From before the Vikings invaded through modern times, the sturdy and faithful Fell Pony has weaved itself through Northern England’s history in one form or another. In 1853, the first reference to Fell Ponies was found in a report about the Dent Horse Fair in the Westmorland Gazette. Three years later, the Ireby District Agricultural Show held a call for “the best Brood Pony direct from the fell.”
In 1861, a show class at the Orton Agricultural Exhibition was for “the best Fell Pony of any age.” During that time, record-keeping of breedings began, and Fell ponies were registered in the Polo and Riding Pony Stud Book in 1898.