New Forest Ponies

No visit to the New Forest is complete without spotting its most iconic residents - the free-roaming New Forest ponies. Around 5,000 ponies graze openly across the landscape, shaping the character and ecology of the New Forest National Park and offering a living link to traditions that span centuries.

These animals aren’t wild in the legal sense - they are owned and cared for by New Forest commoners, local people with historic rights to graze livestock on the open forest. But the ponies do roam freely and independently, and must be admired from a respectful distance. 

A tradition that shapes the land

Commoning dates back over 900 years, to the time of William the Conqueror. Today, it’s still very much alive - and it’s the grazing of ponies, cattle, and other livestock that keeps the New Forest’s mosaic of habitats thriving. Their natural browsing encourages rare wildflowers such as chamomile and wild gladiolus, which in turn support species like the Dartford warbler and southern damselfly - the latter even lays its eggs in water-filled hoofprints.

Think of the New Forest as one enormous, ancient farm - cared for by both nature and people, working in harmony.

Where to spot the ponies in the New Forest

With such large numbers, you’ll likely see New Forest ponies within minutes of arriving - dotted across open grassland, gathering under the trees in ancient woodland, grazing in groups beside quiet lanes, or even strolling through villages. The New Forest offers plenty of natural food and freedom for them to move with the seasons.

Some ponies wear reflective silver collars, fitted after the seasonal roundups (or “drifts”) to improve visibility at night. But not all ponies wear them, so always take care when driving, particularly in low light. Remember, ponies have the right of way on New Forest roads, and it’s vital to slow down and stay alert - especially at night.

What makes a New Forest pony?

New Forest ponies are a native breed, hardy and adaptable, with a reputation for gentle temperaments and sure-footedness. They come in many colours - most commonly bay, chestnut and brown - and must not exceed 148cm in height.

Mares typically foal in spring and early summer. Stallions are turned out briefly each year - currently from May to June - with strict limits set by the Verderers to protect the health and quality of the forest-bred stock.

Though they are generally semi-feral and free-roamers shouldn't be handled, New Forest ponies raised for sale at the Beaulieu Road pony sales have gone on to become successful family ponies and show winners.

Who looks after the ponies?

All free-roaming ponies are the responsibility of their commoner owners, who ensure they are healthy and well cared for. Supporting this system are five Agisters, employed by the Verderers of the New Forest. They monitor the welfare of all stock on the open forest, assist during incidents and road accidents, and organise the drifts - the annual roundups which allow for health checks, foal weaning and tail marking.

Tail clips identify ponies by Agister area and show that their marking fees have been paid - another sign of the careful management that supports the commoning system.

Be a forest-friendly visitor

While they may look tame, New Forest ponies are not pets - they are free-roaming animals, and must be admired from a distance. For your safety and theirs, please do not feed or touch them. Human food can be dangerous, and encouraging contact can lead to injury for both visitors and animals.

Sadly, road traffic poses a serious threat to forest stock. If you’re involved in a collision with a pony or other animal, it is an offence not to report it. Carry an Animal Emergency Hotline card and keep the numbers to hand.

Help keep the ponies safe

• Always keep your distance and never feed the ponies

• Be extra cautious when driving - animals may appear suddenly

• Stick to speed limits (max 40mph on unfenced roads)

• Report any accidents involving ponies or cattle

• Follow the New Forest Code to protect the animals and the land they help care for

Part of the New Forest’s living story

The New Forest ponies are part of what makes this place so special - not just as a charming sight, but as guardians of the land itself. They connect us to the past, shape the present, and carry the New Forest’s legacy forward.

Let’s do our part to protect them in return.