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The Fell Pony Society
Archived News

We included information from other U.K. societies where it was of interest to Fell pony owners.

The Fell Pony Society Annual Show and Sale 2023

Entry forms will be available to download from NW Auctions' web site, or by contacting NWA, tel: 015395 66200,  email: info@nwauctions.co.uk

Remember to get your foal registrations/passport application forms done in plenty of time. Passport applications for foals to be entered in the sale must be with the Society office by 16 September.

Entries to NWA, closing date 29 September.  

The usual show of entered ponies will be held prior to the sale. 24 August 2023

FPS Show and Sale Saturday 28 October 2023

Catalogues are available to download from
www.nwauctions.co.uk or Tel: 015395 66200.
Pre sale show is at 9.00am, followed by the sale at 10.30am.
Vendors - please hand in your passports as soon as possible and by no later than 10.30am, to the FPS stand and not into the NWA office.
Potential Purchasers - you must obtain a buyer's number prior to commencement of the sale, from the NWA office.
Purchasers - once you have paid for your purchase, bring your receipt to the FPS stand to process the transfer of ownership and collect the passport.
FPS merchandise will be available to purchase on the day.
Payments can be accepted in cash, by cheque or by bank transfer, (proof or payment required). Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you on 28 October.  19 October 2023

RBST & DEFRA webinar, 19 October

Environmental Land Management with Native Breeds webinar

Date: Thursday 19th October, Time: 7:30pm
If you are interested you still have plenty of time to register by e-mailing enquiries@rbst.org.uk

The zoom link will be sent to you by email on Wednesday 18th October by 5pm. Please ensure you check your junk/spam folders in case it is filtered out. 27 Sep 2023

News from DEFRA, June 2023

The new Equine Exotic Disease Compensation (England) (No 2) Order 2023 came into force on 14 June 2023. More details on the Health page: More >>> 2 July 2023

News from RSPB, June 2023

An endangered butterfly species, the marsh fritillary, is thriving again after Fell ponies and Highland and Belted Galloway cattle replaced grazing sheep at Haweswater.

Reported in the Guardian on 26 June 2023: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/26/endangered-marsh-fritillary-butterfly-comeback-lake-district 28 June 2023

Friends of the Ullswater Way "Understanding Ullswater" evening talk: "Ullswater's Fell Ponies - Past, Present and Future" - Sue Millard & Libby Robinson

The talks will take place at 7.30 pm on Thursday 6th July 2023 at Watermillock Village Hall, Ullswater, Cumbria, and on ZOOM. For more details please see the press release -  More >>>

Please contact Tim Clarke at info@ullswaterheritage.org to register for the talk, indicating whether you wish to follow it at Watermillock Village Hall or by ZOOM. The talk is free. 50 % of donations received will go to FoUW, and 50% to Sue and Libby’s charities of choice.

FoUW was created in April 2016 to promote awareness of the culture and natural heritage around the Ullswater Way. It was granted charitable status in August 2019. 18 June 2023

The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Challenge 2023

The Challenge begins on 21st April. It will celebrate the life of our late Queen and run from her birthday, 21st April, to 31st October 2023. It is open to all UK and international FPS members. Entrants are invited to complete 96 miles, one for every year of the late Queen’s life, with their Fell ponies and Fell pony friends. More >>> 16 April 2023

27 May -- 18 June - ‘Our Common Heritage Exhibition’

Friends of the Lake District have been collating all the interviews for the Our Common Heritage project which includes some of the Fell pony interviews which they held last year during the Fell Pony Exhibition. More >>>

Lizzie Finlayson-Briant receives Honour

Lizzie Finlayson-Briant has been recognised in the Queen’s Demise Honours List as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

Lizzie was named as a recipient of the honour under the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) in recognition of her service to the Queen, as part of the special set of Demise awards. Lizzie served the late monarch for over 20 years, producing her Highland and Fell ponies. The first Fell pony she produced was Lownthwaite Skylark II and they took part in the Golden Jubilee Pageant in 2002. After this she produced  Carltonlima Emma who later became Her Majesty's favourite.
The honours are typically given to members of staff who work closely with the deceased. Whilst other honours are often created by the government, appointees to the Royal Victorian Order are entirely in the gift of the monarch and are made independently from the government.

Lizzie has been a member of the FPS for 35 years. 25 March 2023

Mail delays, February 2023

Following on from the post regarding a cyber incident at Royal Mail.

Our international mail will be dispatched as normal from today, 21 February.

This also means that the FPS magazine will be posted as normal to our overseas members.  21 February 2023

FPS Calendar

The 2023 FPS Calendar is for sale now from the Office, £6.00 + £2.00 P&P.

Thank you to all who have entered the 2024 Calendar Competition - the closing date for that was Monday 18th October 2022. The results and call for entries for the next Calendar will be in the Spring Magazine. One small change to the rules for the next competition - can I ask that you do not send more than two images per family.

Looking forward to receiving them. Thank you

Michael Goddard, michael.goddard2014 @yahoo.com

13 October 2022

Requests to donate to the Society in memory of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The Secretary is now being asked by members if the Society will be accepting donations in memory of our late Patron.

