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Revision as of 16:51, 18 February 2005
New Forest Ponies or “Foresters" originated in the New Forest region of England, and today are bred at private studs.
Breed Characteristics
The breed varies considerably. Height ranges from 12 to 14.2 hh. The smaller ponies generally have a more refined look, the larger ponies tend to have more bone and substance. The head usually lacks pony characteristics. All Foresters have straight limbs, a compact back, sloping shoulder, and possess a great temperament, with a willing and honest attitude, alert but sensible. They are agile, have a good jump, and plenty of stamina.
All colors except pinto and cream are accepted, although most ponies are bay or brown.
History of the New Forest Pony
The ponies began in the New Forest region of Britain, and have lived in a semi-wild state since the 10th century. In 1208, a total of 18 Welsh pony mares were added to the native New Forest stock. Then in 1765, the Thoroughbred stallion Marske (the sire of the famous Eclipse) was bred with the local New Forest mares, producing larger and more refined ponies. His influence can still be seen today with the large heads, long and low stride, and good shoulder conformation of the ponies.
Thoroughbred blood was again added in the 1850s. From 1852-1860, Queen Victoria lent her Arabian stallion Zorah to refine the ponies, and then sent the Barb stallion Yirrassan and another Arabian stallion, Abeyan, in 1889. In the 1890s, other breeds were also used to enhance the breed, including the Dales Pony, Fell Pony, Highland Pony, Exmoor, and Dartmoor.
In 1891, the Association for the Improvement of New Forest Ponies was founded, aiming to find good stallions to breed with New Forest mares. The studbook was started in 1910.
The New Forest Pony Today
The New Forest Pony still travels freely in the Forest, and is owned privately by those who have grazing rights. Annual sales are held to sell the surplus ponies, some being exported to Europe, North America, and Australia for use as ponies for children, and for breeding in those countries.
New Forest Ponies are used for a variety of disciplines, including eventing, show jumping, dressage, endurance riding, driving, gymkhana and hunter classes.
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