Fell pony advice

karabella

karabella

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Hi everyone I've just got my 1st fell pony he's a shadowcroft fell sire lowthwaite ribas can't remember dam not got passport handy he's just been gelded and will be 3 next year he seems very quiet in & out of stable only bit strong when leading likes to pull for grass & needs a bit more work with traffic but all in all think will make a good pony just wondered if anybody can offer me any advice & experience with this breed,read they're easy trainable but can be headstrong I've had cobs,tb's before just wanted something smaller for all the family but will be for me mainly any advice appreciated thanks x
 
We had fells as our family ponies when I was young, they did everything we wanted them to do and we had a lot of fun.

Luckily my Mother rode them as well so they did not get away with too much as they were quite independent and ponies with character.

Hope you have lots of good times with your fell.
 
Congratulations! I have a 14hh fell mare, she can be quite headstrong and prefers to be asked rather than told, any aggressive behaviour towards her and she'll never do what you want, but on the whole is easy to do and not a bad bone in her body, I love her to bits and have had great fun with her over the years.

I've also ridden several fells, all have been good to do and fairly easy, they can be strong though and not always suitable for a novice. One gelding was a worrier and easily upset and needed quiet riding, another mare was okay with people, but hated other horses and was terribly downhill and on the forehand to ride which made her hard work.

Other than that, like any breed they tend to vary individually and so as long as you work with the individual in front of you and their particular quirks you'll be fine - enjoy!
 
Thankyou he does seem a quiet pony been trying read up has much as I can about the breed just likes his food so will pull for grass when leading and still a bit unsure in traffic he has been mainly turned out previously but been handled enough so fine stabled being groomed etc hoping he'll make a good hacking pony,few show's and be suitable to lead the kids round now & again when he's older I didn't want something to big so kids can sit on without being scared but able to carry me and the fell seemed to be the breed to suit although I know they're not a 1st pony for a child I only intend lead reining them x
 
Hi. Congratulations on your new boy, hope you have loads of fun with him!
We've got several Fells and have had them for years - they're really fun and loving ponies - but they do have character!! They are very food focussed as you've discovered :) I think as long as you're calm and consistent you'll be fine - but like touchstone said above being "aggressive" with them doesn't work (they are often quite sensitive souls under all that hair). They are ponies that need time to mature physically - my 3 1/2 year old is still growing! (Hoping to back her next summer fingers crossed :)) If you want any Fell specific advice, might be worth joining the Fell Pony Fans Forum (www.fellponyfans.com) which is aimed specifically at Fell people (I don't know if it's allowed to post links to another forum on here, I'm new to this forum so forgive me if this is not allowed...!)
 
Fells are fantastic fun. I got my mare two years ago and adore her. She is bold, opinionated and brilliant as she can turn a hoof to anything. Hoping to move up to novice dressage next year with her.
Biggest problem I have is getting off, she rides much bigger than 13.2hh so I tend to not bend my knees in time. (after 2 years! I'm a slow learner) I did worry that at 5ft 5ins I would be too tall for her, but she is so wide she really takes up your leg.
 
I have yet to meet a Fell who wouldn't dive into the hedge for a tasty snack at times. I can't stop mine doing it if I'm leading in a headcollar, I use a rope halter to lead him in, instead.
There's a fell pony group on facebook if you want to talk to other fell people.
 
I had a lowthwaite fell... I may be biased but I always felt he was the most beautiful animal in the world.
He had a very bad start to life so was quite a handful. I agree, with everyone else, very sensitive animals (even a tap on the shoulder was too much for Jack). They have heeps of personality and I have found they can be very cheeky so I found a gentle but firm/decisive approach was best to ensure they dont get the better of you.
I've also noticed that it is common for fells to develop really strong relatio relationships with one person in particlar.
Despite being terrified of life and extremely headstrong - he was a great laugh! Hope you enjoy your new baby! :-)
Any specific questions?
 
Heavy natives take a long time to mature so take it easy with working him give him a lot of time to grow up mentally and physically and you will have a life long friend. Love all natives but their chunky monkey stature makes people think they can do far more than is wise
Enjoy him he sounds lovely
 
windand rain said:
Heavy natives take a long time to mature so take it easy with working him give him a lot of time to grow up mentally and physically and you will have a life long friend. Love all natives but their chunky monkey stature makes people think they can do far more than is wise
Enjoy him he sounds lovely
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Agree with this. I bought my first fell last year she is a greenholme pony . She is a star really level headed but not dull, will look at things hacking out but if I stay calm will then go and snif scarey object! Not quite the adrenalin rush I had from hacking my old boy but pleasant not to have so many near death experiences on a ride!.i have shown her, done a dressage test and a pleasure ride. Can't praise the breed more, oh and she likes to lick her favourite humans!
 
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