Following today's Council meeting we are adding this link to the Society's bank details for donations. Please, when you donate, identify the transaction (eg, "donation QE2") and also email the secretary with that information - that enables her to identify your donation for accounting purposes and she will be able to thank you in due course.  13 Sept 2022

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

It is with deepest sorrow that the Fell Pony Society marks the death of our Sovereign and Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen has served as Patron of the Fell Pony Society since 1982. Her  love of horses and ponies will be greatly missed. We join the wider equestrian community in mourning her loss and we are grateful for her generosity to us during the 40 years of her patronage. We send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family. 9 September 2022

The Fell Pony Society Southern Show 2022

It is with profound sadness that the FPS Southern Show pays tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II who reigned selflessly for over 70 years.

It has been decided that the FPS Southern Show will go ahead on Sunday 11th September. We will commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II when we will call upon everyone to observe a one minute silence at 1pm.

Our deepest condolences to King Charles III and the Royal Family at this very sad time. 8 Sept 2022

RESULTS OF POSTAL VOTING – FPS AGM 2021

The results of the voting on various items on the Agenda.

163 Voting forms were returned by 10 April 2021.

Ordinary Resolution 1

Adoption of the minutes of the 2019 AGM as a true and accurate record. The majority voted in favour of the resolution with no votes against. 15 abstained.

Ordinary Resolution 2

Adoption of the Accounts for the financial year ending 31 October 2021.

The majority voted in favour of the resolution with no votes against. 12 abstained.

Ordinary Resolution 3

Appointment of Dodd & Co Accountants

The majority voted in favour of the resolution with no votes against. 7 abstained.

Election of President

The majority voted in favour of Mrs S C Morton.

Any Other Business

There were no questions submitted to be dealt with under ‘Any Other Business’.

Katherine Wilkinson
Secretary, The Fell Pony Society
13 April 2021

Result of FPS Council Election 2021

The scrutineer advised that a total of 142 valid voting papers were returned, plus 2 spoilt papers.

Mrs S Millard, Mrs C Robinson, Mr A Thorpe and Mrs E Walker were successfully re-elected to Council.

Miss D Meikle was unsuccessful.

2 April 2021

RBST revises Watchlist

RBST has reviewed its methodology for compiling the Watchlist. The new approach compares effective population size with measures of inbreeding. This gives a more accurate reflection of a breed’s true conservation status.

Historically, RBST has based the Watchlist on registered females. The concern was that, continuing to base RBST’s conservation programme purely on them, without a consideration of the contribution of males, could result in inaccurate conclusions on the breed’s status.

The new approach has now been applied to breed data from the last twenty years to better reflect longer term trends. Breeds are now either “Priority”, “At Risk”, or a “UK native breed” and the information is presented in a simple, colour-coded format.

Priority breeds represent those breeds of most concern, which are both rare and have increased inbreeding.

At Risk breeds represent those breeds with lower numbers than ideal and with a degree of inbreeding that gives cause for concern.

The Fell Pony is in the RBST's At Risk category.

For full details see the RBST's web site. 7 April 2021

Job Vacancy - Dales Pony Society

The Dales Pony Society, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, is seeking to appoint an Honorary Secretary, reporting to the Chair of Council. Details available here >>> 10 March 2021

EU Exports - Useful information post-Brexit

Export of Animals from Great Britain to European Union: Useful Information – Issue 2, 25 January 2021. 4 February 2021

Membership Fees 2021 - please remember the fee increase

If you pay your membership by Standing Order or Bank Transfer on 1 January and you haven't updated the amount to the correct subscription fee for 2021, please send the balance, and update the Standing order for next year as soon as possible. (Check the amount here on the Membership page.)

Disappointingly very few payments have been updated so far.

We may not have time to send individual reminders as we will be concentrating on processing memberships for those who have sent the correct amount.

Until the balance is paid your membership will remain outstanding and you will not be entitled to the privileges of membership, reduced fees, voting etc.

We appreciate it is a difficult time for everyone and thank you for your continued support. Thank you to those members who have taken the time to update your Standing Order already: your cards will be issued in due course.

4 January 2021

BREXIT EXPORT UPDATE FROM 1 JANUARY 2021

All passports issued by Defra recognized studbooks are now recognized by the EU following Third Country listing (recognition) of the UK and its Defra approved equine Studbooks. The equine should also be registered in an equivalent breeding book in the EU.

For the movement of equines from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI) new measures and procedures come into force from 1 January 2021.

The official advice is not to try to export equines and their breeding products to the EU (or to Northern Ireland) until at least the end of January – due to the lack of import points and to possible delays at Customs. 18 December 2020

FPS membership fees will increase from 1st January 2021

Membership fees for all membership types will increase by £5 (by £10 for Family membership) from 1st January 2021. Fees for the year to 31st December 2020, however, remain the same. Full details are on the Membership page.

21 May 2020

British Equestrian Federation Update

The latest BEF guidance on equestrian-related activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This link opens a document from the BEF, with links to further information: More >>> 21 May 2020

FIS (Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Testing Update

FIS testing is voluntary (unless applying for a stallion licence). An owner can therefore source a lab themselves or purchase a kit through the Society.

