Conservation in the 21st Century

What makes conservation of a rare breed so vital? Is it merely to preserve certain visible traits such as color, size, or hair? Or perhaps, are there much more critical reasons with the emphasis based more on invisible traits?

The Fell pony, like most breeds, was historically bred for specific purposes. Over the centuries as breed types formed around what is now the border country between England and Scotland, it is believed that hill farmers, packmen, and tradesmen and the like were breeding equines for their specific needs. To maintain those useful traits they would use breeding animals to fit that purpose – mostly irrelevant to any fashion or aesthetic sense such as color. More important to these utilitarian people were the unseen traits such as strength and temperament.

What does this ancient history have to do with the Fell pony now you might ask? It has everything to do with it because it addresses the issue of why stewards of this breed are contending, sometimes rather vigorously, for the conservation of their well-loved breed.

To these breed stewards the Fell pony is far more than merely an “animal”; it is an important part of their ancient history and traditions. Just as a master of an ancient discipline lovingly and carefully passes on wisdom to future generations, often in the form of long-term personal apprenticeships, so also do many rare breed stewards yearn to have people come into their breed with a humble willingness to listen and learn.

The Fell pony is considered rare, even on its native soil of England.[ii] Its recent numerical growth in outside countries has put it into an even more precarious situation.

Just as in the early 1900s when great efforts were made in Britain to protect the Fell pony breed from disappearing [iii], so too today must breed enthusiasts of conscience take a stand for the breed’s protection against a modern set of foes such as ignorance, the whims of fashion, and the often too influential role of the show ring.

The challenges of this breed coming off of their native fells and surviving into the 21^st century are elaborated on in this quote by Clive Richardson[iv], “In recent years the number of Fell ponies bred not only off the fell but outside of the British Isles has increased with new studs in Holland, Germany, America & elsewhere being established. It is vitally imperative that these enthusiastic & committed new breeders maintain a clear focus on the type of animal they are trying to produce. It is relatively easy for a breed to change out of all recognition as a result of environment & not adhering to the original breed standard…”

“By obtaining sound breeding stock, replicating the ponies natural environment as far as possible, maintaining close links with the parent society, using Fells in a wide range of activities, & keeping in mind a clear picture of what a Fell pony should look like, the dangers of breed type being lost are minimized.”[v]

In a talk entitled “Where do we go from here?” which was given at a recent rare equine breed event at the Kentucky Horse Park[vi], Sue Millard[vii] emphasized the importance of the unseen traits of a native pony.

“A good example of a native pony should tell us, just by looking at it, what kind of life its ancestors led: Exacting work requirements and tough environments,” Millard said. “A well-built body is the first requirement. Good teeth for rough grazing, a well designed coat that sheds rain. Hoofs that take the wear of rough terrain. You can see all these. But Native ponies have other qualities: an even, sensible temperament; hardiness, vigour, self reliance and brains. These are vital to the breed, but they are not visible. They’re the inner pony, the bits that you only get to know by doing the job and living the life. These invisible characteristics can’t be retained without giving the pony a job of work to do and, if possible, allowing it to live and reproduce as its ancestors did and still do.”

In “The Pitfalls of Success”, the late G. Gordon Kohl, a retired American Livestock Breeds Conservancy board member and longtime Highland cattle breeder, states the following:

“God is supposed to look after the fallen sparrow, and the conservationists after rarest breeds of livestock. Let us assume that they are both doing a good job. But who, may we ask, looks after the rare breeds that have graduated into genetic security or been removed from priority lists? These breeds – such as Highland cattle – may be assailed by what I would call the pitfalls of success.

“The answer seems to be, apart from a few knowledgeable breeders, that the future lies largely in the hands of amateur enthusiasts and their best of intention. We must give these breeders the strength and knowledge they need to avoid the pitfalls of success.

There are four areas of concern:
-     international influences
-     lack of appreciation of a breed’s genetic uniqueness
-    the role of the show ring, and
-    the guardianship of pedigree.”

It is true that information and support must be made available to amateur enthusiasts and breeders, but as stated earlier – most breed stewards are yearning for those who will humbly and freely accept such assistance. It cannot be forced. The willingness to learn must come from the heart of those who wish to carry on and steward a breed.

The Fell pony’s genetic uniqueness is similar to that of most rare species in that their survival has been based for centuries on their hardiness and thriftiness. [viii] Kohl goes on to say; “In raising rare breeds, we must allow the genetics to speak for themselves...” and further with reference to modern interventions; “Everything should be simplicity. Raising rare breeds should be a joyous experience! My recommendation to those who must pamper their animals: get another breed.”

