YOUR FPSNA COUNCIL

Zone 1: David Mikko ~ Vice Chairperson

(NE Coast & Eastern Canada)
Through Fall AGM 2026

Wm. David Mikko is a dedicated Fell Pony breeder and long‑time advocate for the breed, with nearly a decade of practical, hands‑on experience. His journey with Fell Ponies began in 2016, when he acquired a colt from Felllegend Farm in Northern California, an experience that launched his continuing commitment to the preservation, versatility, and responsible breeding of the Fell Pony.

Since that time, David has raised close to twenty Fell Ponies through his Drycreek breeding program. Today, the Drycreek herd consists of six brood mares and one stallion, with periods where two stallions have been maintained. His breeding program emphasizes sound conformation, strong temperaments, and usefulness true to the breed’s traditional purpose. Progeny from Drycreek can be found across the United States, reflecting the program’s national reach and reputation.

In the summer of 2022, David relocated his Fell Pony herd from the west coast of California to Upstate New York. He greatly values raising Fell Ponies in this region, where mares and foals experience all four seasons, including a long and often harsh winter. He believes these conditions contribute positively to durability, hardiness, and overall development—qualities that have defined the Fell Pony for centuries.

David particularly appreciates the breed’s versatility. His ponies are trained to pull and drive, as well as work confidently under saddle, demonstrating the Fell Pony’s adaptability for both traditional and modern uses. Through breeding, training, and mentorship, he actively promotes a well‑rounded and functional vision for the breed.

As a candidate for FPSNA Council, Zone 1 (Northeast Coast & Eastern Canada), David brings a perspective shaped by geographic diversity, practical breeding experience, and a sincere commitment to collaboration within the Fell Pony community. He is dedicated to supporting responsible breeders, encouraging education, and helping to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the Fell Pony throughout the region.

Zone 2: Jill Rabenstein ~ Executive Sectretary

(Southeastern Seaboard)
Through Fall AGM 2026
 

Jill Rabenstein started her pony adventures first as an adult amateur rider and “show mom” to her son who participated in Pony Club, Show Jumping, and Eventing. This role, along with many hours of horse show volunteering, allowed her to learn the ins and outs of horse management, show organization, and cooperative planning.

Jill purchased her first Fell Pony, Moonlit Truffles, in 2023. Since then, Jill has enthusiastically been promoting the Fell Pony to those in the horse community around her, attending riding clinics and shows. She champions the Fell Pony not only as an outstanding riding partner with its energy, sharp mind, and even temperament, but also as a lovely family pony that everyone in her household loves to visit with and handle. 

Zone 3: POSITION OPEN

Zone 4: Jenifer Morrissey ~ Treasurer

(Plains &Southwest)
Through Fall AGM 2026
 

I was humbled to be nominated by my colleagues to stand for election to FPSNA Council and then to be elected by membership. Thank you! I have been stewarding Fell Ponies since 2000 when there were just 30 ponies on the continent. Personally, I've contributed to the increase in population since then by both breeding and importing. My numerous trips to Cumbria have often been shopping trips but also getting to know the long-time stewards of our breed. I was pleased to share about those enduring stewards in the book I helped FPSNA produce in 2024. Having served once before on FPSNA Council, I am pleased to be helping out again with the role of Treasurer. I also hope to bring back to the organization a focus on breed conservation and member education, sharing from my own research and study about our breed and from my experiences mentoring others. Over the years, I've found that there's always more to learn and discover about Fell Ponies!

 Zone 5: Elise Miller ~ Chairperson
(Western Canada and USA)
Through Fall AGM 2026
    

Elise Miller first discovered Fell Ponies in 2004 and was immediately inspired by a visit to Mustahevonen Farm in Rainier, Washington. Soon afterward, she purchased her first Fell mare, Newfarm Minneola, beginning a journey that has grown into more than two decades with the breed.  Since then, Elise has maintained a small breeding herd in northwest Washington, producing one or two foals in select years. She has enjoyed exploring the breed's remarkable versatility through trail riding, recreational drill team, dressage, and trail obstacles.  One of the things Elise appreciates most about Fell Ponies is their adaptability and willingness to excel in a variety of disciplines. She also enjoys encouraging and supporting others as they discover the breed and develop partnerships with their own ponies.  Committed to continually learning about the breed, Elise has traveled to the United Kingdom to see Fell Ponies in their native homeland and to meet many of the longtime breeders and stewards who have helped preserve their history and characteristics.

Promotions Director:  Taylor Bie
Through Fall AGM 2026
 

Taylor Bie first discovered Fell Ponies over 8 years ago at a local horse park when she first saw “Littletree Limited Edition” and fell in love from there. From there Taylor had always admired the Fell Pony breed and hoped to own her own one day. A few years later Taylor had the opportunity to show an incredible imported mare and that is where the true journey started. From there Taylor and her family ended up importing a filly and a pregnant mare from the UK with the hopes of having a very small and select breeding program while being able to show off how incredibly versatile these ponies are, which is what she appreciates the most about the breed. From lessons, to showing, to fox hunting, to carriage driving, to mounted shooting, to trail rides the Fell Ponies always step up to the occasion. Taylor is committed to help preserve and promote these wonderful ponies while always continuing her education.

Elected Council positions are three year terms, all on a rolling basis so that no more than one third of Council is up for election at any one time.

Officer positions are determined by private Council election per our FPSNA Bylaws.

Please contact FPSNA at fpsnasecretary@gmail.com with any questions or concerns regarding our governance and procedures.