If purchased through the Society a vet must take the sample and check the identity of the pony by scanning the microchip and checking it against the passport. The result will be forwarded to the owner by email without the Society having sight of it.

If an FIS test is done through another lab and then subsequently either an application is submitted for a stallion licence or the owner wishes to have the result recorded in the passport, then proof will be required – either sight of the certificate or confirmation from the relevant laboratory - that the pony has been tested. A letter will also be required from the vet who took the sample, confirming that the identity/microchip of the pony was also checked. More on the Health page >>> 20 May 2020

Breeding Season – Travelling Mares and Stallions to Stud

Following further advice from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust concerning the effects that COVID 19 movement restrictions have had on the 2020 breeding season for rare breed equines, the Society has produced a protocol and template forms for our breeders to use if they need to travel a mare to a stallion or a stallion to mares for covering during the current restrictions.

Use of this protocol and forms, while not mandatory, is strongly advised in order to comply with current government restrictions on curbing the spread of coronavirus and as evidence of a legitimate controlled journey by the transporter of the mare(s)/stallion if challenged by the authorities.

Download the form and letter and add your own details, print off and carry them with you, and when travelling with your ponies, follow the protocol.

Download Protocol | Download Transport Form | Download Template Transport Letter

All people involved in this protocol must be in good health (absence of clinical signs and with no temperature), not in-contact persons, or vulnerable people at risk.
At this time, if you cannot follow all of this protocol you should not be moving and transporting ponies for breeding purposes. Human health and NHS resources are the priority.

Government publication - full guidance on staying at home and away from others

4 May 2020

Temporary arrangements for FPS Stallion Licensing

Council have made a decision regarding FPS Stallion Licensing in view of the current restrictions due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19).

• It has been agreed that owners of colts should apply to the Society in the normal way, providing the name and registration number of the colt and the name and address of the vet who will carry out the inspection when restrictions have been lifted, together with the appropriate fee. (See Fees.)
• On receipt of the above by the FPS Office, a Temporary Restricted Stallion Licence will be issued, together with 5 Stallion Service slips, allowing the owner to cover a maximum of 5 mares, to be owned by the colt’s owner only. The colt must not be used until the owner is in receipt of the Temporary Restricted Stallion Licence.
• The DNA & FIS paperwork and sample kits will not be issued to the owner and vet until restrictions have been lifted.

Once restrictions are lifted the owner must have the colt inspected by a vet as soon as is reasonably possible but no later than 31 December 2020 and, if it passes the inspection, samples must be taken by the vet at the same time for DNA typing and FIS testing.

At the time of veterinary inspection:

• If the colt passes the veterinary inspection and it is recommended that a licence should be issued, then the passport together with the Temporary Restricted Stallion Licence should be forwarded to the FPS office. On receipt of a satisfactory DNA report and confirmation of FIS testing, a Full Stallion Licence will be issued by the Society and, if time allows, normal covering can be resumed.
• If the colt does not pass the veterinary inspection, samples for DNA / FIS should not be taken and the sample kit packets should be returned intact to the Society for a refund. Any resulting foals from the mares covered under the Temporary Restricted Stallion Licence arrangement will be registered in Section X.

Please note this is a temporary arrangement to allow breeding to continue during these extraordinary circumstances, and the rules must be strictly adhered to. 7 April 2020

British Equestrian Federation - Further update

With news due any day from the Government on the continuation of the lockdown period, the BEF has sent a further update to the previous guidance (below) sent earlier this month.

The update contains links to important information from the British Equestrian Veterinary Association about keeping yourself and your vet safe from the virus during treatment of horses; a survey about the impact of COVID-19 on the equine industry; and guidance on transporting horses to and from France. 15 April 2020 More >>>

BEF Guidance on Vaccinations

All competitive disciplines under the BEF umbrella currently operate a requirement for an annual booster every 12 months after an initial course of two injections and the first booster injection. This will remain the case throughout 2020, which means that any horse who goes beyond their annual renewal date will be required to start again. The initial vaccination intervals for primary and booster vaccinations will also remain in place as normal. More >>>

Letter to BBC Winterwatch

I have to complain about how poorly researched your Winterwatch programme broadcast was on 20/01/21. Apparently Koniks (a reconstructed breed from Poland) are the only equines that can withstand the British climate and weather all year round. You also asserted that Koniks are the only breed with a waterproof coat! If this is the case how do you explain the existence of native British breeds surviving our climate for hundreds of years?

More >>>

As Chairman of the Fell Pony Society I would like to invite you to visit some Fell Pony herds in Cumbria and film them in their natural habitat. You would soon see how one of hardiest native breeds could surpass Koniks in every way, and you would also be supporting a rare British pony.

Peter Boustead, FPS Chairman, 21 January 2021

Read the full text and the BBC Reply

Webinars: Using Science to Save Our Breeds (replay)...

