The Fell Pony Society
News
Important notices are generally posted for a short while on the front page.
We include information from other U.K. societies where it is of interest to Fell pony owners.
The Fell Pony Society Probationer Judges Assessment day will be held on Sunday 13 October at Inglewood Equestrian Centre, Bowscar, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 8RP.
Potential candidates are asked to submit their application forms before
1st October (if not already done). Candidates will be asked to assess
a selection of Fell ponies in hand and ridden with particular emphasis
on breed type, correct conformation and
movement of the Fell pony.
For more information and application please contact:
Judges committee Chairman
Michael Goddard
g.michaelrichard@yahoo.com
Or
Judges committee Secretary
Miss Jenny Charlton
fpsjudgessecretary@gmail.com
18 April 2019
The National Pony Society (NPS) Bi-annual Assessment Day will be held on Sunday 22nd September 2019 at the Stanley Grange Stud, North Yorkshire, TS9 6QD by kind permission of Mr Jerome Harforth. The Assessment Day is open to the first thirty applications on a first come, first served basis; if applications warrant, there will be a waiting list.
You can apply for:
Riding Pony & Hunter Pony Panel
or
Mountain & Moorland Panel
For an Application Form and Guidance Notes please refer to the NPS website:
http://www.nationalponysociety.com/assessment-scheme/
Applications for this will close on Friday 16th August 2019.
18 April 2019
Learning With Fells 2019
The Society will consider applications from adult as well as junior members. Priority will be given to those aged 10 – 18 years of age. It is hoped that sufficient numbers will come forward for visits to 2/3 studs involved this year.
If any members of the Society would like to take part, please can they contact the office by 30 April 2019. Email secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk
There is a bursary, payable from the Mary & Henderson Dodd Memorial Fund, of £50 for each participant to assist with travelling expenses, provided at least two visits are attended. 10 April 2019
Latest RBST Watchlist shows resilience of native breed livestock sector
A decade on from the last recession, Britain’s native livestock breeds are proving resilient in the face of economic challenge.
The main exceptions in the 2019 Watchlist, the RBST says, are some horse breeds, especially the iconic heavy horses; Suffolks, Shires and Clydesdales, amongst the hardest hit by the recession, with many breeders calling a halt when the market for youngstock fell dramatically.
The Fell Pony remains in the "Vulnerable" Category. Read more >>> :: RBST Watchlist >>> 8 April 2019
Equine Viral Arteritis
We have been asked to pass this information on to members and breeders.
The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) notes (1) the recent positive cases of Equine Viral Arteritis that have been diagnosed in 2 non-thoroughbred stallions at a premises in Dorset. The BEF will monitor this situation closely and it is important to note that there is no threat to public health.
The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that restrictions on breeding have been put in place to limit the risk of the disease spreading. An investigation is now underway to determine the source and possible spread of the infection.
Equine owners can help prevent the disease spreading by following best practice
(2) in horse health and hygiene on their premises. Owners of mares and
stallions are also urged to have their animals tested before they are used for breeding.
(1)
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/equine-viral-arteritis-confirmed-in-dorset
(2) https://codes.hblb.org.uk/index.php/page/53
Update on Equine Flu vaccinations re FPS Stallion & Colt Show
The FPS Council agreed, when they met recently,
the following recommendation
in relation to exhibitors at the FPS Stallion and Colt Show, 11 May 2019.
It is recommended that ponies travelling to shows are vaccinated for Equine Flu, but vaccination as a condition of entry will not be required.
Please note that although there has just been one case in Cumbria to date, should
there be any further outbreaks the above will have to be reviewed. 27 March
2019
Caution - fake emails
Do NOT respond to any message like this one which you may receive by email that purports to be from the Secretary (or President, or any other officials).
Don't open any attachments and don't respond to any requests to purchase goods on their behalf. 30 March 2019
Student survey on metabolic and exercise related disorders
Emma Sutton, 3rd year BSc Equine Science Student at Reaseheath College, is currently conducting an honours research project on the prevalence of metabolic and exercise related disorders in large breed native ponies competing across different disciplines.
The aims of the research are:
To establish the prevalence of metabolic disorders in British large breed
native ponies.
To establish the prevalence of disorders linked to exercise intensity in British
large breed native ponies.
To establish whether specific disciplines predispose British large breed native
ponies to certain disorders.
She would be grateful for information which you can give by completing the survey, on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/276C9RN
11 March 2019
Equine Flu Update - 1 March 2019: Unvaccinated horses attending shows / events
Throughout the current equine flu outbreak,
the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has continued to urge equine owners
to ensure that their vaccination
records are up to date.
The BEF has also strongly recommended that all competition and event organisers
check the equine ID passports of all horses to ensure that they comply with
vaccination rules.
This is based on advice from experts in equine influenza and epidemiology
with experience of managing previous outbreaks.
The BEF reminds organisers that, during the current outbreak, it is vital
that unvaccinated horses do not mix with other horses because of the increased
risk of such an infectious disease spreading. It is important that organisers
and owners recognise that equine welfare is a priority and take steps to
prevent the further spread of equine flu.
There is more guidance available on the BEF website and in our Q&A - https://bef.co.uk/News-Detail.aspx?news=bef-advice-to-organisers
Equine Flu Update - 1 March 2019 - Foal influenza vaccination
The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) continues to monitor the outbreak of Equine Influenza (EI) and continues to urge all equine owners to make sure their vaccination records are up to date.
The BEF has also issued the following advice to try to maximise the immunity of young foals against EI.
1. We urge all owners to
adhere to strict biosecurity protocols at all times.
2. Vaccinations are subject
to local risk assessments by the attending veterinarians.
3. In-foal mares that have
already had vaccinations of primary EI course should be vaccinated 4-6 weeks
before the foal is due to be born.
4. Foals should be vaccinated
for EI at 6 months to commence their primary course.