Kohl says that the role of the show ring is for display, promotion, education, and to allow the animals to exercise many skills. He continues with a warning: “The show ring can also have a powerful influence on the genetic base of a rare breed. It must be understood that the competition is based upon…what the animal looks like rather than its genetic potential or breeding value. We all know what breeding good-looking dogs for show has produced! Nonetheless, breeders wishing to improve their herds are prone to buy into one of the winning bloodlines, which contradicts the need of a rare breed to have a broad genetic base.”[ix]

In the case of Fell ponies, another danger is the notion that they are a small version of the modern Friesian horse. This perception is partially due to the fact that black is now the most common color for Fells, & also due to the growing popular awareness of the Friesian breed. If the focus & presentation of a breed is compromised by such a perception, it may lead to a change in the direction of breeding standards as has happened with many other breeds in the past. This is particularly important as the breed spreads outside its traditional range.

A careful study of the Fell pony breed standard will reveal that the body type/structure & the movement of the Fell pony are fundamentally different from those of the modern Friesian horse. By seeing the Fell in its natural environment, with its various body types & range of colors, one will soon come to realize the true unique nature & scope of the Fell pony breed. [x]

A Fell pony is capable of carrying a grown man all day with ease; many are gentle enough for children & with correct training perfect for the disabled. Their temperament is like that of other British native pony breeds whose instinct for survival has been essential to them for centuries. This instinct, combined with the intelligence, curiosity, stamina, & mischievousness of a Fell, can pose unique challenges to the inexperienced or unwary person. Sensible horse training is always paramount, but when working with a Fell you need to have a cooperative & partnership mentality. Fells, just like all equines, are individuals & each can vary in temperament. They could be compared to working dog breeds - they are meant for activity, which engages their mind & curiosity.

The Fell pony breed matures late – sometimes not until seven years of age. Most Fells in their native country are left to run free until the age of two or three and not overfed. At that time they are lightly trained and then often turned back out until four to five years when they will begin light and straight riding, without much bending of their spines. It is suggested that mares not be bred until they are 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.

Averaging 13.1 - 13.2 hands high, the maximum height allowed for Fells is 14 hands high. They come in four different colors. Black over the last few decades has become the predominant color, followed by brown, bay & gray. A star and/or white on or below the hind fetlock are acceptable.[xi]

Fell ponies are presented at shows well groomed yet untrimmed to emphasize the natural state. Fells do not wear the tail ribbon of the Dales nor the ear plait of the Welsh.[xii] The Fell pony should always be presented as an example of its own breed and not a version of another.

Fells are still used for logging, farming, and shepherding. They are quite successful in competitive endurance (Olympic), LeTrec, jumping, and dressage. They excel in competitive and pleasure driving, riding for the disabled, and of course, recreational riding.

Queen Elizabeth II is Patron to the Fell Pony Society and is herself a knowledgeable owner & breeder. Her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, often competes in driving events with a four-in-hand.

It has often been said, “You cannot put a Fell to the wrong job!” The traditional hill breeders of Britain have carefully preserved this rare breed’s ancestral type and the hardiness and savvy of the Celtic mountain ponies, and so the purebred Fell should remain.

[i] Laura Hart: http://www.FellponyInfo.com/ & http://www.Fellpony.org (click on “Advisors & Staff”)

[ii] Rare Breeds Survival Trust: http://www.rbst.org.uk/html/rare_breeds.html

[iii] Millard, Susan, 2004: “Always There” (companion to this article April-May 2004)

[iv] Richardson biography: http://www.suemillard.f9.co.uk/AQH2003/clive_r.htm

[v] Richardson, Clive, 2002: “Preserving Fell Type” - link temporarily unavailable

[vi] British Rare Breeds On Parade! held at the Kentucky Horse Park 2003: http://www.suemillard.f9.co.uk/AQH2003/schedule.htm

[vii] Millard biography: http://www.suemillard.f9.co.uk/AQH2003/suemillard.htm

[viii] Millard, Susan: Fell Pony Museum http://www.fellpony.f9.co.uk/fells/breed/chars.htm

[ix] Kohl, G. Gordon as published in the Fell Pony Journal Issue #7 - link temporarily unavailable

[x] Millard, Susan: Fell Pony Museum http://www.fellpony.f9.co.uk/fells/rom_dark/friesian.htm

[xi] FPS Description of Fell pony and scale of points; - link temporarily unavailable

[xii] FPS Rules and Guidelines for Judges; - link temporarily unavailable

MANES and TAILS - "THE FELL PONY - Conservation into the 21st Century" article published on-line May 2004 please click here to go to that web page