Bert Morland has farmed
at Roundthwaite for over forty years, during which time he has kept and
bred Fell ponies. He is interested in every aspect of the Fell pony
and has spent many hours watching the herd in their natural habitat. He
has been a Fell pony and M & M Judge since he was in his twenties.
He no longer rides but still drives a Fell pony occasionally. Bert has written a
book about the Lunesdale Herd - "A Lifetime in the Fells" and
this has now been published on the Rare Breeds website. You can read the
book by clicking here.
Bert with Lunesdale Henrietta at the Great Yorkshire Show
2000
Carole Morland has also had a life long interest in Fell ponies and still occasionally hacks out. She is also a Judge of Fell and M & M ponies and together with Bert still shows in hand at both local and national levels. Carole has had a life-long interest in horses, having ridden since an early age. She was a successful trainer and driver of harness racing horses (being British Ladies Grasstrack Champion in the 1980s). Her interest in Fell ponies began 40 years ago when using them as trekking ponies on her father's caravan site in Sedbergh. This interest increased on her marriage to Bert who owned the semi-feral herd of Lunesdale ponies. Together they expanded the herd and bred and successfully showed the Lunesdale ponies at the highest level in the UK. She has judged Mountain and Moorland ponies in the UK, Ireland the Czech Republic and Australia.
Carole has also written a book about Fell ponies, called "A Walk on the Wild Side".
'A Walk on the
Wild Side' gives a fascinating insight into the lives and interactions of
these semi-feral Fell ponies. A very interesting, and at times amusing
read, Carole rightly highlights the importance of these ponies to the
Cumbrian fells and to the future of the Fell breed itself. A book that
will undoubtedly be enjoyed by all native pony enthusiasts.'
Ian Smith, breeder and judge, Bracklinn Fell Ponies.
The book is available from the Fell Pony Society, major bookshops in Cumbria, or can be bought online from Hayloft Publishing.
Carole riding Lunesdale Evening Star 2001
Both Bert & Carole have been interested in other aspects of equestrianism especially Harness Racing.
Bert judging in Pennsylvania in 2004
Bert bringing home one of many winners
during his career
as a professional Harness racing Driver
Carole winning the British Ladies Grasstrack
Championship
with Sly Pace
