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The Forest is famous for its wildlife, particularly ponies and cattle. Allthough they appear to be wild, in fact they are all owned by the 400 or so Commoners in the Forest.


About 3000 New Forest ponies wander freely across heaths, woodland, roads and often into villages. Most are of the New Forest breed, which is unique and has changed very little over the Forest's 900 year history.

Ponies wander freely

There are other breeds, such as Shetland Ponies, in smaller numbers. You may see these near Stoney Cross.

The ponies are owned by around 400 Commoners who have the right to allow their animals to graze on forest land.


The Forest Agisters keep watch on the condition of the ponies. The agisters are also responsible for dealing with any animals which are killed in road accidents. The introduction of a 40mph speed limit has reduced the number of accidents and many of the ponies wear reflective collars to make them more visible at night.

Although they appear tame and are accustomed to people and cars, the ponies are still effectively wild and may bite or kick, so it's sensible to take care and certainly to avoid standing behind them!

A New Forest pony watches over the carpark at Burley

Grazing is very important to the forest conservation and there are byelaws which make it an offence to feed a pony or any other forest animal.

Ponies tend to remember where they were fed and will come back expecting more food, rather than wandering off to graze.

If feeding were allowed to continue this could upset the balance of the Forest.

A horse fair

Six times a year, surplus ponies are sold at the horse fair near Beaulieu. The event attracts large numbers, many hoping to buy a riding pony for their stable.

Animals are auctioned and sold either for riding or occasionally as meat.

European funding was given recently to a project launching a refurbished pony sales ring near Lyndhurst. It's hoped that the new facility will help to raise awareness of the breed and therefore increase prices.

In spite of the popularity of the traditional horse fairs, the market has suffered. Ponies have been known to sell for just a few pounds and it has been difficult for Commoners to actually make a living this way.