Fell Pony Society Golden Jubilee Convention in the UK; a
week-long convention which celebrated our Patron’s 50th year of reign.
Liaison promoted event, assisted with logistics, attended all events, and
created display posters for NA activities, publication, and breeders (those who
responded to offer). ·
November 2002 – FPS council
approved Liaison’s participation in the American Livestock Breeds
Conservancy’s “British
Rare Breeds On Parade!” exhibit.
The Fell portion of this exhibit at the KHP’s “All the Queen’s
Horses” is being run as an FPS event - to be held June 2003; for more
information please see: (deleted - obsolete links) I
hope that this information has been useful to you. I look forward to furthering
the wishes of the Fell Pony Society and its committees.
It is rewarding to work in accordance with the traditions of this breed,
and with its society and mentors who have been the stewards of this breed for
decades. Please let me know if there
is anything I can assist you with in relation to the Fell pony or if you would
like to assist in these efforts. Laura
Hart Fell
Pony Society |
