Choosing A Fell Pony from Dream Hayven Farm:
Two Decades of Purposeful, Proven Breeding
At Dream Hayven Farm, our commitment to the Fell Pony is not a side pursuit or a retirement hobby, it is the foundation of everything we do. For over twenty years, we have devoted ourselves exclusively to this remarkable breed, building a program rooted in education, discernment, and long-range vision.
Our work has helped shape the profile and reputation of the Fell Pony in North America, and is one of the few programs on the continent to have sustained this level of focus, depth, and consistency over two decades. Unlike breeders whose involvement has proven casual, based on convenience or even admittedly profit motivated, our breeding decisions are never rushed or ruled by a return on investment. Each pony in our herd has been carefully selected or imported with intention, guided by our direct relationships with Cumbrian breeders (many of whom were mentors to our program) and an understanding of the breed’s genetic and functional strengths. Our “Class of 2022,” for example, featured five Fell Ponies representing new choices in bloodlines that will contribute to our foaling seasons for years to come.
Dream Hayven Fell Ponies are for those who value substance, health, heritage, and quality. We do not produce foals for profit or volume; we breed for the discerning owner seeking a thoughtfully bred, authentically preserved Fell Pony, backed by a breeder with a proven track record and a vision for the breed's future.
TRANSPORT: Our ponies have been successfully shipped to their forever homes across the country, and into Canada. If needed, we are able to arrange this for you with a reputable professional transporter. When possible, we even personally deliver our ponies straight to your door!
IN-UTERO: Often times, our foals are reserved prior to birth . Please contact us if you are interested in our upcoming foals. A reasonable deposit is all that is necessary to reserve your choice of foals. We offer gender specific contracts, color specific contracts, mare-stallion specific contracts, and more- all with refundable deposits. This is also the most economical way to plan your purchase, as a discount is given for pre-season contracts.
COMPREHENSIVE VALUE: Our weanling foals are handled on a regular basis to ensure a smooth transition to their new homes, including haltering, leading, grooming, trailer loading and proper hoof handling. Additionally, our foals (and of course our entire herd!) are vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped and registered with the Fell Pony Society, all of which is included in our purchase pricing. We are also one of the select breeders in the country that cover the cost of transferring your pony into your name, handling the complication of sending paperwork to England, along with the necessary international currency. We believe this is just another example of comprehensive value, professionalism, and stewardship.
How Do You Choose the Right Fell Pony Weanling?
Insight Matters: We’re Here to Help You Choose Wisely
If you're new to the Fell Pony breed, selecting the right weanling may feel overwhelming. What sets one young pony apart from another? Which characteristics matter most for your future goals? These are important questions, because while every Fell Pony may be charming, not every one is well-suited to a lifetime of soundness, satisfaction, and partnership.
At Dream Hayven, we are here to guide you in making a well-informed, confident decision, rooted not in trends or appearances, but in the timeless traits that define a truly great Fell Pony.
In today's age of social media, forums and photo-sharing groups have amplified the voices of the misinformed. Surface-level opinions too often drown out the deeper understanding that comes only through education and hands-on experience. That’s why as Dream Hayven’s founder, I pursued and achieved the designation as one of only two Fell Pony Society (FPS, UK) Panel Judges in North America: a role that exists not for status, but for education and stewardship.
Becoming truly fluent in the breed standard means going beyond the borders of your own herd, and far beyond your screen. It requires training your eye to recognize nuance: the difference between movement that is merely pretty, and movement that is purposeful. Conformation that is correct, not just photogenic. Type that has been preserved over generations for good reason.
For years, we have traveled ‘there and back again’ to Cumbria, the ancestral home of the Fell Pony, to immerse ourselves in the environment, wisdom, and traditions of the breeders who have shaped the breed for centuries. In 2019, we extended this experience to others through our first-ever guided heritage tour. That event has evolved into the extremely popular Ponies N’ Pints Cumbrian Tours, a joyful, sweeping educational journey through the heart of Fell Pony country.
When you choose a Fell Pony from Dream Hayven, you’re not just selecting a foal, you’re stepping into a family lineage of knowledge, care, and commitment. We’ll help you make the right choice, one that will reward you for years to come. We are happy to provide a multitude of references from happy owners, many of whom are also return owners, over the history of our program. If you are interested in our free 'Buyer's Guide to Fell Ponies', please complete our request form below!