Organised by the National Equine Forum, this webinar took place on Wednesday 13th January 2021. Speakers considered the magnitude of the decline of the UK’s native breeds and how their future can be safeguarded. Those who didn't register for the webinar but would like to watch the replay can do so through the link on the NEF's Mailchimp page.

The webinar replay will be live until 23.59 GMT on Monday 1st February 2021.

... and the Great Weight Debate

The Great Weight Debate (Equine), a second special interest webinar, takes place at 7pm GMT on Wednesday 27th January 2021.

The equine obesity epidemic is ongoing – despite many attempts from industry to effect change. This webinar aims to explore different perspectives from across the equestrian sector regarding what is preventing owners/carers from managing horse, pony and donkey weight effectively, and how these may be overcome. The link to book is available lower down on the NEF's Mailchimp page.

Both webinars require booking through Eventbrite - £5 per person. 18 January 2021

BHS Advice re Covid-19 lockdown 2

Currently, providing Covid 19 protocols and social distancing are maintained, we know that:

** Horses may be ridden for exercise, including travelling to exercise
** You can travel to care and exercise a horse which you own or care for
** Coaches can continue to travel to work where they can't work from home
** Livery yards can remain open for horse owners, loaners and sharers to care for and exercise their horse/s
** Riding centres and schools may remain open and deliver formal education and training under the requirements of the legislation, and clients are permitted to travel to take part
** Farriery, veterinary, dentistry, physiotherapy and other equine practitioners can continue to operate

It has been confirmed that you cannot:
** Travel to a venue and pay to ride on the premises e.g. farm rides, arenas, cross country courses, gallops etc.
All venue hire should be suspended for the period of the lockdown. All advice and guidance is subject to change as and when government issues further details. Full details of the BHS document 11 November 2020

North West Auctions
J36 Crooklands Livestock Auction
Sale of Fell Ponies
Saturday 31st October

COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS
VENDORS

Once unloaded please park at the front of the building and enter through the main doors where a member of staff will sign you in.

Passports and a signed Transfer of Ownership form are to be left with Mart staff when unloading ponies.

One vendor only per consignment.

Vendors are to remain with your stock at all times and only come to the sale ring when your stock is being sold.

There is no entry for vendors to the Livestock Office.

Only 1 person per household is to attend the sale and strictly no children under 16.

BUYERS

Only buyers INVITED to attend are allowed in the Mart and all must ring the Mart to register to attend prior to the sale.

All buyers must enter via the main entrance and sign in on arrival.

Only ONE person per household can attend.

Strictly NO children under 16 can attend.

Face coverings are mandatory in the Mart.

Catalogue: http://www.nwauctions.co.uk/auctions/catalogues.aspx

For further details, to register an interest or to obtain a catalogue please contact:

NWA Junction 36 Crooklands
J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7FP.
Tel: 015395 66200 Fax: 015395 66221
Email info@nwauctions.co.uk
Website www.nwauctions.co.uk
office hours are 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday. 24 October 2020

UK Studbooks and Recognition by the EU post-Brexit

In February, DEFRA applied to the European Commission for 3rd Country Listing under the Zootechnical Regulation, which, if given, will enable the Breed Societies to continue trading on the same equivalent terms as they do now. It is hoped to reach an agreement before the end of the Transition Period (31 Dec 2020).

Exporting Ponies to the EU - Summary of Temporary Measures - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Until that agreement is reached and the studbooks are once again recognised, various temporary measures about exports are in force.

These measures are summarised and linked here for your information. This summary and its links to relevant Government and EU web pages will be found in the Autumn 2020 issue of the Magazine, correct up to today's date (14 October 2020). However, if you are planning to export ponies into an EU country PLEASE check the Gov.uk website regularly for the latest guidance as the law can and does change at short notice. We will update this page with any new information as we receive it.

14 Oct 2020

FPS sale on 31 October

North west Auctions have confirmed that the Fell pony sale will go ahead as planned on Saturday 31 October. If you are interested in attending as a buyer please check the website for details.

Catalogues will be available from North West Auctions in due course.

Enquiries: NWA tel 015395 66200. email info@nwauctions.co.uk.
www.nwauctions.co.uk 2 Oct 2020

FPS Merchandise Promotion October 2020

As the FPS Merchandise stand will not be at the Annual Sale on 31 October we are running a promotion, so that anyone who normally purchases goods at the sale won’t miss out. Here is an opportunity to get your Christmas Shopping started.

The promotion will run from 26 October to 2 November 2020 and will apply to all orders received during this period.

The FPS will pay the first £5 postage on all orders received during the promotional period.

All payments for goods plus any postage above £5 must be paid prior to despatch of orders.

Please email your order or enquiry to secretaryfellponysociety@gmail.com Payments can be made by BACS.

Check the Merchandise page for the full list of items.

21 Sept 2020

FPS Sale

Vendor rules and COVID-19 precautions for the sale are displayed on the entry form, available here.

The rules set by NWA for buyers and sellers for the FPS sale to be held on 31 October 2020 can also be found at the NWA web site,
http://www.nwauctions.co.uk/auctions/sale-dates/2020/9/41535565/j36-registered-fell-pony-sale.aspx

Please be aware that:

The rules could change, possibly at short notice, so please keep an eye on the FPS and NWA website and facebook pages for the latest info.

