Category Archives: Rare Breeds

Fell Pony Genetic Diversity 3

Posted on March 18, 2012 by

Yesterday a visitor to Willowtrail Farm asked what other breeds contributed to the Fell Pony.  I didn’t have a ready answer since it’s not a question I’ve been asked before.   Most people come to me already knowing that Fells are … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Rare Breeds | Tagged , , ,

Judging Feathers in the Draft World

Posted on March 5, 2012 by

I often find myself on the fringes of the Fell Pony community because of my interest in and experience with working draft ponies.  At the same time, I am on the fringes of the draft horse community because I work … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Rare Breeds, Work Ponies | 1 Comment

Fell Pony Genetic Diversity 2

Posted on December 31, 2011 by

Since reading Mared Hopkins’ poster on Fell Pony Genetic Diversity last month, I’ve been studying population genetics in an effort to better understand some of the finer points.  I’m afraid I’ve only been marginally successful.  My cousin, who has an … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Rare Breeds

Genetic Diversity in Fell Ponies

Posted on November 29, 2011 by

A poster about recent research on Fell Pony genetic diversity left me with more questions than answers.(1)    It appears that the study was inspired by Clive Richardson’s assertion of a limited gene pool due to population bottlenecks.  The study seems … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Rare Breeds

Communication Media

Posted on September 23, 2011 by

When I go to pasture to give the ponies their vitamin buckets, they are rarely at the gate that is most convenient for me.  If they are in view and see me arrive, then they come to greet me.  If … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Rare Breeds

Appreciating Elders

Posted on September 21, 2011 by

I have two ponies in my herd that are over twenty years old.  As they age, I see they aren’t capable of doing what they once did, and especially in winter I watch them carefully to see how they’re handling … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Natural Horsemanship, Rare Breeds

Khaki Campbells

Posted on June 25, 2011 by

A few weeks ago I decided to restart my flock of Khaki Campbell ducks.  I had Khakis a number of years ago but got out of them to focus on my Silver Appleyards and Anconas.  Two years ago I tried … Continue reading →

Posted in Rare Breeds

Breeding Temperament

Posted on May 7, 2011 by

  I’ve recently interviewed a number of people in the horse industry, and I was surprised by a recurring theme.  Several people volunteered that it’s common practice to make a mare into a broodmare if her temperament isn’t suitable for … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Rare Breeds

Mountain & Moorland Ponies book, circa 1945

Posted on April 20, 2011 by

I’ve just finished reading Mountain & Moorland Ponies of Great Britain, by M.G.S. Best and published by the National Pony Society (NPS) circa 1945.  The introduction is written by Roy B. Charlton, and the cover features a photograph of HRH … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Rare Breeds

Rare Breeds Connections

Posted on March 27, 2011 by

One of the cool things about being a rare breeds enthusiast is that it immediately gains me entry into a community of like-minded folks.  Rare breeds are often misunderstood; assumed to be some exotic form of livestock, they are actually … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Rare Breeds