4 March 2019
Breeders' Day at Stallion AI, Twemlows, Shropshire, on Sunday 24th March 2019 - Cleveland Bay Horse Society
£15.50 inc. lunch - the CBHS would be delighted if members and friends would like to join in. (See the poster here.) Payment can be made by cheque or by PayPal (via the Cleveland Bay website), and a place can be booked by contacting Sian Evans via email cbhsbreed@gmail.com or by telephone, 07773882745.
4 March 2019
BEF guidance following outbreak of equine influenza:
https://www.bef.co.uk/News-Detail.aspx?news=equine-flu-outbreak
We recommend that all owners follow the guidelines given, as a precaution, and ensure that all vaccinations are fully up to date. If your horse is currently vaccinated, we recommend a booster if it has been longer than 6 months since your horse’s last vaccination.
Actions for owners to take:
It is crucial for all horse and pony owners to be vigilant and follow recommended guidelines on how to detect and prevent the spread of this infectious disease.
Look out for signs of disease which can include high temperature, cough, snotty nose, enlarged glands (under the lower jaw), swollen or sore eyes, depression, loss of appetite and swelling in the lower legs.
If you see any of these signs, isolate the horse and call your vet immediately.
It is essential that any horses showing signs of possible equine flu, or horses that might have been in contact with possibly infected horses, do not travel to competitions or other events where there will be groups of horses. If your horse has been in contact with an infected horse we suggest that you should take immediate veterinary advice.
20 February 2019
Photographers required
Photographers required for the FPS Stallion & Colt
Show, Sat 11 May 2019 and FPS Breed Show, Sun 4 August 2019.
1 for Stallion Show, 2 + for Breed Show.
Ideally will have the ability to produce photos on the day, must have own
tent etc. and offer prints online.
Apply to the Show Secretary by email -- fpsshowsecretary@hotmail.com -- by
20 February.
6 February 2019
Membership is due for renewal
Membership is due for renewal on 1 January each year. If you have not already done so please send your payment as soon as possible.
No member will be entitled to vote for the election of Council if their subscription has not been paid by 15 February of the current year.
Also if you have not already returned the UPDATED membership form issued with the Autumn magazine please return it as soon as possible to enable the Society records to be up to date (irrespective of how and when you pay - this is to comply with GDPR).
http://www.fellponysociety.org.uk/membership.htm
FELL PONY SOCIETY BANK DETAILS
Bank: Lloyds
Branch: Penrith
Branch Address: 5 – 6 King Street, Penrith,
Cumbria CA11 7AP
Sort Code: 30-16-28
Account Number: 00254896
Account Name: The Fell Pony Society Limited
BIC LOYDGB21572
IBAN GB86 LOYD 3016 2800 2548 96
All Bank transfers should be in English pounds sterling – any charges
should be paid in the country of origin.
Also, our bank makes a charge for the receipt of an electronic transfer from
overseas – please add £2 for transactions up to £100 and £7
for transactions greater than £100.
4 February 2019
Student questionnaire re weaning
We've been asked to share this questionnaire from a final year degree student at Warwickshire college: if you have time please give it a go!
"...as part of my qualification I need to undertake research within
the equine sector. I have chosen to look at the factors which influence a
commercial stud's choice of weaning method.
This is the link to the questionnaire; it should take about 5 minutes to
complete.
https://goo.gl/forms/D9q2WV3on9hYn8p23
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
Alice Evans."
29 January 2019
Outcome of Disciplinary & Complaints Committee hearing 13 November 2018.
Following complaints received regarding the use of false tail/hair extensions
on a Fell pony exhibited at HOYS on 3 October 2018, the FPS Disciplinary
Committee discussed the complaint and agreed the following penalties to
the owner as a FPS member, as per the Society's Complaints and Disciplinary
procedure:
f) to suspend from entering or exhibiting at FPS Shows and
g) the pony is also banned from FPS shows whilst under the same ownership.
In addition the Committee will:
i) recommend to Council demotion off the Judges' panel.
Council agreed on 8 January 2019 that the owner should be demoted off the
FPS Judges' panel with immediate effect.
29 January 2019
SEBA Scottish Bred Pony of the Year 2018
The Society is again inviting nominations for each of the 2 categories. From the nominations received a pony will be selected (1 from each category) as finalists to represent the Fell Pony Society. The pony must be bred in Scotland, but need not be domiciled in Scotland.
** Final call! Nominations don't have to still reside in Scotland, just have to have been bred in Scotland. Check your passport if you're not sure! **
A. YOUNGSTOCK
COLTS, FILLIES & GELDINGS YEARS AND UNDER IN 2018
The previous overall winner is not eligible to compete again, but previous finalists are eligible to compete again.
This competition is open to Colts, Fillies and Geldings 3 years and under in the current year. The horse or pony nominated must be alive at the closing date for nominations.
B. STALLION OR MARE 4 YEARS AND OVER
The previous overall winner is not eligible to compete again, but previous finalists are eligible to compete again.
This competition is open to Stallions & Mares 4 years and over in the current year. The horse or pony nominated must be alive at the closing date for nominations.
Please apply to the FPS office for an application form, by no later than 7 January 2019.
6 Dec 2018
Equine Identification (England) Regulations came into force on 1 October 2018.
There are a number of key changes which will affect horse owners/keepers and/or breeders. The relevant authorities will now have civil powers to enforce the law.
Key changes
- Introduction of Fixed Penalties, a monetary fine for Non-Compliance.
With the introduction of the Central Equine Database, the authorities can now simply look up all the details online. Offences such as:
* Failing to produce a passport when instructed by a vet or inspector.
* Possessing a horse when the passport is not in your name without an agreement
between owner and keeper; the requirement to notify the change within
30 days also applies to dealers.
* Selling a horse and not handing over the passport.
* Transporting a horse without a passport.
* from 1 October 2020 owning a horse without a microchip.
- Breeders must report a foal registration by 30 November in the year
of birth.
