New Forest Pony: Size, Temperament and Care

Who a New Forest Pony Suits

New Forest ponies suit families who want one pony that a child and a smaller adult can share, riders who want an all-rounder for hacking, jumping and riding club, and drivers. Larger Forest ponies carry adults well.

Ponies bred on the Forest may arrive unhandled, which needs an experienced person. A well-schooled, older pony makes the best first pony.

Ponies of the Forest

Ponies have grazed the New Forest for centuries. They are owned by commoners, local people with the right to turn animals out on the Forest, and their grazing helps shape its heaths and lawns. The New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society keeps the stud book.

Semi-wild ponies living on the Forest need a passport in England only if they are enclosed on private land or treated by a vet. If you visit the Forest, admire the ponies from a distance and don't feed them.

Feeding and Grazing

Like most native ponies, New Forest ponies evolved on poor, rough grazing and are very good at turning a little food into a lot of pony. On rich lowland grass that talent becomes a problem: they put on weight fast, and extra weight raises the risk of laminitis. Ask your vet whether your pony's grazing should be limited, especially in spring and early summer.

Base the diet on forage: grass in moderation and weighed hay, often in a small-hole haynet. Most need little or no bucket feed, just a ration balancer or mineral lick for vitamins and minerals, plus salt and fresh water. Read feeding horses forage first and body condition scoring.

Hooves, Teeth, Coat and Weather

Forest ponies are known for sound legs and feet; still, pick out feet daily and book the farrier every few weeks. Dental checks at least once a year keep them comfortable in the bit.

Most grow a good winter coat. A pony in regular work may be clipped and need a blanket (rug), while one living out unclipped with shelter often doesn't. See the blanket weight guide.

Company, Space and Handling

Like all ponies, New Forests need equine company and daily turnout. They are used to roaming, so plenty of space or a track system suits them well. See grazing and pasture management.

Health: Preventive Care

Book a check-up soon after your pony arrives, and ask your vet about vaccinations and a worming plan guided by fecal egg counts. Plan for the farrier every few weeks and a dental check at least once a year. Score body condition every few weeks, by hand: weight creeps on quietly, especially on spring grass.

Worming, vaccinations and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your pony and where you live.

Buying, Loaning or Rescuing

Breeders, breed society events and rehoming charities are good places to look; Forest-bred youngsters are often sold at local sales. Have a vet do a pre-purchase examination, check the passport, and ask about handling, traffic and the farrier. See buying a horse.