The Fell pony, rich in a history that is forever entwined with the unique uplands of the region, has slowly but surely attracted admirers around the globe.

Around 500 registered Fells live in Holland, with further examples of the breed to be found in America and parts of Europe and Scandinavia.

But no matter where Fell pony enthusiasts are based, they can now acquaint themselves with the tales, traditions and local practices surrounding the keeping of the breed on the county's hilltops through a South Lakeland author's latest book.

After spending some two years collecting information and stories from Fell pony breeders, Sue Millard was finally able to sit down and begin writing Hoofprints in Eden which she hopes will go some way towards quenching a thirst for knowledge on the native breed from its many fans.

Having owned, kept and competed Fells for more than 30 years, the Greenholme-based enthusiast knows a thing or two about the hardy ponies said to have originated in Roman times.

But it was the old tales and methods known only to some of the oldest Fell families in the area that she wanted to safeguard for future owners within the pages of her book.

"I didn't want to produce another history of the Fell," Mrs Millard explained.

"We've already got that in Clive Richardson's book and I didn't want to go over the same ground.

"I wanted to capture the way the ponies have always been kept on the fells so we can keep hold of that oral history before it disappears."

Having already penned One Fell Swoop and Against the Odds, Mrs Millard, who works full-time as an IT lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire's Newton Rigg campus, set about meeting and interviewing some of the most established Fell pony breeders in the area that produce the Peepings, Lownthwaite, Sleddale, Heltondale, Townend and Carrock, Waverhead, Linnel, Drybarrows, Dene, Adamthwaite, Greenholme, Lunesdale, Tebay, Murthwaite and Hardendale ponies.

"It took a long time arranging to meet people. A lot of the breeders are farmers, so I tried to choose the times of the year when they would be least busy.

"But there were a lot of important people to talk to, who told me stories and shared memories the direct transcripts of which formed the real basis of the book.

"Some people would tell me stories, and others would be able to fill in the gaps."

Her passion for Fell ponies began as a teenager during a holiday to Borrowdale from her home in Cheshire.

And it took just one ride on a bay Fell pony called Wimpsey to get her hooked.

She currently owns two Fells; a black gelding called Mr T and a bay mare named Ruby.

"They are just so versatile," said Mrs Millard.

"But I felt it was important to take down the stories and traditions before they die out. There are some young people coming through the ranks but not as many people keep them on the fells now."

Herself a panel judge for the Fell Pony Society, Mrs Millard hopes Hoofprints in Eden will help to answer the many questions put to her from overseas owners about the keeping of the breed.

"I think it has turned out even better than I anticipated, I would hope it will be a reference book.

"But, most importantly, I hope it will help inform owners of the tradition and background of the Fell pony for those that haven't actually got the Fells nearby."

l Hoofprints in Eden, by Sue Millard, is published by Hayloft Publishing Ltd, Kirkby Stephen, £17. ISBN 1 904525 34 6