Although more docile than the New Forest ponies, it is important for both your safety and the safety of the New Forest animals that you do not approach or stroke them and remember to keep your distance.
Are you allowed to stroke New Forest ponies?
Feeding ponies causes serious issues in the New Forest and is against byelaws.
Are you allowed to touch the horses in the New Forest?
No, please do not touch the New Forest Ponies, or any other animal in the New Forest. They may look cute and friendly, but they can be unpredictable and are best treated as wild. Please admire them from a distance.
Do donkeys roam in the New Forest?
There are only a few hundred donkeys turned-out in the New Forest, compared with thousands of ponies and cattle. But they are quite visible, often seen roaming in villages such as Beaulieu. Donkeys are smaller and generally more docile than New Forest ponies.
Who owns the donkeys in the New Forest?
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’.
How many New Forest ponies are killed each year?
It encourages them to car parks and the roadside where they become involved in traffic accidents – each year around 100 animals killed or injured. It should always be remembered that ponies have the right of way on all Forest roads that are unfenced and speed is invariably a factor in accidents involving them.
Are New Forest ponies wormed?
The ponies are gathered annually in a series of drifts, to be checked for health, wormed, and they are tail-marked; each pony’s tail is trimmed to the pattern of the Agister responsible for that pony.
Can you feed the donkeys in the New Forest?
Keeping our donkeys safe
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. They may look friendly but they can bite and kick, especially donkeys with young.
What animals roam free in the New Forest?
Probably the most well-known fact about the New Forest is that it is home to thousands of free-roaming animals. As you travel across the National Park you will see ponies, cattle, donkeys, pigs and sheep. They could be grazing on gorse, wandering through villages or even crossing roads.
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 feed the donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary?
During the spring and summer the donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary have access to restricted grazing. In addition to the restricted grazing our donkeys always have access to barley straw to ensure they are getting plenty of fibre to meet their nutritional needs.
Are there bears in the New Forest?
Well, to be accurate, it is a forest, and you won’t spot bears, but you will find New Forest ponies. I have been visiting Hampshire for many years and still think one of the best things to do in the New Forest is to drive through and see the free-roaming, wild ponies.
How often do donkeys come into season?
every 18-24 days
Female donkeys
Mares generally come into season every 18-24 days depending on the individual. During the cycle they may have days when their behaviour is particularly difficult and days when their behaviour is normal or even very friendly.
Does anyone famous live in the New Forest?
Chris Packham
The wildlife-loving TV presenter was born in nearby Southampton but grew up in the New Forest and remains a resident to this day.
Why are there no sheep in the New Forest?
Sheep are not generally seen roaming on the open Forest because the right to turn them out (known as common of pasture for sheep) is attached to only a few properties and is rarely exercised.
What happens to New Forest ponies?
Each year, the ponies are rounded up in what are called drifts. Over thirty of these drifts take place during the summer and autumn each year giving the commoners a chance to check the health of their animals and wean and handle the foals. Read on to discover some useful information about these iconic animals.
What is the number one killer of horses?
The number one killer of horses is colic. Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored.
What to do if you hit a deer in the New Forest?
If you find a sick, injured or distressed deer, contact the Forestry Commission on 0300 067 4600 (24 hours). Download these numbers on a handy credit-card to keep in your purse or wallet. Forest animals have no road sense and they have right of way.
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.
How do they round up the New Forest ponies?
All New Forest ponies are rounded up by the Agisters, Commoners and volunteer helpers and are counted for, marked and checked over for any health problems that might have gone unnoticed. A marking fee is paid to the Agisters, by the Commoners, for every New Forest pony that is depastured.
Where do New Forest ponies sleep?
They gather together in places known as ‘shades’ that, unlike the name would suggest, aren’t always under the cover of trees. Some of the shades frequented by the ponies are out in the open but will have a discernable breeze that keeps them cool. Often too you will see ponies lying flat out quietly snoozing in the sun.