The closing date for entries is strictly 1 October (foals should have been passported before 14 September).

Updated 15 September 2020

FPS Sale: lodge foal-passport applications by 14 September 2020

At this moment in time the date for the FPS sale is still in the diary for 31 October 2020, therefore if you are planning on entering foal(s) for the sale please remember the last date for lodging passport applications with the FPS is 14 September. This will be strictly adhered to, and any forms received after this date will mean that the entry(s) will not be accepted for the sale.

Of course if Covid - 19 restrictions change then the sale could be cancelled, and possibly at short notice. If the sale goes ahead then it will be run very differently to our normal sale. Please look out for information at the beginning of September. 13 August 2020

FIS Testing - update, August 2020

FIS testing is voluntary (unless applying for a stallion licence). An owner can therefore source a lab themselves or purchase a kit through the Society.

If purchased through the Society a vet must take the sample and check the identity of the pony by scanning the microchip and checking it against the passport. The result will be forwarded to the owner by the lab, via email, without the Society having sight of it. (An email address must be supplied on the sample packet for this purpose).

If an FIS test is done through another lab and then subsequently either an application is submitted for a stallion licence or the owner wishes to have the result recorded in the passport, then proof will be required – either sight of the certificate or confirmation from the relevant laboratory - that the pony has been tested. A letter will also be required from the vet who took the sample, confirming that the identity/microchip of the pony was also checked.

Following the closure of the Animal Health Trust, the Society will for the remainder of 2020, use Weatherbys Scientific for FIS testing.

The carrier test became available from 1 February 2010. Kits can be purchased from the FPS office by sending the payment, see Registration and Fees page. The hair sample must be taken by a vet who must also complete the form on the sample bag before sending it to the The Fell Pony Society in the envelope provided. The results of the test will be returned to the owner via email only.

Tests for sick foals (suspect FIS) should be arranged direct through the owners’ vet.

The laboratory may already have archive samples from some ponies in their files (for example, if the pony has previously been DNA profiled.) It may be possible to use these existing samples for FIS testing if the sample was taken by a vet - please contact the office to enquire about this and they will liaise with the laboratory to establish whether or not this is possible. The usual fee still applies. 10 August 2020

Missing our Breed Show?

It would have been the FPS Breed Show on Sunday 2 August, where many of you would have visited the merchandise tent to purchase goodies. You can still order goods and we can send them out to you! Please check your magazine or the merchandise page on the website or send an email with your requirements.

We can order in, if you require a particular colour or size.

We are carrying out all the usual Society business as normal, so please get in touch if you have any queries. Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you to all who have supported the FPS during this unprecedented time.

Katherine

31 July 2020

Filly Foal FIS test refund (2020 only)

Council have agreed the Youngstock and Performance awards, Stallion Show Colt Premiums and Breed Show Progeny premiums cannot be awarded this year due to the coronavirus situation. It has therefore been agreed that the surplus grant be used as a on- off offer to refund (or partially refund) the payment of the FIS test for filly foals born in 2020. Rules as follows:

1. The Society to offer either partial/full refund (maximum £40), depending on up take-up, for the FIS test of filly foals born in 2020.
2. Applicant to be a current FPS member and to be the owner who paid for the test initially.
3. Applicant in the UK only as grant rules only allow payments to those in the UK.
4. Application for refund to be made in writing or by email to the Society by no later than 31 December 2020.
5. Foal to which refund relates must have been registered / passport issued prior to application for refund.
6. Refunds only paid for FIS tests purchased through the Society.
7. The result of the FIS test to be recorded in the passport by the FPS Secretary, certificate to be produced, prior to refund being made. The result also to be recorded on the FPS database but the result will not be released to anyone unless the owner agrees. Agreement to be in writing.

Any queries, please email the FPS Secretary, secretaryfellponysociety@gmail.com or secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk.

22 July 2020

FPS Breed Shows Cancelled

Due to the pandemic, Council has regretfully decided to cancel the FPS Breed Show this year.

The Southern Show Committee are sadly also announcing that the decision has been made to cancel the FPS Southern Show.

The Society appreciates your continued support during these challenging times.

Peter Boustead, FPS Chairman. 9 July 2020

Animal Health Trust and Genetic Services to close

It is with sadness that we have received confirmation today that the Equine Genetic Services Department, at the Animal Health Trust, will close along with the rest of the Trust on the 31st July. Any samples that have been received up until Friday 3rd July 2020 will be processed and the results sent back to the FPS in the normal way, but any that the AHT receive at the lab from today (Monday 6th July 2020) will not be processed and will be posted back to the FPS.

