[I][I]DUSTY
Advice please

"Now I have the opportunity to have the fell but.......by my reckoning he's now about 9 or 10. I don't know anything about his life before only that for the last 4 years he's been turned out to grass."

There are stars in your eyes - so it might be a good idea to let a horsey acquaintance, who has a horse, look over this chap for you.
Older horses left out at grass present different problems. Being a Fell he might now be very independent. But there again he might welcome some attention. You are besottedd so let someone else cast an eye over for you.

"He's friendly and will let me stroke him and groom him but other than that I don't know."
My bet is that you went up with a carrot and slipped the head collar on when we wasn't looking. Try it again one your own , without the carrot.
If he lets you catch him, that's a very good sign.

"I had a pony many years ago so the actual looking after one isn't an issue, I know the costs ( the vets made a living from me )and commitment involved and I have my own land." Once bitten, twice bitten by a bug. Lucky lady.
Horses are good at eating grass - especially Fells.

"My concern is ----is he too old to work with to look at riding him?"
No he is not too old - it is just that he might now be crafty.
As for your riding him - well do you know how to do it?

"As i'm the wrong side of 40 now I don't bounce as well as I used to so falls will hurt "
Are you saying you are in your thirties???
Falling off hurts at any age - it is just that after 70 you don't heal as quickly.


If you decide to do this - you will need help. Think about where you will find it. The Fell pony can be delightful - they can be sharp little devils.
Your success lies in your willingness to learn and the pony's liking for you.

He has nothing to lose by the sound of it - you - well whats a few bruises between friends??

First thing to buy: - a riding hat
second a padded jacket which you feel comfortable in
third a BHS manual telling you how to do it.

Then open up an account at the local tack & feed shop.
B G