- All horses must be microchipped, mandatory from 1 October 2020.
22 November 2018
Thanks
I would like to thank everyone who helped at the FPS sale on 27th October - all voluntarily! - The Chip Checking team, those who helped on the merchandise stand (the most takings for quite a few years), and those who helped with the show.
There were lots of happy purchasers who transferred ownership on the day, some who were already FPS members and some who became members for the first time.
Also thanks to all the vendors and purchasers and of course to NW Auctions for allowing the Society to hold its annual sale with them, and to Ian Atkinson, auctioneer.
Katherine,
FPS Secretary
29 October 2018
Fell Ponies on BBC World Service
BBC radio reporter Caz Graham has been talking to Fell pony enthusiasts, breeders, buyers and sellers at the annual sale at Kendal. The interview material forms part of a programme in the series The Why Factor which explores the nature of the human-horse relationship.
It will be broadcast on BBC World Service on 26 November at 09.06 GMT, after which you can listen again on iPlayer or download it as a podcast. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cswrky
24 November 2018
Fell Pony Society Calendar
This is a call for photos for the 2020 Fell Pony Society calendar. I have already seen some excellent photos of Fell ponies this year at different events. The deadline for submissions remains Monday October 16th 2018. The rules are the same as before with landscape images preferred over portrait images though we are happy to accept a limited number of good portrait images.
Either digital or hard copy photographic prints can be submitted remembering that digital images have to scale up to the calendar format at 11" x 7" and so have to be of high resolution (300dpi minimum).
Professionally taken photographs are eligible providing the photographer is prepared to waive copyright for their inclusion in the calendar. Remember that only two professional photographs can be selected by the judges and that such images cannot be included in the calendar competition. If you do submit a professionally taken photograph please make sure that you identify which photograph it is, together with a waiver statement from the photographer, when you send the image in.
If hard copy prints are submitted they should be accompanied by a SAE if you would like them to be returned. Single digital images can be sent to the following e-mail: g.michaelrichard@yahoo.com or alternatively CDs and photographic prints can be mailed to Michael Goddard, 1 Priest Thorn, Fifehead Neville, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 2AQ Can I ask that you do not send more than three images per person and that if you are sending them via e-mail that you either send each image attached to a single e-mail (i.e. three photos, three e-mails) or alternatively send the images via a Drop Box. Please name your digital files with the name of the pony rather than the long digit file number recorded on your camera as this makes recording and filing of your entry so much easier for me and for our Secretary.
Looking forward to receiving your entries showing off our most fantastic
breed.
Thank you
Michael Goddard
20 Sept 2018
FPS at HOYS
As some of you might be aware the FPS will have an information stand at HOYs this year manned by members of the FPS Display Team. We are trying to have as much material as possible available for people to see. We already have a file of information that was sent in by various Cumbrian Studs local to the Shap Heritage of the Fells event, but we would like Studs from other areas to send us material as well, plus anything about Fell Pony related businesses. If anyone would like to write a piece promoting their stud to be included could you email it to Christine Robinson as soon as possible please? Her email is christine@kerbeck-fell-ponies.co.uk
Here's the sort of thing we are looking for:
YOUR STUD PREFIX; YOUR NAME, and contact details if desired; COMMON / HEAF – where your ponies graze; HISTORY – eg, the start date of your prefix, other information as to how you began to breed ponies; WHAT YOU ARE PROUD OF – eg, achievements, what are the ponies you breed used for, the characteristics you want to keep in your Fell ponies. Plus 2 PHOTOGRAPHS – if desired.
Many Thanks.
10 Sept 2018
Petition re Bridleways in the Lake District
We would like to draw your attention to the
difficulties of riding on bridleways with horses and ponies where damage
has been done to the routes by unauthorised vehicles in the Lake District.
There is a petition about it on the home page of this group:
https://www.savethelakedistrict.com 29
August 2018
2018 NPS Judges Conference
16th September 2018 at Moreton Morrell College, Warwickshire.
The NPS Judges Conference is open to is open to NPS judges, members and non-members at a cost of £6.00 per person including a packed lunch.
Details can be downloaded here. 29 August 2018
Breed Show Sponsorship
If you would like to sponsor a class at the Breed Show, here are the details. More >>> 28 June 2018
Seeking Show Secretary
The FPS is looking for a new Show Organiser
to take over after the Breed Show in August and ideally to attend the Breed
Show on 5 August. If you can spare a few hours per month with extra hours
leading up to the AGM, Stallion Show in May and Breed Show in August and
on show days, please contact the FPS office, tel: 017683 53100, or email secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk for
further details. A small honorarium will be paid. 27 June 2018
Sponsored Walk 22nd July
Viv Morris is doing a sponsored walk on July 22nd to generate funds for the Fell Pony Society Display Team. The money raised will be used to provide costumes, props and equipment (currently the team pay for their own). The link to donate is at JustGiving. 26 June 2018
Mary Longsdon's Fell Pony Memories
July - A month filled with fun Fell Pony events to remember our late President.
Events are being added all the time............ a sample of what has already been organised:
6th July - Gin and F'onic @ The Rawdens (Lincs)
8th July - Midlands East Trot It show
14th July - Fell Pony and Friends: Day at the races (York)
14th July. Afternoon tea with guest speaker, Boyndlie Fell Ponies, Aberdeenshire.
Contact Jacqueline Cheetham, FPS Area group Scotland.
21st July - Ponies, Prosecco and Pizza evening with Key Speaker (Newton
Rigg, Cumbria)
22nd July - West Mids ‘Paws for Mary’ Dog show and Garden Party
22nd July - East Bysshe XC course for picnic and ride or hack round the
course, no need to jump if you don’t want to. Contact susie.newton@btinternet.com
(South East)
22nd July - Bridport, Dorset for the Fell Pony Pleasure ride. Contact Helen
Parker
Mobile 07970541307, or Michael Goddard.