If you have any queries about this please contact the FPS Secretary, email secretaryfellponysociety@gmail.com or secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk

6 July 2020

Memorandum & Articles of Association updated

As it was not possible to hold an AGM this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Council agreed to approve the annual accounts for the year ending 31 October 2019 and to implement the proposed changes to the Memorandum & Articles. Council felt that as both the Accounts and the Memorandum & Articles had been circulated to members earlier in the year and no objections had been received then there would be no risk to the Society by doing so during this unprecedented situation. Council consulted the Charity Commission and followed their advice plus guidance found on their website. The updated M&A can be read here. 30 June 2020

FPS Sales list advertising

If you wish to advertise Fell Ponies for sale on the FPS website or place a Wanted Ad, THIS SERVICE IS FREE TO FPS MEMBERS.

http://www.fellponysociety.org/sales_list.htm

Each advertisement is shown for 3 months, after which time it will be reviewed.

Please submit details to the FPS Secretary by email: secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk

Non-members can advertise for the fee of £10 for 3 months.

Fell Pony related items such as carriages and saddles can also be advertised on the FPS website, subject to approval.

 

FPS members can flag ponies for sale on the FPS Online Stud Book Grassroots Database via the Manage Your Herd option.

Members need to give permission, if not already done, for potential buyers to see their address, phone number and email address. Please check with the FPS Secretary if you are unsure.

17 June 2020

Calendar 2022 - Call for Photos

Early call for photographs for the 2022 Fell Pony Society Calendar

This is a call for photos for the 2022 Fell Pony Society calendar. I have already seen some excellent photos of fell ponies this year on the different website pages. The deadline for submissions is Monday October 12th 2020. 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 your photo is chosen for the 2022 FPS calendar the person that has taken the photograph will receive a free FPS calendar, with the overall winner receiving a £10 FPS voucher and the runner up a £5 voucher.

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:

michael.goddard2014@gmail.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 13 June 2020

Chairman's Statement

Interim statement which would have been given at the 2020 Annual General Meeting.

2019 was a difficult year for the Society with registrations being slightly reduced and show entries lower due to the vaccination requirements introduced in response to equine flu. As a result we suffered a loss of approximately £3,000 on day to day finances. In January 2020 Council took the decision to increase the membership by £5. This is the first increase since 2004.

The problems of 2019 pale into insignificance compared to those currently caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This has resulted in the postponement of the Breed Show and the cancellation of the Stallion Show and the AGM. Consequently some have not renewed their membership. Please can you continue your support of the society in these difficult times.

The cancellation of the AGM has meant that those eligible for the various awards and rosettes were unable to be presented with them in person. My congratulations go to all of you and hopefully 2021 will bring continued success.

Stay safe.

Peter 21 May 2020

FPS Breed Show - update

The show, originally scheduled for 2 August, is now postponed until Saturday 26 September with a review of the situation at the beginning of July, when Council will decide (depending on government guidance at that time) whether the Breed Show will be cancelled for 2020 or if it can go ahead in September. Schedules will not be available before July. 18 May 2020

Questionnaire about who keeps and breeds rare equine breeds

Emily Windsor is a masters student at Hartpury University studying equine science. She has a particular interest in the breeding and conservation of rare equine breeds and is asking for data to help her research.

The initial study aims to investigate why the populations of some breeds have reduced to the point where they have become classified as rare. To determine how it might be possible to increase breeder numbers and therefore increase the population numbers of equine rare breeds, Emily would like to investigate who keeps and breeds them, and their motives for doing so.

Her questionnaire may be completed online, using this link: https://forms.gle/6kMoLDrCgWdYDi5n7. 12 May 2020

Animal Health Trust imminent closure

The Animal Health Trust has been facing dire financial constraints for some time, and now with the economic implications of Covid-19, it is facing imminent closure.

It has been in existence for more than 75 years, and during that time, it has changed the lives of generations of horses, dogs, cats and their owners. It has been a massive support to the work of the FPS, notably with its DNA testing and FIS testing services.

Full statement on the AHT web site

They say that the best way you can help them is by helping to spread the word about why they are such a vital resource to animal welfare. Please help them tell their story by sharing this information on social media, in the hope that a wealthy individual, corporate or person of influence sees it and can help them. 28 March 2020

MIDLANDS WEST FELL PONY SUPPORT GROUP SHOW UPDATE

Unfortunately, due to current situation with the coronavirus, it is with great regret and sadness that MWSG will be postponing the Midlands West Fell Pony Support Group - Festival of Fells Show on the 3rd May 2020. At this stage, they are currently looking at running the show in August/September 2020. Once a date has been agreed with the venue they will be communicating the new date out to you all. They would like to thank everyone for their support and hope to see you all very soon. 24 March 2020

Annual General Meeting postponed

It is with regret that due to the current situation with Coronavirus (Covid-19) Council have agreed to postpone the FPS AGM scheduled for Saturday 4 April. Members will be notified in due course of the re-scheduled date. 19 March 2020

Stallion Show cancelled

Sadly due to the current situation with Coronavirus (Covid-19) Council have agreed to cancel (or possibly postpone) the FPS Stallion & Colt Show scheduled for Saturday 9 May. At this point in time the FPS Breed Show will go ahead on Sunday 2 August. 19 March 2020

Combined Native Pony Roadshow postponed

Due to public health concerns: these roadshows have been postponed until the autumn.

