Advice for Riding in the New Forest

The New Forest is a paradise for any horse and rider and offers some of the most unique riding experiences in the south of England. It is however this  uniqueness that can take even the most experienced rider by surprise. The below advice and information is designed to inform visitors what to expect and how to conduct themselves when riding in the New Forest.

Livestock: When riding out on the New Forest you are bound to encounter some if not all the types of livestock (cows, donkeys, pigs, ponies and sheep) that roam freely throughout the area. Although the animals on the forest will generally not bat an eyelid at you please be aware they are present. Please keep your distance, do not touch or feed them.   

Stallions: From April until July New Forest Stallions are let out onto the forest to breed with the mares. The New Forest Stallions tend to be found with herds of mares. Please keep away from the stallions and in particular do not to get amongst the mares when there is a stallion with them or between a stallion and his mares.

Drifts/Round Ups: From August until November New Forest Ponies are rounded up by the New Forest Agister's and the commoners that own the ponies. This can be a very dangerous and is not a public event. Please keep away from an area if a round up is taking place. You can find the drift lists on the New Forest Verderers website www.verderers.org.uk.    

Drag Hunting: Please be aware The New Forest has a drag hunt which hunt across the whole of the New Forest.  The New Forest  Hounds  meet on a Tuesday and a Saturday from November until the end of February. So please be aware of this if you are riding at this time. If you would like further information on the hunt visit newforesthounds.co.uk or e-mail alan@horsestabling.com.

Gates: The New Forest has hundreds of gates which you will have to open and close to gain access to different areas. Speaking from experience trying to get a horse to open and shut a get can be a difficult task! Please make sure all gates are shut behind you to avoid any livestock escaping!

The Forestry Commission manage the Landscape of the New Forest and have produced a code of conduct for riding. When riding please keep to the below code to ensure the landscape remains a beautiful environment for everyone to enjoy. Thank you.  

The New Forest Horse Riding Code

1. Keep to the tracks when the ground is soft or muddy. When there is no alternative keep to a slow pace.

2. Take an alternative route to avoid soft slopes. Riding straight up and down causes erosion.

3. Avoid widening existing tracks, or creating new ones. Keep off re-seeded areas and recently reinstated rides.

4. Vary your route on the forest to spread the wear and tear.

5. Keep to the tracks when birds are nesting on the ground (1st March - 31st July)

6. Slow down and call out a warning when approaching other forest users. Be courteous and friendly.

7. Do not build jumps or create lunging areas on the forest.

8. Keep away from any work taking place in the Forest.

9. Never ride more than two abreast. Limit groups to a maximum of eight horses on the road.

10. When leaving Forestry Commission Land remember to use the bridle ways provided.

11. On private land riders must keep to public rights of way shown on Ordnance Survey maps*.

* Ordnance Survey maps of The New Forest can be purchased on our e shop