New Forest Pony
The New Forest Pony
One of the most unique features of the New Forest National Park are her ponies. New Forest ponies still roam wild through much of the New Forest. A right afforded to New Forest Commoners who can keep ponies in the Forest.
Ponies on Cranesmoor New Forest
These are hardy, robust animals, able to withstand the harsh winters but are free to roam where they wish.
New Forest ponies in the snow covered New Forest
The New Forest Pony is not a descendent of any ponies who made it to English soil when the Spanish Armada was wrecked as some have recorded, but an ancient breed of pony who even before history has grazed and foraged in the forest.
Once a year the New Forest ponies are rounded up in a "Drift". Herded into stockades, checked by vets, wormed, and the foals are branded by their owners before all are once more set free to roam where they wish. Several times a year some of these ponies will be traded at the New Forest Pony Sale at Beaulieu.
New Forest Ponies at Beaulieu Pony Sale
