Top prices paid for semi-feral ponies

A breed of pony popular with the Queen has left its home of more than 50 years and been sold around the world – fetching top prices.

Record sale

Murthwaite Stud has been dispersed and the Fell ponies sold at auction following the death of Thomas Bracken Capstick, who founded the stud in 1962.

The sale at North West Auctions (4 July) attracted a huge amount of interest with people attending from all around the UK, Europe and America.

The Queen who already owns several Murthwaite ponies, bought Murthwaite Taylor Maid, a six-year-old black mare.

One buyer from Florida paid a record amount for Murthwaite Mercy. Thefive-year-old mare sold for a 7,000 guinneas (£7,350), which is the highest price recorded for a Fell pony at auction.

Semi-feral

Thomas’s Fells enjoyed great success in the show ring, with many wins at Horse of the Year Show and Olympia. However, unlike many pampered show ponies, the Murthwaite herd was bred to thrive in their natural habitant. They lived on the hills of Cumbria in all weathers and had 18 miles to roam around.

Following the success of the auction there are now no Murthwaite Ponies running freely on Howgill Fell for the first time in 52 years.