The local ponies are probably the most iconic part of the National Park. With their penchant for roaming wherever they please, it’s nigh-on impossible to visit the area without encountering some of these charming creatures. Whether you’re wondering what the New Forest pony is all about or where to see New Forest ponies, this guide is for you!
The history of the wild ponies of the New Forest dates back around 2,000 years. There are around 5,000 of the ponies in the area, and their situation is unique among wild animals. This is because each pony is owned by someone, referred to as a commoner.
For all you need to know about these animals, read on for some New Forest ponies facts. Followed by a section addressing frequently asked questions. From their colours and the commoners to where to see them and how to look after them, it’s all covered in the follwing guide.
New Forest Ponies Contents
New Forest Ponies Facts
British breeds
The wild New Forest ponies are just one of several native British breeds. Others include the Fell ponies of Cumbria, the Eriskay pony from the Scottish Western Isles, the Dales pony from the Yorkshire Dales, the Exmoor and Dartmoor ponies from the moors of the same name, the Shetland pony, the Highland pony and the Welsh pony.
Colours & characteristics
You can get a chestnut New Forest pony, or one in bay, grey or brown. Piebald and skewbald creatures are not classed as New Forest ponies.
The maximum height for an animal is 148 centimetres, or around 14.5 hands. While there’s no minimum height, most will be about 122 centimetres tall – or 12 hands.
Temperament
New Forest ponies are wild animals. As such, they can bite or kick. Never feed them – there’s plenty of healthy food for them to eat in the open forest.
Despite this, a New Forest pony will often have a gentle temperament. Many are family-owned, and some have even won national pony competitions.
Commoners
Commoners are locals who have the right of pasture. This means they can allow their cows, donkeys and ponies to roam freely around the area. Each animal is branded before being let loose on the open forest.
Drifts
Drifts take place annually. These occur during summer and autumn, and allows the health of each pony to be checked by their commoner owners. Foals may also be handled and weaned at this time, or reflective collars fitted so ponies can be seen in the dark.
Verderers
New Forest verderers work on a voluntary basis to protect both the commoners and the land. The Verderers Hall is in Lyndhurst, and is part of Kings House. The Court of Verderers deals with land that was formerly a Royal hunting ground.
Agisters
New Forest agisters are people employed by the verderers. They are there to assist in looking after the land and manage the animals – including the ponies – who roam freely on it. The agisters play a key role in animal welfare, and also collect branding fees from commoners.
Traffic
Unfortunately, New Forest ponies sometimes meet their end due to the actions of the driver behind the wheel. If an accident occurs, an agister may well attend. Sometimes they have to tend to injured ponies, or even put them down when that’s the most humane course of action.
Anyone who collides with a pony is bound by law to report this. Call the non-emergency police line 101, or the Forestry Commission on 0300 067 4600. During office hours, you can also call the verderers on 023 8028 2052.
Care
If you’re visiting the New Forest, you can do your bit to contribute to the welfare of the ponies. Don’t ever feed them, and always be careful. They are, in essence, wild creatures.
Unfenced roads across the forest have a speed limit of 40 miles per hour. Though you may have to drive more slowly, or even stop, when there are ponies on or near the road. Take particular care at night, when you may not spot a pony until it’s too late.
Beaulieu Road sales
Beaulieu Road pony sales are held about four times annually. The modernised sale yard is about three miles south of Lyndhurst, on the road connecting the town with the village of Beaulieu. It’s all organised by the the New Forest Livestock Society.
Habitat
The ponies are key to the way the New Forest looks. Their grazing keeps the grass short and looking trim. This results in a tidier, more well-kept area for everyone to enjoy.
In winter, the ponies may supplement their grassy diet by also eating gorse and holly. This means the shrubs don’t become too overgrown or unruly.
Flora & fauna
In fact the ponies play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem here. Flora such as wild camomile and Gladiolus Illyricus. This is the only place in Britain where the latter survives, though it can be found in Europe.
