New Forest Ponies

The ponies are not truly wild, although being a hardy breed, many live free all year round. Their thick under-fur insulates them well and on cold nights, frost can form on their outer coats; this insulation serves them well in Summer too.

Many of the ponies are tolerant of humans and as long as they are approached cautiously they will get on with their grazing. Extra care should be taken around mares with foals, however, and stallions can be very protective of their harems. Ponies that live in the quieter woods away from regular human contact are much more wary and will slope off if encountered while exploring off the beaten track.