Date tbc - Summer Celebration @ Boyndlie Fell Ponies (North of Scotland)
Pleasure Rides being planned (Sussex, North East, Midlands East)
If you can offer your support either in participating or creating an event for July please get in contact with the Facebook page @marysfellponymemories or through your area support groups.
Let's make July a special month for Mary and our fabulous fells! 25 June 2018
Native Pony Magazine & Mary Longsdon's Fell Pony Memories
"The Native Pony Magazine are delighted to be supporting
the Fell Pony Society in their month of activities to celebrate Mary Longsdon’s
Fell Pony Memories. The series of events that the society and members have
put on really encapsulate a feeling of celebration and memory making that
Mary’s campaign is about. We hope that members have enjoyed getting
together, it has been great to see the events that have been planned for
this fantastic campaign.
"If you love seeing what other people have been up to with their Fells and if you would like to share your Fell news with us, then The Native Pony Magazine is the subscription title for you. Produced every six weeks, we aim to celebrate our fantastic native ponies in every issue. To find out more information about the magazine and how to get your hands on a copy, please visit our website www.thenativepony.com. Don’t forget to share your #Marysfells memories with us."
27 July 2018
Heritage of the Fells – Ponies past, present and for the future
The Old Courthouse, Shap, Cumbria 1st – 14th August
The exhibition will feature artwork, photography, displays, workshops and
talks aimed at raising awareness of this special breed of pony.
Breeders' portfolio - if you are in the Eden area please send your details for free advertising. More >>> May 2018
Show Sponsorships 2018
If you would like to sponsor a class at the Stallion & Colt Show, here are the details. More >>> 4 April 2018
Carriage Driving Awards 2018
Many of our best loved horses and ponies are on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s endangered list. This award aims to highlight the importance of our rare horse and pony breeds in driving disciplines and at the same time to celebrate their heritage and raise awareness of their plight, while preserving their future through our carriage driving sport.
This award is open to any individual horse or pony on the current Rare Breed Survival Trust Endangered Species list. If you would like to submit your entry via email please email the name of your horse or pony, what category you're entering, and your contact details to sophie.spencer@markallengroup.com. Please include in this email a Word document with your 500-word statement about why your horse or pony should win, and any supporting material. Please also include in the subject line "Carriage Driving Awards Submission".
Alternatively, you can enter online at www.carriagedrivingawards.co.uk
All entries must be in by midnight on Wednesday 4th April 2018.
HOYS 2018
Thank you to everyone who offered their time and a pony to take part in the 'Meet The Horses Zone' at HOYS in October. We are delighted that say that the Fell Pony Society has been selected to take part this year and volunteers and a pony have been chosen. Please come along to say hello from Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th October 2018.
New M&M Show for the South
Native Pony Magazine have launched a new event for 2018, The Native Pony
Show, to be held on 28th April 2018 at West Wilts Equestrian Centre, Wiltshire,
BA14 6QT. The unaffiliated show will allow competitors to take part in breed
specific in-hand, mixed ridden and working hunter classes. More >>>
FIX THE FELLS National Trust
The National Trust are hoping that members would be willing to help them carry heli bags onto the fell. The bags are then filled with rock from screes to be used on projects throughout the year, creating sustainable pitched paths that prevent soil erosion caused by heavy footfall. The site they will be working on this year is called Greenup Edge, part of a bridleway that runs from Borrowdale to Grasmere and is part of the popular Coast to Coast route.
They are also planning to extend an existing “floating” path on Martcrag Moor, a path that branches off from the Stake Pass bridleway towards the Langdale Pikes. The path is constructed by digging a tray through the wet peat that is then filled with rolled up sheep fleeces. Gravel is put down on top of this and the path “floats” on top of the peat without sinking.
They will be looking to source the sheep fleece locally either from a farm in Greater Langdale or from Borrowdale and they propose using Fell ponies to transport it to site.
A helicopter has been booked in for the week beginning the 16th of April so they would ideally like to get bags carried up onto Greenup by the start of April so they have time to fill them. It is likely to be a small number between 20 and 30 helibags, which are basically 1-ton bags, to give you an idea of size.
There is also a huge quantity of sheep fleece to move onto Martcrag Moor, somewhere in the region of 1500 fleeces, so it’s likely the bulk will be moved by helicopter also but NT would like the ponies to be involved if possible.
A provisional date has been set for Saturday the 24th of March, and sometime in May for the sheep fleece.
If you are interested in getting involved then please contact the FPS
office, by email in the first instance, who will pass on your information
to the
National Trust Ranger. 31 January 2018
Promotions Team – Pleasure Ride
On Sunday 22nd April the promotions team will be running a pleasure ride at Millstones, Bootle, LA19 5TJ to help raise funds for the Promotions Team.
The team are attending four events this year and they have been working hard over the winter months choreographing a musical ride. A special thanks to Sheila Harris from the Cumberland Foxhounds Pony Club for her valuable input.
There will be two routes to cater for lead rein/novice riders and more experienced riders, roughly 5km and 8-10km respectively, to be followed by tea/coffee and home baking. The fee will be £15 per pony or £12 for lead rein ponies. For further information please visit the ‘Fell Pony Society Promotions Team’ Facebook page. 31 January 2018
HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW 2018
Genting Arena, NEC, Wednesday 3rd - Sunday 7th October
2018
The Meet the Horses Zone is set to play a significant part at Horse of
the Year Show 2018, which is returning to the Genting Arena at the NEC
from
Wednesday 3rd October until Sunday 7th October. We would once again like
to offer societies the fantastic opportunity to showcase their breed and
get tremendous exposure for their society by being part of the Meet the
Horses Zone. The area will consist of 5 show stables and an accompanying
promotional stand for each society. Please see (linked) a useful information
leaflet which contains more details on the Meet the Horses Zone for
2018.
