The famous ponies that roam freely throughout the New Forest National Park appear to be wild, however, they are all owned by the forests' practicing Commoners. Some ponies can be handled by their owners while others have never been tamed. Each animal must be branded for identification purposes and an annual marking fee must be paid to the forest Agisters before they are allowed to graze.
Individual ponies tend to stay within a certain area, known as the 'haunt', as this will include favourite watering spots, grazing areas, shelter and shade. Many, spend their whole lives in the forest while others are sold by their owners for training or riding (their calm temperament and friendly, gentle nature makes them ideal for this).
The New Forest Pony is a recognised British Isles pony breed, highly regarded for its strength and hardiness, usually ranging in size from 12hh to 14.2hh.
There have been references to the New Forest Pony as far back as 1016 and they have played a huge part in shaping the forests' landscape since then. Arab, Welsh, Hackney, Dartmoor, Dales, Exmoor, Highland and Fell bloodlines have all been introduced over the years, and in 1891 the New Forest Pony and Cattle breeding Society was formed to 'improve' the breed. The New Forest Ponies, as we know them today, are the result of the interbreeding between these and other various bloodlines that have been pastured within the forest.
When visiting the New Forest always view the ponies from a distance, especially when they are with foals, and never feed them as this may encourage aggressive behaviour. Shetland ponies, donkeys and mules are also found within the boundaries of the National Park and these are also owned by the practicing Commoners who exercise their Commoners' rights.
When driving through the National Park please remember to keep your speed below 40mph (for the safety of all forest wildlife).