The Breed societies involved and organisers are in complete agreement that both roadshows will be postponed until the Autumn. These were organised for the enjoyment of our members/judges and enthusiasts - but let’s enjoy and socialise another time. A provisional date for the Southern event is 18th October 2020. We will post updates as we receive them.

NORTHERN EVENT: postponed.
UNICORN CENTRE, Stanton Way, Hemlington, Middlesborough, TS8 9LX.

SOUTHERN EVENT: postponed.
UNICORN TRUST, Granary Cottage, Netherswell, Stow on the Wold, Cheltenham, GL54 1JZ.

Practical 30-minute sessions on each breed: Breed type, way of going in-hand and under saddle.

These are free events for judges, members and enthusiasts, but places must be pre-booked.

Poster info >>> 25 January 2020

RBST Agriculture Bill Briefing 2019

From Christopher Price, RBST CEO:

For the last 40 years the conservation of our native livestock and equines has been entirely thanks to the hard work of a few dedicated tenacious individuals. But the new Agriculture Bill will change all that. In future they will have some help from the Government.

This is something RBST has been pressing for for many months.

The aim of the Bill is to shift agricultural policy towards paying farmers for the various public benefits they provide, rather than paying them for simply owning land, as is the case with the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), the current scheme for supporting farmers.

This only applies in England. The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments will be making their own decision, though RBST will be encouraging them to adopt a similar approach to England.

Most of the public benefits mentioned in the Agriculture Bill are environmental, such as improving water and soil quality or to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments will be making their own decision, though RBST will be encouraging them to adopt a similar approach to England.
Most of the public benefits mentioned in the Agriculture Bill are environmental, such as improving water and soil quality or to mitigate and adapt to climate change.  However, the list also allows the Government to pay for:

‘conserving native livestock, native equines or genetic resources relating to any
such animal’

The explanatory notes to the Bill give an indication of the sort of things the money could be spent on:

‘These measures could, for example, be used to incentivise farmers to invest in rearing rare and native breeds or species, because these genetic resources may offer a way to sustainably increase food production and/or improve our capacity to adapt to climate change or the emergence of new animal or plant diseases by providing a breadth of genetic traits. These powers could also be used to incentivise existing gene banks to safeguard UK native and rare breed genetics or to provide on farm measures to manage disease risks amongst populations of rare breed livestock.’

Full Briefing on RBST blog >>>

Full Briefing as a printable file >>> 22 January 2020

Highland, Fell, Dales and Exmoor Combined Native Roadshows 2020

Northern Event - 5th April, Unicorn Centre, Hemlington, Middlesbrough TS8 9LX

Southern Event - 10th May, Unicorn Trust, Stow on the Wold, Cheltenham, GL54 1JZ

Open to members, judges and enthusiasts March 2020

Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure Updated - July 2019

More >>> September 2019

A few reminders

• To return your stallion service books or record the service details online by 31 December at the latest.

• FPS membership is due for renewal on 1 January. Please note the increase and if you normally pay by Standing Order remember to notify your bank of the change before 1 January.

• Foal registration / passport applications to be submitted by 31 December to avoid late registration fees, although double fees apply for December.

With Very Best Wishes for Xmas and A Happy New Year!

16 December 2020

BRITISH CONNEMARA PONY SOCIETY EXTRAVAGANZA DAY

Sunday 22nd September 2019 - 10am – 4pm, at Moreton Morrell College, Warwickshire. Flatwork Clinic with Jayne Ross, Jumping Clinic with Yogi Breisner. Everyone welcome – Members and Non Members, Breeders, Judges, Competitors and Enthusiasts. £5 per Adult – includes free entry into the raffle. 11 Sept 2019 More >>>

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 8th 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, michael.goddard2014gmail.com
Or
Judges committee Secretary Miss Jenny Charlton, fpsjudgessecretary@gmail.com 7 Sept 2019

Dufton Show accepting late entries

The Show has only a few ponies entered this year and would like to encourage late entries. They are following the vaccination guidelines for equine flu. Entries can be emailed to secretary@duftonshow.co.uk 19 August 2019

Breed Show 4 August 2019

EQUINE FLU VACCINATIONS

Following the Council meeting of 16th July it has been decided that ALL ponies attending the Breed Show must have a current vaccination certificate, the second or last vaccination to have been given before 27 July 2019.

Your pony's passport must be checked before your pony is unloaded. If all is in order you will be issued with a bridle / halter number which must be displayed on the pony when out of your vehicle.

If you have entered and your pony is not vaccinated please contact the FPS Secretary who will arrange a full refund of fees by 31 August.

Because of the time required to check passports it has been agreed that ponies will NOT be measured this year. 16 July 2019

Friends of the Lake District
Great Landscapes Week 2019

Events run every day from Saturday 3rd August to Friday 9th August to celebrate every aspect of our glorious landscapes.
https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/Events/glw-our-common-cause-farming-and-fell-ponies 30 July 2019

Calendar 2021

Early call for photographs for the 2021 Fell Pony Society Calendar.

