More stallions turned out to help protect New Forest pony breed

There's a plea for National Park users to respect the stallions

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 11th May 2022

For the second year running 20 stallions have been turned out on the New Forest up from 10 in 2020.

It's to help boost the population of pure bred New Forest ponies after the breed was placed on a watch list by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

The stallions are specially chosen by the New Forest Breeding and Cattle Society along with the verderers.

The male ponies are turned out in specific areas like Woodgreen, Ibsley and Eyeworth and must be brought back in by the 11th July.

Members of the public are being asked to keep their distance extra and not to walk or ride through the pony herds whilst dog owners are urged to keep their pets on leads near the animals.

A video released by the Commoners Defence Association shows just how unpredictable the stallions and herds can be.

You can find out where the stallions have been released and in which locations on the verderers website although we're asked to bear in mind that they don't always stay where they are put!

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