Horse riding in The New Forest is one of the finest ways to experience the natural beauty of the National Park. With over 3,000 New Forest Ponies roaming the beautiful and varying landscapes, The New Forest is truly the perfect backdrop for a relaxing hack or carriage ride.
Where can I ride a horse in the New Forest?
Forest Rides and Riding Lessons
- Arniss Equestrian. Godshill, Fordingbridge.
- Bagnum Riding Stables. Bagnum, Ringwood.
- Eastmoors Riding School. Ringwood Road, St Leonards.
- 4 Seasons Forest Rides. Ringwood.
- Burley Villa School of Riding. Wootton.
- Ford Farm Stables. Brockenhurst.
- Manor Equestrian Centre. Ower.
- New Forest Polo School. Sway.
Where can I ride in New Forest?
Brockenhurst Riding Stables New Forest. A wonderful horse riding experience in the New Forest National Park.
Can you ride a horse in the forest?
Rarely you’ll need a permit to ride, or a specially designated area to camp, but it’s definitely best to have all the information in advance. Many forests post their horseback riding trails and the associated rules online for easy access.
Are New Forest ponies wild?
All of the ponies found in the forest are wild in the sense they can roam freely but in fact they are owned by New Forest Commoners. The commoners have the right to graze their ponies and cattle on the open forest throughout the year.
Do New Forest ponies make good riding ponies?
Well known for their hardiness they have a gentle nature and make great riding ponies but beware, stallions let out for breeding with the mares between April and July, or a mare with her foal, can become aggressive and dangerous so keep your distance.
Do New Forest ponies have owners?
All the ponies, donkeys, cows and pigs that you will see roaming in the New Forest belong to local people called ‘commoners’ who have the right to graze their animals on the open Forest throughout the year (or part of the year in the case of pigs). The New Forest is really one big farm, and these are ‘farm animals’.
Can you touch the horses in the New Forest?
Horses in the New Forest – image by Echo Camera Club Dorset member Claire Sheppard. They are best treated as wild animals so you should not touch them or feed them; they are put out to graze on the land by the commoners so should be left to eat their own natural food which is in abundance within the park.
Where is the best view of New Forest ponies?
One of the best villages to see the ponies is Beaulieu. This gorgeous little village seems to be a magnet for ponies, and they almost appear to be happy to pose for a photo! In the village, the ponies like to hang around Hatchets Pond and Culverley Green.
Can you touch animals in New Forest?
The New Forest is well-known for its roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and in some places, sheep. For their safety and your own please don’t feed or pet them; there is plenty of natural food and it’s best that they don’t come to rely on people’s attention.
Can you legally ride a horse around?
In most states, horse riders and handlers of horse-drawn vehicles can use the roads and must adhere to all local traffic laws. The animal’s owner should still exercise caution and try to keep the road open for easy traffic flow.
Can you ride on ponies?
Properly trained ponies are appropriate mounts for children who are learning to ride. Larger ponies can be ridden by adults, as ponies are usually strong for their size.
Is Feeding New Forest ponies illegal?
Feeding ponies causes serious issues in the New Forest and is against byelaws.
What happens to male New Forest ponies?
These stallions are carefully selected each year to ensure a good blood-line and only approved stallions can be released. At other times of the year the stallions are kept on private land to the south east of the Forest. Young male ponies (colts) are usually taken off the Forest in January of their second year.
Do they cull New Forest ponies?
This is how the population of the New Forest ponies is managed today – and not by culling, as happens in some wild horse populations in other countries – however, there were attempts in Tudor times to improve the breed by slaughtering smaller, under-height animals.
Are New Forest ponies sold for meat?
They then sell them on to the French – where the rogue burger meat is believed to have originated. He said: “It may well be that people are eating New Forest ponies. “It is not something we promote. It is a last resort but there are definitely a few that get taken to the slaughterhouse.
What is the best pony for riding?
Top 5 Pony Breeds For Children And Small Adults
- Welsh Pony. Welsh Ponies are not only athletic, but also sturdy and dependable.
- Pony of Americas. You’ll be seeing a whole of spots with the Pony of Americas or POA.
- Shetland Pony.
- Connemara Pony.
- Quarter Pony.
Do ponies like being ridden?
Conclusion. There is no definitive answer to the question of whether horses like being ridden. While some horses seem to enjoy the companionship and the attention that they receive from their riders, others may find the experience to be uncomfortable or even stressful.
How old should a pony be before riding?
To ensure no damage to the horse’s growth process, it should be at least two years old. However, many equine enthusiasts and professionals would agree that it’s better to wait between three and four years before starting the process.
What happens to The New Forest ponies in winter?
Exact location often depends on the time of year and weather conditions – winter, for example, will often find New Forest ponies deep in the woods, sheltering from the wind and cold, whilst at other times of year, they are more likely to be out in the open.
Can New Forest ponies jump?
The ideal New Forest pony is considered a working type, meaning that his conformation should help him to carry a heavy weight, jump and tackle tricky terrain. They have sloping shoulders and strong, well-built quarters.