The New Forest pony is one of the recognised mountain and moorland or native pony breeds of the British Isles. Height varies from around 12 to 14.2 hands (48 to 58 inches, 122 to 147 cm); ponies of all heights should be strong, workmanlike, and of a good riding type.
How many hands is a New Forest pony?
Characteristics of the New Forest Pony New Forest ponies range from 12.2 to 14.2 hands high and can be any solid color. Various shades of bay are most common. They are well built ponies with a good sloping shoulder which gives them a good straight action, making them popular ponies for riding or driving.
What size is a New Forest pony?
Of all the native British pony breeds, New Foresters are the least afraid of man. New Forest ponies range -in size up to 14.2 hh and while there’s no official lower limit, they seldom go below 12 hh.
Can you touch New Forest ponies?
Important information on New Forest ponies
They may look friendly but they can bite and kick, especially ponies with foals. Keep your distance! Remember, too, that these animals are not tame – the gentlest looking pony can also kick and bite and children are particularly vulnerable to them.
What does a New Forest pony look like?
Most commonly, they are a bay or chestnut colour. They can also have white markings only on their head and/or limbs, and have eyes of any colour except blue. There is also a maximum height for New Forest ponies (but no minimum): 14.2 hands (144cm) from the ground to the top of their shoulder blades.
Can New Forest ponies carry adults?
Uses. They ponies are quite capable of carrying adults, while narrow enough for small children. During the 19th Century, New Forest colts were often raced. The best became valuable and were gelded so they could continue racing.
Is a pony 14 hands?
For most purposes, a pony is under 14.2 hands high if you ride English, and under 14 hands if you’re a western rider. This size distinction varies between places, too, and often they are arbitrary sizes set for the show ring.
How tall is a 12 hand pony?
Horse height chart
| Horse breed | Average height (hands) | Average height (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Hackney horse | 14.2–16.2 hands | 58–66 inches |
| Hackney pony | 12–14 hands | 48–56 inches |
| Halfinger | 13.2–15 hands | 54–60 inches |
| Hanoverian horse | 15.3–17.2 hands | 63–70 inches |
Why are New Forest ponies tails cut?
Tail hair of the ponies is trimmed, and cut into a recognisable pattern to show that the pony’s grazing fees have been paid for the year. Each Agister has his own “tail-mark”, indicating the area of the Forest where the owner lives.
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.
Where should you not touch a horse?
Most horses do not like to be pet on their underbelly, legs or near their tail. Depending on the horse, they may not like to be petted on their face. If you are petting a horse you are not familiar with, be sure to ask their owner first.
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.
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.
What is the rarest pony?
The Newfoundland Pony, the Dales pony, and the Sorraia horse are the rarest and most critically endangered, with fewer than 250 each left on the planet.
What are the 3 types of ponies?
Three pony types. My Little Pony Friendship is Magic divides ponies into three main “types” in the first episode: Earth ponies, Pegasi, and unicorns.
Is the New Forest pony a rare breed?
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) listed New Forest Ponies in its minority breed category, for animals with a population of 1,500 to 3,000.
How much weight can a 13.2 New Forest pony carry?
150 pounds
Riders of ponies 12.2 hands or under may not weigh more than 117 pounds. Riders of ponies 12.3 – 13.2 hands may not weigh more than 150 pounds. Riders of ponies 13.3 – 14.2 hands may not weigh more than 190 pounds.
Can a pony carry two people?
#1.
After all, a horse is not designed to carry two people – let alone two fully-grown adults. What is this? The load-bearing capacity is 20% of a horse’s total body weight. For example, if you and your riding partner weigh over 250 lb., ensure the horse is at least 16 hh and weighs between 1250 and 1600 lb.
Are New Forest ponies good jumpers?
Ace all-rounders
New Forest ponies are known for being great at a variety of disciplines, and they’re a popular choice for Pony Club activities. They’re handy jumpers, so they can make fab eventers as they’re so bold and sure-footed.
What horse breed is 15 hands?
Quarter Horse
Quarter Horse
The shortest height allowed on the registry is 14 hands (56 inches). They can get as tall as 17 hands, but the average size is 15 hands.
Is a 14.2 hand horse a pony?
Horses are measured from the ground to the top of their withers. The difference between a horse and a pony is the size. In general, a horse is 14.2 hands or larger. A pony is smaller than 14.2 hands.