Monthly Archives: March 2012

Fell Pony Movement

Posted on March 29, 2012 by

I heard a story this morning about a Fell Pony who is twenty years old, nine months pregnant, and can still ‘go like a locomotive’ when offered a chance at pasture.  Her legs churn underneath while her top stays smooth.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies

A Whorl Survey

Posted on March 28, 2012 by

A friend and Fell Pony owner recently contacted me about whorls.  These hair patterns are used by the Fell Pony Society as identifiers for ponies, but my friend was interested in what they communicate about temperament.  A trainer had told … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Natural Horsemanship | Tagged ,

An Interesting Day of Wind

Posted on March 26, 2012 by

I know we’re not the only ones who had extreme wind today.  When I was working my young stallion this morning, a tree blew over not far away.   Little did I know it would be only the first of several … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Inspirations

A Quieter Morning

Posted on March 24, 2012 by

This morning was quieter here at Willowtrail Farm.  Both my young Fell Pony boys are at their new homes, so their rambunctious energy is missing from feeding time.  Last night we put Willowtrail Jonty on a transport truck.  His first … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Natural Horsemanship

The Joys of a Smart Pony

Posted on March 19, 2012 by

I was all smiles this afternoon when I came in from working with my Fell Pony mare Lily.  We had a short session today due to cold weather, but I was over the moon with how Lily helped me with … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Natural Horsemanship

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 , , ,

Opportunity at the Gate

Posted on March 11, 2012 by

Gates provide us with so many opportunities to improve our relationships with our ponies.  I mentioned in my last post about opening a gate while riding my Fell Pony mare Lily.  We also rode through it.  I’m working with Lily’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Natural Horsemanship

Standing Still

Posted on March 7, 2012 by

I’m currently working with two four-year-old Fell Ponies.  Standing still is considered one of the most important lessons you can ever teach an equine, at least to those of us in the driving and draft communities.  My two four-year-olds know … Continue reading →

Posted in Fell Ponies, Natural Horsemanship, Work Ponies

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