In terms of fauna, the Dartford Warbler is found on the heathlands of the forest, where gorse and heather grow. This is one of only a few strongholds the species has in the UK. The Southern Damselfly also lays its eggs in the hoofprints left behind by ponies, once they’ve been filled with water from rain or nearby streams.
Mating
Pony mating occurs during May and June, when stallions are turned out. New Forest ponies take around 11 months to reach full gestation, so foals are born during spring and summer.
Which stallions are used is up to the verderers, and the males are moved every few years to ensure fresh breeding stock. At all other times, the stallions are kept only on private land.
William the Conqueror
The fact that the owners of New Forest ponies are given the right of pasture is all down to William the Conqueror. He declared this area a royal hunting ground. Locals were allowed to graze their animals on the open forest, in recompense for some of the strict laws he imposed upon them.
New Forest Ponies FAQs
Are there wild ponies in the New Forest?
Around 5,000 ponies live in the New Forest, where they can roam freely. The ponies have lived here for about 2,000 years. Though they’re wild animals in essence, they are actually owned by commoners. They have grazing rights so that the animals can feed on the land.
Does anyone own the New Forest ponies?
The ponies found across the New Forest are actually owned by local people, known as commoners. These people have the right of pasture, which means their ponies can graze on the land and roam freely. Verderers, and agisters employed by the verderers, ensure both the land and the ponies are well cared-for.
What do New Forest ponies eat?
New Forest ponies graze on grass during the warmer months of the year. In winter, they supplement their diet with other types of plants, including gorse and holly. The ponies don’t need to be fed, as they can get all they need from the land.
Why do New Forest ponies have collars?
Some New Forest ponies are fitted with reflective collars. This is for their own safety, as sadly ponies can be severely injured or even killed by traffic. The reflective material makes them easier for drivers to see at night.
Are New Forest ponies good for beginners?
A New Forest pony can carry a child or an adult. In general they have a calm temperament, and training them is easy. So yes, one of these ponies can be perfect for a beginner.
How do I find New Forest ponies for sale?
If you live in the area and want to buy a New Forest pony, then the Beaulieu Road pony sales happen around four times per year. You can find ponies for sale by checking out the New Forest Equine Directory classified ads, the Horse Mart New Forest horses for sale page or the listings at Horse Quest UK.
How much does a New Forest Pony cost?
New Forest pony price tags vary a lot. Anything from around £1,500 up to £12,000 seems to be the range, with most costing between £3,000 and £8,000. A dressage pony will cost more, and obviously other factors such as age, temperament and breed purity also come into play.
Do New Forest ponies get stolen?
There can be a general assumption that New Forest ponies are wild, and therefore that they can be taken. However they are in fact owned by local commoners, who have the right to allow their ponies to graze on the land. So taking one would be outright theft.
Where to See New Forest Ponies
Villages
You can see New Forest ponies all over the New Forest. The villages of Burley, Brockenhurst and Beaulieu have all been good, in my experience of living in the area for around 20 years.
Wilverley Road
Wilverley Road, which stretches between Burley and Brockenhurst, is also a great place to spot them. There are plenty of scenic picnic spots and car parks along here too.
Go slow
Don’t forget to go slow for ponies if you’re driving. Remember that if you hit one, it’s an offence not to report it. Plus a commoner could lose their beloved family pony.
Take care
Never feed the ponies, and always approch with caution. Petting them isn’t a good idea, as they are essentially wild animals. Though in most cases the New Forest pony temperament is mild, some can be unpredictable.
The slow lane
Stopping while the ponies wander over the road in front of you is a fact of life in the New Forest. And seeing them close up is all part of the fun!
Cattle grids
One more word of advice from a local. When driving over cattle grids – which are everywhere in this area – don’t slow down too much. It’s a smoother ride if you approach at a reasonable speed, whether you’re in the car or cycling.
Find out more about the New Forest in a complete guide to the local towns and villages, 41 top things to do in the New Forest, the best garden centres in the New Forest and where to stay in the New Forest.
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