This is a call for photos for the 2021 Fell Pony Society calendar. I have already seen some excellent photos of Fell ponies this year. The deadline for submissions remains Monday October 16th 2019. 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: michael.goddard2014@gmail.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. 10 July 2019

Wildness Survey

David Murray has given the FPS a link to an equine Wildness Survey, for which he would appreciate your input. It is available at: http://equine-wildness.uk/questionnaire.html and your completed survey responses can be returned by email to equine-wildness@hotmail.com

The aims of the survey can be read in full on his web site, http://equine-wildness.uk/survey-aim.html 2 July 2019

Breed Show Entries & Flu update

Breed Show entries close Saturday 6 July with double fees to 13 July. Schedule and Entry form are available to download from the Events page. Please look out on Facebook and here for the latest information regarding vaccination for Equine Flu.

The situation regarding vaccination at the Breed Show is currently that:

* It is recommended that ponies exhibited at the FPS Breed Show on 4 August are vaccinated for Equine Flu, but vaccination as a condition of entry will not be required.

* Council will discuss the above when they next meet on 16 July. If the decision is made to make vaccination compulsory then entry fees for those unvaccinated ponies will be refunded in full.

Animal Health Trust advice

1 July 2019.

Sponsorship at the Breed Show

If you are interested in Sponsoring at the FPS Breed Show, please get in touch with either Katherine secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk or Judy
fpsshowsecretary@hotmail.com

Details available here >>>
All payments must be received by 6 July 2019.
Thank You. 25 June 2016

 

PEAHILL BASIL VETERAN FELL PONY ANNUAL AWARD

Presented by Cath Wrigley in memory of Peahill Basil

To be awarded internationally to a single registered Fell Pony, for achievements as a veteran 15 years +.

The trophy will be presented annually at the AGM, to be held for one year. Participating members must apply to the FPS Office in writing to include a paragraph stating why they think they should win the prize, and to include a photo(s), no more than 3. (The points award form should not be used to apply.) Applications need not necessarily involve showing but can be other experiences, and the 'achievement' need not necessarily be in the current year. All ponies must be registered Fell Ponies and the owner must be a member of The Fell Pony Society, of the Netherlands Fell Pony Society, or of an FPS-recognised Overseas Branch. It has been agreed that nominations for this award can also be made by third parties. If you think the achievements of a veteran pony should be recognised please send your nomination as above to the FPS Secretary before 31st December. This can be by post or email. 12 June 2019

HorseScotland Member Body Support Programme

The Member Body Support Programme allows Full and Club Member Bodies to apply to horsescotland for funding for a variety of different projects. Application info >>> 29 May 2019

Photography - request

We have received a message from Cécile Zahorka who wants to take photographs of Fell ponies:

From: Cécile Zahorka - Fell Pony — photographic project "Forgotten Horses"

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

My name is Cécile Zahorka and I’m a free photographer from Germany. In the past year I have been working on a project called „Forgotten Horses“, where I photograph and document rare and endangered horse breeds. We have a similar society to the RBST in Germany regarding animal breeds with endangered populations and I have been working together with breeders and owners. I have planned to make a journey to UK for this project, with the mission to find and document native British breeds, such as the Fell Pony.

I’m looking for passionates, breeders, owners this breed, which I could contact and visit during my journey.

It is my aim to portrait the breed in its traditional context and in typical landscapes, in front of barns or whatever the surroundings offer and fit to the horse, to make high quality pictures for all media and raise awareness to the matter.

I would be very happy if you would be interested in having a session with me.

I have set up a small site with all details to my journey and project: https://thepixelnomad.com/uk-june-2019/

Please feel free to share this with potential owners and breeders that might be interested.

I would love to give the Fell Pony a platform and raise awareness to its vulnerable status.

and you can see my
work on http://instagram.com/vor.die.linse/
or on http://facebook.com/vor.die.Linse/

Help and Support is very appreciated,

With kind regards from Germany

Cécile Zahorka
(WhatsApp on +49 163 2881115) 29 May 2019

Study - research request

Lucy Allen, a Research student at the Royal Agricultural University, is looking for hair samples and pedigree information from males of native UK Equines breeds as part of a wider study on the spread of horses in Europe. See flyer.

If you can help, please contact Lucy direct on 07901774538 or Lucy.Allen@student.rau.ac.uk 16 May 2019

SOUTH CUMBRIA SHOW 9 June 2019

The venue of the South Cumbria Show (Westmorland County Show Ground) is this year requiring all equines to be flu vaccinated. Please could you let us know if this will affect you entering the show. You can comment by emailing secretary@fellponysociety.org.uk with your views. Responses welcome (positive or negative) by 11 May to enable the organisers to decide whether to go ahead with preparations for this year's show or to cancel. Many thanks. 2 May 2019

Updated guidance relating to the movement of equines

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-horses-and-ponies-special-rules

Please contact EquineExportsCarlisle@apha.gov.uk if you have any questions about the information on Gov.uk.

24 April 2019

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. If you would like to pay by Standing Order please contact the office for a mandate, or for the bank details if you wish to set the standing order up yourself.

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).

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

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

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

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

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