Learning Wild: Cumbria

Learning Wild in Cumbria

Discover the Heritage and Ecology of the Fell Ponies

Join us for a three-day immersive experience in the heart of the Lake District, where the free-living herds of Fell ponies have shaped the landscape for generations. This unique Learning Wild course, in collaboration with the Fell Heritage Trust, offers a rare opportunity to observe these beautiful, hardy and intelligent ponies in their natural environment while exploring their deep historical, cultural, and ecological significance.

For centuries, Fell ponies have played a vital role in Cumbrian hill farming, supporting traditional land management and thriving in the rugged terrain. Their presence continues to be crucial in conservation grazing, helping to maintain biodiversity, preserve native flora, and shape the landscape.

Through guided observation, discussion, and hands-on learning, we will explore how these ponies interact with their environment, each other, and humans, past and present.

What You will Learn

Led by equine behaviour specialists Dr. Emily Kieson, & Bonny Mealand with contributions from the Fell Heritage Trust, this course blends scientific study with cultural history, offering a holistic understanding of these incredible ponies.

• Equine Ethology & Social Learning: Understanding herd dynamics, conflict resolution, and relationships.
• The Art & Science of Observation: Learning to watch without interference, recognising subtle behaviours.
• Ecological Significance – Exploring the role the ponies play in maintaining landscapes, soil health, and biodiversity.
• Cultural & Historical Importance: The deep-rooted connections between Fell ponies, hill farming, and local traditions.
• From Free-Living to Working Partner: How these ponies have adapted to both independent living and working alongside people.

Who is this Course For?

• Horse owners and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of equine behaviour and history.
• Conservationists and ecologists exploring the role of equines in land management.
• Anyone passionate about native ponies, history, and sustainable land use.

YOUR HOSTS

Emily Kieson (Equine International) holds a PhD in Comparative Psychology, a MS in Psychology, and a graduate degree in Equine Science. Her research focuses on equine behavioural psychology, equine welfare, and horse-human interactions as they apply to both horse owners and equine- assisted activities and learning programs. Her current research focuses on equine affiliative behaviours to study how horses create and maintain social bonds and how those can overlap with human affiliative behaviours to create authentic lasting friendships between horses and humans. She also has a passion for supporting sustainable systems of horse management and husbandry that promote physical and psychological welfare of the horse while simultaneously supporting sustainable ecosystem practices on small and large scales (for both feral and domestic equids).

To learn more about Emily and Equine International please click here:
 Equine International

Bonny Mealand (Touching Wild) qualified as an Equine Podiatrist in 2005 and has been committed to understanding, implementing and promoting a whole horse approach to health and well-being ever since. Bonny specialises in working with wild, free-living equines and “difficult” domestic equines by building trust and helping them learn to be handled in a low stress way. A short clip of Bonny working with some Takhi horses can be viewed here - BBC Inside the Zoo.
Bonny is committed to constantly learning as much about and from equines as possible. Believing that it is possible to define what a life of quality looks like at both a species and individual level. She then uses this perspective to implement a high standard of welfare into their domesticated lives. She is also a retained Firefighter, Somatic Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher and BHS Welfare Advisor and is a MSc student at the Dick vet (University of Edinburgh) studying Equine Science.

To learn more about Bonny’s work please click here: Facebook | 
Instagram

She is also the UK representative of the world renown Equine Ethologist Lucy Rees

www.lucyrees.uk

For Full details click here:
Cumbria Course