New Forest Pony

The New Forest Pony is Britain’s second largest pony. Its history is uncertain.

Today herds of New Forest Ponies roam in the Hampshire forests, which being quite barren support only small grasses and trees along with the ever present heather.

In the 1850’s an Arab stallion was let out into the forest with the goal of improving the pony. Whatever effect this had is uncertain. Others following this example have tried to improve the pony over the 20th century meeting the same doubtful effects. Recently however, the herd was allowed to develop on its own and it has achieved a balance where it now again consistently breeds true to type. New Forest Ponies have lately been exported to many countries.

The New Forest Pony does not have any official standard except that they must originate from the New Forest herds. They are generally 12 to 14.2 hands with coats mostly coloured bay and brown. They have a large head, a short neck, dropping and narrow quarters. Their shoulders are good. As a result of living on difficult terrain covered with heather, small trees and endless rabbit warrens they have acquired a sense of surefootedness with good action.

The New Forest Pony has adjusted to the cars, trucks and people who visit their territory. Once properly trained, they are considered good mounts that are not easily distracted by traffic. They can travel very quickly over difficult terrain and are known to be gentle and honest workers. The New Forest Pony are said to have courage and to be quite intelligent.

The New Forest Pony is a hardy animal which can survive in difficult environments. Because these ponies are quite large they are used frequently in harness being able to safely handle heavy carts.