New Forest Pony
amenable, traffic-proof, even-tempered
Origin
New Forest, England
Withers height
137–148 cm
LeisureYouth sportDrivingEventing
Traits & strengths
- ✦notably traffic-proof — raised among cars in the New Forest
- ✦versatile and honest, carrying children and adults alike
- ✦robust and weatherproof with good rideability
- ✦sure-footed on heath and moorland
Breed-typical predispositions
Insulin dysregulation / laminitis
Disease →adapted to sparse heath vegetation — lush pasture is the critical factor
Excess weight in leisure keeping
Disease →the feed efficiency of the founding population meets markedly richer conditions
Latest findings
Semi-feral founding population
ongoingFree-roaming ponies still live in the New Forest under the care of the commoners; the annual round-up doubles as a health and population check.
Source · New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society