Additional Information Horses/ponies will be required on site from the evening of Tuesday 2nd October; stables will be ready for occupation from 17:00hrs onwards. Horses/ponies will then be stabled overnight in the main stable area and moved into the stables in the Meet the Horses Zone the following morning for the duration of the day, except for an hour and a half lunch break. There will be a daily morning exercise slot allocated for Meet the Horses Zone exhibitors to exercise their horses/ponies.
Please note that the Meet the Horses Zone will be open to the public in line with opening hours, therefore each society will be required to staff their promotional stand for the duration of this time. Horses/Ponies will not be required to be stabled in the Meet the Horses Zone for this full duration. More information on times can be found in the Information leaflet.
It will be necessary to vacate the internal stables on the evening of Sunday 7th October before the evening interval begins (further instructions will be given at the show). Overnight stabling for those not wishing to travel home until the following morning will be made available for the Sunday night; these stables need to be vacated by 08:00hrs on Monday 8th October. 11 January 2018
Judges Seminar
To be held at World Horse Welfare Glenda Spooner Farm, Kingsdon, Somerton, Somerset TA11 7LA on Saturday 31st March 2018 - 10.30am to 4pm.
The Dales Pony Society, The Dartmoor Pony Society, The Exmoor Pony Society,
The Fell Pony Society and The New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society
have joined together to organise a judges seminar to refresh judges and
other
interested parties on breed type, characteristics and way of going in a
ridden class. JUDGES SEMINAR TIMETABLE
Study Day
At Newton Rigg College, Penrith, Cumbria. CA11 0AH on Sunday 15th April 2018, 10.30am to 3pm.
The Fell Pony Society and The Northern Dartmoor Group have joined together to organise a Study day to remind Judges and other interested parties on breed type, characteristics and conformation. There will be an extra section on judging a Worker Hunter pony class.
Open to all NPS Mountain & Moorland, BSPS Heritage and Breed Panel Judges, probationary and potential Judges. We also warmly invite anyone who has an interest in our breeds, whether showing inhand/ridden or breeding.
There will be no charge for current Panel or Probationer Judges. Other interested parties are most welcome to attend and a donation of £5, to cover some of the cost, would be most appreciated. Full details and how to apply. 12 Dec 2017
Christmas 2017 - FPS Merchandise - ADDRESS
If you are purchasing merchandise for Christmas would you please send your letters to the OFFICE ADDRESS:
Bank House, Boroughgate, Appleby, Cumbria CA16 6XF
The address shown in the Autumn 2017 Magazine came off an old template and is not correct.
E-mail orders should go to secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk and online payments can be made to the Society as usual.
November 2017
Scottish Equine Breeders Award for 2017
SEBA SCOTTISH BRED HORSE/PONY OF THE YEAR - If you are interested in being considered for SEBA 2017, please apply to the FPS for an application form by 5 January 2018. You will then need to include a photograph of the animal, and a maximum of 150 words of supporting text. Rules for 2017
Nov 2017
Foal Registrations 2017
Applications to register foals should reach the FPS office by 30 November. Applications received in December incur double fees. Applications received after 31 December will be treated as a late registration and will require DNA typing to confirm both sire and dam. November 2017
Donation from H M The Queen
Early in 2017 the organisers of H M The Queen's 90th Birthday Celebrations contacted the FPS to say that the profits from that event were being divided between several charities of which H M The Queen is patron. The FPS is extremely grateful for this donation which arrived in our bank account after the publication of our spring 2017 magazine. The amount of this charitable donation was £50,000. We were asked to indicate how this would help our Society and in what way we would utilize the donation. Our reply said that the FPS would like to purchase some land but we would ask our members for suggestions on how this money could be used to benefit the whole society and safeguard the future of the Fell pony. This was announced at the AGM in April 2017.
Eileen A Walker Sept 2017
Anyone interested in sponsoring the
2017 breed show, please get in touch by Monday 17 July
to be included in the catalogue. For more info, please
email Katherine on secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk or
Rachael on fpsshowsecretary@hotmail.com
Late entries for the Breed Show up to Saturday 15 July,
double fees! Entry form accepted by email and payment
by bank transfer.
July 2017
Early call for photographs for the 2019 Fell Pony Society Calendar
This is a call for photos for the 2019 Fell Pony Society calendar. I have already seen some excellent photos of Fell ponies this year. The deadline for submissions remains Monday October 16th 2017. The rules are the same as before with landscape images preferred over portrait images though we are happy to accept a limited number of good portrait images.
Either digital or hard copy photographic prints can be submitted remembering that digital images have to scale up to the calendar format at 11" x 7" and so have to be of high resolution (300dpi minimum).
Professionally taken photographs are eligible providing the photographer is prepared to waive copyright for their inclusion in the calendar. Remember that only two professional photographs can be selected by the judges and that such images cannot be included in the calendar competition. If you do submit a professionally taken photograph please make sure that you identify which photograph it is, together with a waiver statement from the photographer, when you send the image in.
If hard copy prints are submitted they should be accompanied by a SAE if you would like them to be returned. Single digital images can be sent to the following e-mail: g.michaelrichard@yahoo.com or alternatively CDs and photographic prints can be mailed to Michael Goddard, 1 Priest Thorn, Fifehead Neville, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 2AQ. Can I ask that you do not send more than three images per person and that if you are sending them via e-mail that you either send each image attached to a single e-mail i.e. three photos, three e-mails; or alternatively send the images via a Drop Box. Please name your digital files with the name of the pony rather than the long digit file number recorded on your camera as this makes recording and filing of your entry so much easier for me and for our Secretary.
Looking forward to receiving your entries showing off our
most fantastic breed.
Thank you
Michael Goddard 1
July 2017
Breed Show Sponsorship - 6th August 2017
Is anyone interested in sponsoring a class or championship at the Fell Pony Society breed show in August? Here is a list of package prices. Please do not feel you have to take a 'package', as all sponsorship in any form is greatly appreciated. For more info, please email Katherine on secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk or Rachael on fpsshowsecretary@hotmail.com Thank you to those who have already sponsored.
