Intro
Wild ponies have been roaming the New Forest on the coast of southwest Hampshire in England for as long as anyone can remember and this is an ancient northern pony breed.
Origins
The first recorded mention of the New Forest was on a shard of English pottery that dates back to the 1st century AD. Unfortunately since then records of them have been spotty and poorly maintained, however they remain known for their supreme strength and sure-footedness. Periodically Thoroughbred and Arabian blood was added to refine appearance and add height.
In 1891 the Society for the Improvement of New Forest Ponies was formed and gathered a number of suitable stallions to run wild in the forest, the majority of this breed came under their care. Not long later in 1906 the Burley and District New Forest Pony and Cattle Breeding Society founded to register mares and young stock. The first stud book was published in 1910 and the idea was to use stallions of a variety of other native breeds were used until 1930 when the book was closed to outside breeds.
Today there are more private breeders outside the forest and the breed is becoming popular worldwide.
Features
Average height 12 – 14.2 hands
Physique
Head is pony in type and well set
Shoulder is long and sloped
Body is deep
Legs are straight with good joints
Hooves are round and hard
Traditional Colors
All solid colors
Temperament
Intelligent and docile
Use
Equestrian sports
Riding pony
Driving pony
Polo
Helpful Links
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New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society
New Forest Livestock Society
New Forest Equine Directory
New Forest Pony Society of North America
New Forest Pony Association of Australia
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