Lunesdale Stud Visit
Spring 2000

When I heard about the visit to Bert and Carole Morland's Stud at Tebay I decided that it was an opportunity not to be missed. How often do you get the chance to visit a semi-feral stud where they bring the ponies to you?

The day arrived bringing glorious sunshine. Mum and I set off in good time with new films in our cameras, unsure just exactly what we would be faced with.

We made good time down to Junction 38 – especially with me driving!! Taking Beth’s advice we headed towards Orton (obviously now we know it was the wrong way). We got stuck behind a farmer towing a trailer full of silage holding a conversation on his mobile whilst driving – who said farmers were behind the times?!? After asking directions we found ourselves traveling down a single track road, praying we didn’t meet any oncoming vehicles. After coming down a steep hill we were faced with a row of cars driving into a field – at last this must be it. After managing to reverse the car into the field, we headed for the farm.

We were greeted by two fell ‘babies’ in the front field. Making our way towards the house we could see a big attendance in the yard. People were admiring the stallions in the loose boxes. Lunesdale Mountain Mist was quite happy for people to make a fuss of him, whilst Lunesdale Henry called to his herd. A mare and foal were resting in the adjoining field.

After everyone had arrived we had a buffet style lunch which was prepared by Carole. The food was superb and very quickly vanished. After this the ‘show’ began.

The two babies were brought off the front field and Rylstone Black Knight was led into the field. Two photographers stood in the middle and he was ‘chased’ about so that we could all see him move. After his ‘time’ in the field he was cornered and caught again. He was led into the yard and run up in hand, he then stood so that people could take pictures. This was also done with Lunesdale Henry and Lunesdale Mountain Mist. It gave everyone present the chance to compare the three stallions.

The photographers then left in a jeep to go up the side of the fell to get pictures of the herd before they were brought down. Some of us walked up the road to a rough track where the ponies were expected to come down and waited. We saw the group canter across the ridge, it was marvelous to see how sure footed even the foals were over this terrain. After what seemed like ages the herd emerged cantering down the side of the fell towards us. They stopped just short and began cropping the grass. By then the jeep had caught up and they were gently persuaded to come off the hill and filed down to the front field.

Mums, babies and youngstock mingled together with the odd scuffle of protective mums shooing away those that were a bit too inquisitive. Everyone was allowed in the field with the ponies and Carole held Lunesdale Rebecca so that photos could be taken of her and her foal.

After everyone had had their fill, we were taken to a field beside the farm where Julie Robinson had brought her riding ponies for a ridden demonstration. First Lunesdale Prince Henry showed us his dressage skills before going on to do a ‘proper’ native show. He then showed us his jumping skills over jumps that weren’t that small either. Julie then put Lunesdale Rowan through his paces, though it was explained that he was not as experienced as Henry. Whilst this was going on Henry was harnessed up and when Julie had finished with Rowan, Henry gave us a driving display. This reinforced how versatile fell ponies are, especially seeing Henry happy doing all the tasks that were asked of him. Julie bought out a third fell, this time a mare called Lunesdale Rosebud. Bert tied her tail up so that we could see her leg action, we could see the affection he holds for her.

There was commentary on each pony. Unfortunately where I was sat I couldn’t hear due to a farmer making hay in the field behind me.

After the ridden display everyone filtered back into the yard where the raffle was drawn.

A perfect ending to a perfect day.

I wish to thank Bert and Carole Morland for providing an entertaining and informative day at Roundthwaite. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived that afternoon but I came away having learned something, which I am sure everyone else there did to.

Caroline SInger

We were extremely touched by the many phone calls, cards and letters received after the Lunesdale Stud visit.  Thank you all very much.  Our apologies to those of you who phoned and asked to come after seeing the article in Horse & Hound (printed without our knowledge or permission) and who had to be disappointed as we had already invited the maximum number we had facilities for.  Our sincere thanks to all friends and family who helped in many ways, especially Paul & Bev Metcalfe and Julie Robinson and their team for putting on the Riding, Driving and Jumping demonstration, Debbie Chadwick and Di Slack for bathing three fidgety stallions and Steve Robertson for spending many hours gathering the ponies on the fell and bringing them down on cue!  Also thanks to all who gave raffle prizes and bought tickets enabling us to raise enough for Mrs. Raines' Fell Pony Society web site.

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