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FELL
PONY TEMPERAMENT & MATURITY
As compiled by Laura Hart for the Fell Pony Society - 2003
TEMPERAMENT
The Fell temperament is similar to other British native pony breeds in
that the instinct for survival has been bred into them for centuries.
Because of this, Fells can provide a challenge to the inexperienced or
unwary person.
Intelligence, curiosity, stamina, self-reliance, energy, responsibility
and mischievousness can all be attributes of a Fell, which can pose unique
challenges. If Fells are bred
and reared OFF their traditional hills, their survival instinct may perhaps
fade, but for the time being it runs strong in their veins and it must be
allowed for.
Sensible horse training still applies but in the case of the Fell you may
want to keep the following in mind:
·
When working with a
Fell you need to have a cooperative and partnership mentality.
·
The Fell’s survival
instinct may mean you will get some unique reactions.
·
Fell are naturally
muscular and powerful. No human has
the physical strength to overcome a Fell pony in a disagreement.
Stronger bits and physical measures are generally counterproductive and
it is necessary to outsmart Fell ponies and not attempt to
dominate them. Like many intelligent horses and ponies Fell ponies make
great partners but will resist any efforts to push them into a subservient
position.
·
DON’T BORE THEM with
too much schooling. Ten minutes for a young Fell is plenty - and young means
under seven years. If they get bored, they will invent things to make life more
exciting. You may not appreciate their inventions.
·
Fells need to be kept
busy and engaged. They are bred for
hard work and are not meant to be ‘lawn-ornaments’.
Like many working dog breeds they have been bred over time for a specific
purpose and those purchasing one must realize this fact.
·
Focus OUTWARD on a job
you can both do, not inward on the faults you may think you perceive.
·
Some British breeders
believe that early handling of Fell foals is not necessarily always desirable.
Their experience has been that unhandled animals will struggle, accept
the dominance that is shown by humans, and accept it from then on.
In comparison, they have found that a Fell which becomes a “petted
foal” is not truly “a horse” in its own mind.
These foals can be hard to train because they don’t accept human
dominance easily – they may ‘go along with’ human wishes but break out
later. (Please also see the first paragraph below in the ‘Maturity’
section).
Not all Fells are for
children or timid riders – don’t assume.
Like all equines some are appropriate and some are not. Fells of any age
are very likely to test a new rider. This trait is linked to a strong sense of
responsibility. When they are totally in charge (like with the very young, or
the disabled) their minds are engaged and they are very trustworthy. But when
they are not sure if the rider (driver/handler) is really wise enough to be
trusted to take over, there is a battle of wills - they won't give up control to
someone whose judgement they don't respect. It has nothing to do with physical
strength, bribery or coercion, just superior judgement and decision making.
MATURITY
The Fell pony breed matures late – not until seven years of age. In this
it resembles the other British native ponies and such European breeds as the
Lipanizzaner. Most Fells in their native country are left to run free until the
age of two or three. In the 1980s and 90s it has been common practice for horse
trainers in the Eden Valley to take on a two year old from the fell in its third
autumn, handle it, halter break it and mouth it, and accustom it to having a
surcingle or breaking roller around its girth. Then it is turned away onto the
fell or an allotment with other ponies, to grow on and mature in natural
surroundings with its family as company, and without further handling. The early
training is not overdone, but it is never forgotten by the pony.
Saddle training will be done when the pony is rising four, or sometimes
later. It is light training only; standing, walking, trotting straight lines or
making big circles to either hand, short canters under a light rider, no changes
of leg except through the walk or trot and without much bending of the spine.
Work in any small arena should be very short at this age so sharp turns are kept
to a minimum.
Harness
training is equally simple in its aims, though naturally it is more complex to
undertake due to the greater amount of equipment and "tackle" which
the pony is required to accept. Light driving helps to expose ponies to a wealth
of experiences without too much stress on their backs and leg joints.
If breaking, training, or riding is done too early irreversible damage may
be done to still developing bones, joints, and musculoskeletal system. Such
damage will not be immediately evident but the pony may develop arthritic
conditions in its early teens, which is rarely the case with a pony trained
slowly from the start. Once a pony has been taught the basics it does no harm to
leave him till five, six or more years old before demanding hard work from him;
he can then go on working, sound, doing steady work into his thirties if he is
not stressed in youth.
Although accidental breedings are always a possibility it is recommended
that Fell mares not be bred until they are at least three years of age,
otherwise irreparable damage may be done to internal organs, reproductive organs
and may restrict the mare’s own growth and maturity.
September 2003 - with thanks to the Dalemain
Fell Pony Museum/Sue Millard. This document may be reproduced in its entirety
but may not be edited or amended.
Please also read these pages on the same topic: http://www.fellpony.f9.co.uk/fells/breed/temp-mat.htm
Home
Conservation in the 21st Century
"Fell History" by Sue Millard
Where do We Go From Here? - S. Millard
What is a Fell pony?
Not a Friesian
Miracles of Survival
Conservancy Press Release
FPS Liaison Resignation
Horse Sense - pony with a purpose
Fell pony; ALBC Conservation Priority List
Fell pony Temperament and Maturity
Beatrix Potter - Fairy Caravan
NA Fell pony History & Liaison Intro
Equine Bovine Mag
Fell Convention UK - Equine Journal
SE Equine Monthly
Fell Pony Journal
The Reach
Horsemens Yankee Pedlar
Rare Breeds Journal
Merlin at Kentucky Horse Park
ALBC
Rural Heritage
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