29 June 2017
Equine Passports
Changes to the Minimum Operating Standards for PIOs that came into effect from 1 January 2016 state that passports issued prior to 10 June 2004 that have not been updated with a 'section IX' page (Administration of Veterinary Medicinal Products - usually the back page) are no longer valid.
In these cases owners need to apply for a new passport which must be treated as a duplicate passport application. This includes the completion of a new passport application form with a vet signing to confirm the microchip number.
Council have agreed that a voluntary contribution of £5 per passport be requested to cover cost incurred by the Society including return postage.
If a passport arrives in the office without a section IX, it cannot be returned; a new passport must be applied for and the original will be destroyed, transferring any vaccination records over as applicable.
Above updated 26 May 2016
It is a legal requirement for all horses and ponies to be issued with a passport. Owners and keepers with primary responsibility must ensure their horses are correctly identified and be able to produce the passport without delay when required. A horse’s passport must be kept with him at all times.
When purchasing a pony
Check that the pony has been issued with a Fell Pony Society passport, as this confirms that the pony is a registered Fell pony. If an older pony has an ID-only passport, please check with the FPS office who will be able to confirm whether the pony is registered or not.
Please check that the pony and the passport match and if necessary get the microchip in the pony scanned prior to purchase.
If in any doubt and it is important to you that the pony is registered, we would suggest that you contact the office prior to purchase. This may prevent a problem that we cannot resolve later.
For urgent passport information please call 07511 728246 (Grassroots backup for urgent passport related questions only). All other enquiries should come to the FPS office.
It is a legal requirement for a new owner to register a change of ownership with the relevant Passport Issuing Office within 30 days of the change.
Death of a Pony
In the event of death of any horse, the passport must be returned to the issuing P.I.O. (the Fell Pony Society) for cancellation within 30 days of death.
As previously advised Horse Passport (England) Regulations 2009 and Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/262 do require owners to notify a death within 30 days to the P.I.O. (the Fell Pony Society) and return the passport for cancellation. Of course the owner can request that the passport is returned to them after cancellation if they so wish.
Above updated 4 July 2018
Microchips
Only a small percentage of Fell ponies registered with the Society are also recorded with a microchip company. If they are, then their paperwork tells the owner what do if there are any changes, ie ownership or death, but there is usually a charge and the Society does not do it for them.
If owners have transferred ownership though the Society then the microchip is automatically recorded on the database (link below) for that pony and FPS can verify it to anyone who asks, including Trading Standards, DEFRA, Police etc.
Also note that it is illegal for someone to sell any horse/pony without a passport.
updated 10 March 2016
Grassroots Equine ChipChecker
Currently the UK has no central equine database, so this is causing problems tracing the ownership details if an equine is recovered and found to have a microchip. Grassroots, the pedigree software organisation has set up an Equine ChipChecker on its website:
http://www.grassroots.co.uk/chipchecker.html
Currently there are 17 PIOs participating – American Quarter Horse, British Appaloosa, Cleveland Bay, Connemara, Dales, Dartmoor, Donkey Breed, Erisakay, Exmoor, Fell, Hackney, Haflinger, Irish Draught, New Forest, Scottish Sports Horse, Shetland , Warmblood Breeders Studbook UK- and a total of 188,568 (to date) equine records is searched, by entering a full microchip number or a full UELN. If a match is found, the issuing PIO is given, with the Alive/Dead status, colour, sex, DOB and microchip number. This round the clock, open access facility should help greatly, until Defra gets a new central equine database up and running next year, as required in the new passport legislation.
6 March 2014
Elections - FPS President
In every second year the Society shall elect a member of the Society to be President for a period of two years. The President shall be an ex-officio member of the Council. No person shall be appointed to the office of President unless notice has been given to the Secretary of the Society before 1st January preceding the Annual General Meeting of the intention to propose that person for appointment together with a notice signed by that person signifying his or her willingness to be appointed. Election shall be by a poll. A returning President shall not be eligible for re-election as President for two years after his or her term of office.
Elections - Chairman and Vice Chairman:
The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Society shall be members of the Council and shall be elected by the Council by a poll at the next Council meeting after the Annual General Meeting in each year. Nominations to be made in writing, forms available from FPS Secretary, and should be submitted to the FPS office by 21 April.
28 June 2017
Conservation Grazing Opportunity
The Fell Pony Society has been given the opportunity to provide ponies to graze a site at RSPB Geltsdale, near Brampton in Cumbria beginning May 2017. This is initially a three year project that may be extended if successful.
The site is suitable for 1yr & 2yr old colts and 2yr & 3yr old geldings. Ponies must remain on this extensive site all year round without any supplementary feed.
Ponies must be handled and used to being led because the access is over a ford and across a field which is unsuitable for motor vehicles. There are no public rights of way across this site although it is described as open access.
Please contact the FPS Office (secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk) to express your interest and obtain a map and application form. FPS Chairman Eileen Walker (07990521205), and FPS Council Member Barry Mallinson (07393506100) have visited the site and are available to discuss any queries you may have.
Eileen A Walker 20 April 2017
Horse Transport Survey
Nottingham Trent University (NTU), the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA), The British Horse Society (BHS) and The Horse Trust are working together to identify ways in which horse transport can be made safer in the UK. They are seeking information via a survey (details on the link):
https://ntusurvey.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/equine-transport-survey-individuals
17 May 2017
THE FELL PONY SOCIETY CELEBRATES £2500 GIFT FROM THE PATRON'S FUND
The Fell Pony Society is celebrating after receiving a £2500 gift from The Patron's Fund, the charitable fund set up to acknowledge the work of the charitable organisations for which Her Majesty The Queen acts as a Patron, on the occasion of her 90th birthday.
Around £750,000 has been distributed between nearly 300 charities and other organisations in the UK and the Commonwealth. The Fund received generous donations from a range of supporters; including individual donors, businesses, schools, community groups and the proceeds from The Patron’s Lunch, the event on the Mall in June 2016.
