Guide to New Forest Ponies

One of the most iconic and beloved sights of the New Forest is, of course, the free-roaming ponies. 

The ponies’ grazing plays an important role in shaping the landscape, and it’s often them we have to thank for the neat grassy areas. There are lots of places where you can spot the famous ponies and it’s always a delight when they make an appearance! 

Here’s what you need to know about these New Forest locals…

The ponies and other free-roaming animals (such as donkeys, cows and pigs) are owned by local people in the commoning community. As ‘commoners’, they have the right to graze their animals throughout the open forest as per ancient laws. 

While it is the owners’ responsibility to ensure the good health of their animals, forestry officials known as Verderers employ five ‘Agisters’ who help manage the free-roaming animals. Commerns pay an annual marking fee to fund this management and general care of the animals.

The practice of commoning in the area dates back to when William the Conqueror made the forest his private hunting grounds. This imposed new rules on locals, so in return, they were given the common right to pasture – meaning they had the right to graze livestock on the ‘common’ land (i.e. the New Forest). 

Commoning remains a proud tradition in the New Forest, with many families being able to trace a history of the practice back through the generations. 

To learn a bit more about what makes the area so special, see our guide to the New Forest – a great overview if you’re visiting for the first time. 

While the New Forest ponies are ‘wild’ in the sense that they are free to roam as they please, as discussed above, they are actually privately owned and not wild animals. 

This being said, they are not tame and may be described as ‘semi-feral’. As such, they don’t like to be handled by people and can bite and kick, so when you spot them, it’s better to keep your distance. 

There are currently around 5,000 ponies who roam around the National Park. The Agisters help manage the population – currently, there are approximately 10-15 stallions turned out in breeding season to limit the number of new foals.

Usually, you won’t have to look too far before you encounter a group of ponies, but there are a few particular spots where they like to congregate: 

• Beaulieu – This is one of the best places to see them as they like to visit Culverley Green and Hatchets Pond. 
• 
  Lyndhurst – The heath and open moorland around here are great for pony sightings – head along the Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green Circular Walk for a lovely scenic route. 
• 
  Brockenhurst – Ponies often visit The Watersplash, a stream that flows over the road, where they drink from on their way to the nearby heathland. 
• 
  Burley – You’ll often see ponies around this charming village – take the circular walk for a decent chance of seeing them. 
• 
  Tanners Lane Beach – Sometimes the ponies like to pop down here for a paddle or roll around on the sand. 

Ultimately, if you want to see a New Forest pony, simply head on a countryside adventure, through woodland, heathland and moorland and you’re likely to come across one eventually! 

Seeing the ponies on your travels is exciting, but there are a few points to be aware of to ensure their safety and your own:

// Keep your distance: Most ponies are happier being left alone, so it’s best not to approach them. They can be unpredictable and may bite or kick when they feel threatened, especially if they’re protecting their young.

// Don’t feed them: Giving the ponies human food can damage the local ecosystem and ponies’ health – it is prohibited. The forest provides plenty of food for them so there’s no need to give them anything, even things like carrots.

//Be careful on roads: Ponies have right of way, so remain really careful on the roads and keep a lookout for them. Some ponies will have reflective collars but not all do, so stay extra mindful of your speed and surroundings.

Just be respectful and follow the most up-to-date guidelines and you’re sure to have a wonderful New Forest pony experience!

If you’re keen to encounter horses and ponies that are more than happy to make friends with people, there are several fantastic riding schools around the New Forest. For all the best local hacks, check out our guide to horse riding experiences in the New Forest.

Where to Stay to See New Forest Ponies

Our luxury accommodation in the New Forest includes a diverse range of holiday homes and cottages, with many nestled in the depths of the countryside. Stay next to open woodland and pony-dotted fields for a quintessential New Forest experience.