JKL Istas, Registered Fell pony

Born in 2010, Istas is Feathered Foothill’s first beloved Fell Pony. She is the one that sowed the seed for a passion that would bloom over the years. While jogging in an area park, Mt. Pisgah, Springfield, Oregon, she was the first Fell pony I had seen before I knew what one was. There she was with her long wavy black tail, and shimmering coppery bay body, being ponied by a local trainer behind another Fell.

Based on recommendations of docile breeds by a trainer that I had befriended, I sought out the Fell. A Google search assisted and the connection between that gorgeous pony I saw at the park and the breed recommended, coincided. This beautiful mare was also for sale, 90 days broke to saddle by the time I inquired.

And indeed the journey began.

Istas is an American Indian word for “snow” and she was born on the coast of Oregon to a small farm with the prefix, JKL (initials of each sister in the family) owned by Kathy Haines.

Istas was born out of an unplanned breeding (allegedly) out of her dam MUSTAHEVONEN RHEGEDS INKERI and sire, GEORDANS PRINCE BALOO. Their lines are from Heltondale, Sleddale, Wellbrow, Guards, and Townend.

Inkeri in foal, was acquired through a herd dispersal after tragedy struck. In October 2009, Wendy Ihlang of MustaHevonen Farm, sadly passed away in a fatal car accident. Wendy was the West Coast’s first Fell pony breeder.

Istas is considered bay in color, is 13.1.5hh in height. Her petite stature belies her powerful presence and athleticism. Her expertise lies in trail riding and in the discipline of Mountain Trail over the last five years and she has won Champion and Reserve Champion titles in novice and advanced, riding and in-hand showing at the Oregon Horse Center. She has also won ribbons at a rare breed equine show (SANA) at the California Horse Expo in 2019, showcasing her prowess in obstacle courses, she placed 2nd. She is an excellent ambassador to the breed, can be ridden by just about anyone, and has represented and introduced many people to the Fell breed at the Mother Earth Magazine Fair in 2018 and 2019 and most recently was a breed ambassador at the Washington State Fair in 2022 with her herd mate Littletree Matador. She also acquired a handful of accolades over the last five years through the Performance Point Premium Awards through the Fell Pony Society of North America. She also enjoys horse camping yearly. Our favorite spot is Mildred Kanipe Park in Oregon. Mildred, a child of English immigrants, acquired 1000s of acres of land as a single woman keeping sheep and bequeathed this land to Douglas County and passed in 1940.

Of note: photo credits to Jason Petorak, 2023 OHC Mountain Trail show.