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| Photo supplied by the New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society (UK) Photo courtesy Anthony Reynolds © |
New Forest Ponies were named after a region in southern
England, New Forest. Their exact origin is unknown but ponies have lived in the
area for many centuries. During the 18th century the Thoroughbred stallion
Marske, father of the famous race horse Eclipse, served New Forest mares. In
the mid-19th century one of Queen Victoria's Arabian stallions was allowed to
run with the New Forest herd. Hackney blood was also introduced. The cross
breeding added to the pony's size but was harmful to the true pony element.
In order to correct the situation stallions of other native
breeds including Dales, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Fell, Highland, and Welsh Mountain
ponies were crossed with the New Forest. The result was a tough, sure footed
pony, with a free, straight action and a pleasant temperament, well adapted to
the harsh environment. Many New Forests are still running free in their native
country where they survive on meager, low quality food supply. In England the
New Forest Commoners have an annual round-up of their herd to select ponies to
be sold with the remaining stock returned to the forest.
In 1891 the Society for the Improvement of New Forest Ponies
was founded. The first studbook was published in 1910 by the Burley and
District New Forest Pony and Cattle Breeding Society. Since 1960 the New Forest
Pony Breeding and Cattle Society has published the studbook. New Forest Ponies
are also popular in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
About New Forest Pony Horses