We are honoured and delighted to have Her Majesty The Queen as our Patron and the FPS Council are arranging that this funding is used to purchase a heavy duty marquee and special display materials that can be used at equine events throughout the country to help raise awareness of the Fell pony breed.
Sir Stuart Etherington, Chair of the Board of Trustees for The Patron’s Fund said: 'The Patron's Fund is very pleased to be able to support the Fell Pony Society with its valuable work. The Society is among hundreds of organisations for which The Queen acts as Patron which, between them, make a difference to causes and communities in the UK and throughout the Commonwealth.'
Eileen A Walker 11 March 2017
Reminder to Breeders re old printed forms
Old print forms cannot be accepted, so please do not submit forms issued prior to 1 January 2016.
Stallion service books should have been returned to the FPS Office, or coverings submitted online, by 31 December.
Service Books / notifications of coverings online that are received late, will require the foal to be DNA typed to confirm the sire.
January 2017
SEBA Awards 2016
If you are interested in being considered for the SEBA (Scottish Equine Breeders Award) 2016, please apply to the FPS for an application form by 10 January 2017.
30 Nov 2016
FPS Promotions Team Nominated for Countryside Alliance Award
The FPS Promotions Team has been nominated for a Countryside Alliance Award in the Tourism category. Please add your nomination if you can. http://www.countrysideallianceawards.org.uk/caa/
Nominate them as "The FPS Promotions Team" and
use the contact details of the Society office, Bank House,
Boroughgate, Appleby,
Cumbria CA16 6XF, Tel/Fax: 0 17683 53100.
Nominations close on 11th November so don't delay!
7 Nov 2016
The FPS 200 Club Ends
Council have decided that the 200 club will cease at the end of October 2016, as it has been running with many less than 200 members for some time. The last draw for September and October will take place at the 'Promise Auction and Supper' on Sat 15th October. We would like to thank everyone who has given their support over the years.
It may be that you have paid for draws beyond October 2016 - if you would like a refund, please either apply to Tracey Mallinson email tracykirkby@btinternet.com or the FPS office email secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk. Alternatively the outstanding money will be treated as a donation.
Thanks again for your support.
Tracey
200 club promoter
15th October 2016 (Saturday) 7pm—Supper followed by Auction of Gifts and Promises, Stoneybeck Inn, Nr Penrith, CA11 8RP
Offers of gifts and promises - please contact The FPS office, tel: 017683 53100, email secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk
TICKETS are £12.50 each from the FPS office - still a few left.
Ticket purchases, Promises, Gifts and BIDS can be made any time up to the night of the auction on Saturday 15th.
29 Sept 2016
Early call for photographs for the 2018 Fell Pony Society Calendar
This is an early call for photos for the 2018 Fell Pony
Society calendar since I know that there must be some excellent
photos already out there. We have had good weather for both
the Stallion and Breed Shows and also for other events such
as the Fell Pony parade at Windsor and Fell Pony camps.
The deadline for submissions remains Monday October
17th 2016. The rules are the same as before with
landscape images preferred over portrait images though we
are happy to accept a limited number of good portrait images.
Either digital or hard copy photographic prints can be
submitted remembering that digital images have to scale
up to the calendar format at 11" x 7" and
so have to be of high resolution (300dpi minimum).
Professionally taken photographs are eligible providing the photographer is prepared to waive copyright for their inclusion in the calendar. Remember that only two professional photographs can be selected by the judges and that such images cannot be included in the calendar competition. If you do submit a professionally taken photograph please make sure that you identify which photograph it is, together with a waiver statement from the photographer, when you send the image in.
If hard copy prints are submitted they should be accompanied by a SAE if you would like them to be returned. Single digital images can be sent to the following e-mail: ProfBarbaraBrown@aol.com or alternatively CDs and photographic prints can be mailed to Barbara Dunne, West Briscoe, Baldersdale, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 9UP, U.K. Tel 01833 650059 Can I ask that you do not send more than three images per person and that if you are sending them via e-mail that you either send each image attached to a single e-mail i.e. three photos, three e-mails or alternatively send the images via a Drop Box facility as our internet speed is not that good in the North Pennines. Please name your digital files with the name of the pony rather than the long digit file number recorded on your camera as this makes recording and filing of your entry so much easier for me and for our Secretary.
Looking forward to a bumper year for entries as so many excellent images have been posted on social media this year.
Barbara Dunne 17 August 2016
DVD of Windsor 'Guard of Honour'
The DVD of our Fell Ponies' wonderful day out, as 'Guard of Honour' to Her Majesty, is available from the Society office and will also be for sale at the FPS Southern Show, the autumn Social, and the FPS Sale. £15 plus £1.50 P&P (within UK postal system; for overseas postage rates, please enquire).
8 August 2016
'Guard of Honour' at Windsor Castle, July 2016 - Update
The Fell Pony Society is delighted to have
been invited to celebrate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty
The Queen. At
a private event, devised and organised by FPS President
Mary Longsdon MBE, a Guard of Honour of 90 Fell ponies
and riders will escort Her Majesty The Queen and Prince
Philip as they drive through the private grounds of Windsor
Castle in July 2016. The Guard of Honour ride will be
followed by a barbecue hosted by the governor of Windsor
Castle.
Miss Longsdon is at pains to point out that the invitation
to attend was made to the Fell Pony Society, of which
HM The Queen is Patron; invitations were not made to
individuals. Members of the Society were then asked to apply
to join the Guard of Honour via the Society Office.
All applicants to take part in the Guard of Honour are currently being background-checked for this private event and security will be high. Applications have very much exceeded the 90 required so it is probable that not all who applied will be able to attend the barbecue. No spectators will be allowed into the event, but permission has been obtained for the Guard of Honour to be filmed and a DVD will be available from the Society later in the year.
Windsor Castle have requested NO PUBLICITY until after the event.
8 June 2016
'Guard of Honour' at Windsor Castle, July 2016
We are delighted to announce that H M The Queen would like to see all the Fell ponies who have applied to take part in the 'Guard of Honour' in July. If your cheque has been cashed, you are on the list, which has been sent to Windsor Castle to be security checked.
All ponies will be presented to H M The Queen after the 'Guard of Honour'. H M The Queen and her pony Carltonlima Emma will be presented with the Lownthwaite Rob Trophy while all the ponies, riders and guests are present.
Unfortunately BBQ tickets have been limited so these will be allocated on a first come basis once you have clearance from Windsor Castle. We have been informed that clearance may take up to six weeks so the allocation will not take place until mid June.
Exciting times are ahead so please organise your transport and accommodation if needed. We will need vehicle registration numbers to authorise gate passes.
Eileen A Walker (FPS Chairman)
6 May 2016
RBST Breed Status
The Society has received written confirmation from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust that the Fell pony has moved to Vulnerable (Category 3) for 2016.
The RBST currently uses data from 2 years prior to the Watchlist publication year, so 2016’s status reflects 2014’s number of filly foal registrations.
May 2016
Model Supports the FPS
Breyer, the USA company that produces horse models, has introduced a new one of a Fell pony named "Carltonlima Emma" after the pony that HM The Queen rides. Breyer are kindly donating a proportion of their sales to the Society. https://www.breyerhorses.com/carltonlima-emma
April 2016
Reminder: Foal registration forms
and stallion service books
Foal registration forms should be submitted to the office by 30 November, to avoid double fees in December.
NOTE! Do not use the current registration form if it will arrive in the office after 31 December '15, before checking with the office.
Stallion service books should be returned to the FPS Office, or coverings submitted online, by 31 December.
Service Books / notifications of coverings online that are received late, will require the foal to be DNA typed to confirm the sire.
12 November 2015
MERCHANDISE
See our Merchandise page for Fell pony themed goods.
12 May 2016
Breed Show 2016 - change of day
The FPS Breed Show will be on SUNDAY 7th August 2016 at Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria.
18 November 2015
'The Fell Pony Society Breeders Award - Drybarrows Trophy'
All In Hand exhibits at the FPS Stallion & Colt Show, the FPS Breed Show and FPS Southern Show, will automatically be entered for the above award, presented annually in memory of Chris Thompson and donated by the Thompson family.
The award will be calculated on a points basis and presented at the AGM. If you do not wish to be included in the award then please advise the FPS office by 30 September.
16 September 2015
Fell Pony Promotions
I'm looking to obtain good quality photos that can be used for Fell pony promotion in 2016. I would love to get a wide range of recent pictures showing that Fells are versatile in any discipline! If they were taken by professionals I would also require any permission necessary to use them. Very 'old' photos that you may have would also be brilliant. Please send them to fpsshowsecretary@hotmail.com or I will be at the Sale to collect any. I would prefer good quality copies but if you can only provide originals I will of course give these back to you after copies are taken. Thanks in anticipation. Rachael Brunskill xx
12 October 2015
Parelli Natural Horsemanship Interactive Area at HOYS
Grandstand Media have invited the Society to take part in the Parelli Natural Horsemanship Interactive Area at HOYS 7th to 11th October. The Quick family have kindly agreed to take part and set up and man an information stand for the Society. This includes a Fell Pony taking part in the Parelli demonstrations, and a promotional area for the Society, where posters etc can be displayed along with leaflets but no merchandise can be sold. If you’re visiting HOYS this year please go along and support the Society.
16 September 2015
Fell pony Champions
Penny Randall's Townend Skylark was Supreme Champion Horse at Skelton Show on 4th July and Phillipa Coates' Littletree Bessie Bell was Reserve Supreme Champion Horse at Penrith Show on 25th July. This is over all breeds, large and small!
More Supreme Champions will be listed in the Autumn 2015 Magazine - let's stop being bashful about these wonderful ponies!
31 July 2015
Holiday Accommodation after Floods!
One of our members has kindly offered her holiday cottage to someone who would benefit from getting away from a mess following the floods, in March or early April. It’s located in the Somerset/Dorset border and would only require a contribution towards the electric. The cottage sleeps 5, is in rural countryside and on high ground!
If anyone is interested in taking up this kind and generous offer then please contact the Society office, by email secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk, to put you in touch with the owner.
27 January 2016
Social Media Policy 2016
The Society has put a policy in place about the use of Social Media with reference to Fell Ponies. It is also linked from the Regulations Page.
11 January 2016
FELL PONY EVENTS 1995 – 1997 DVD
Jo Exley has kindly put together Fell Pony events from 1995-1997
on a DVD. (It is of footage with no audio.)
It's available from the FPS office - £5 plus £1.50
p&p.
All profits to the Fell Pony Society.
11 June 2015
Show Sponsorship Packages
We are looking for potential sponsors for both the breed show & stallion Show. Details of the packages in this document. Please get in touch with Rachael Brunskill, fpsshowsecretary@hotmail.com, tel: 07990 606 362.
14 April 2015
Statement by the Fell Pony Society Council
Council confirm that action taken by the Society's Secretary in relation to informing the Competent Authority, Trading Standard Office, is the correct procedure to follow when there has been a breach of the Regulations, particularly in relation of the failure of a new owner to update owner details within 30 days, as per the Minimum Operating Standards published by Defra, that came into effect from 1 February 2014.
17 March 2015
New Promotional Leaflet
We have taken delivery of 2,500 new leaflets promoting the Fell Pony and its uses. We applied for a Community Grant from ScotMid Co-op (Lakes and Dales, based in Penrith) and we are delighted that they have funded the printing in full.
If you know of a tourist or equine outlet that would display these leaflets (remind them that the FPS is a charity!) please get in touch with the office and come to collect some.
You can preview the full leaflet here.
29 September 2014