The New Forest Pony is a sturdy, workmanlike riding pony with sloping shoulders, strong quarters, plenty of flat bone, good depth of body, straight limbs and hard round feet. It is narrow enough for small children yet strong enough to carry adults.6
The New Forest Pony is known for its friendly, calm and willing-to-please nature. It is intelligent, easy to train and has a good sense of humour, making it suitable for both children and adults. Of all native British pony breeds, it is the least afraid of people.45
Daily activity how busy a day looks
New Forest Ponies need regular exercise and thrive on a variety of activities including riding, driving, jumping, dressage, endurance and gymkhana. They are naturally active and enjoy being kept busy.45
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Standard horse grooming applies: regular brushing to keep the coat clean and healthy, hoof care, dental checks and vaccinations. They are hardy and can live outdoors year-round with appropriate shelter and feeding adjustments for winter.2
Home where they are happiest
New Forest Ponies are hardy and can live outdoors all year if fit, but they need access to shelter such as trees or a field shelter. They require a safe, well-fenced paddock with fresh water. In the New Forest they roam freely over heathland, woods and bogs.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Their natural diet consists mainly of grass, supplemented by gorse, heather, holly, ash leaves and bark. In a domestic setting they need good quality hay or pasture, and should not be fed human food or grass clippings as these can cause colic.2
Company who they like around
New Forest Ponies are social animals and should be kept with other horses or ponies. In the New Forest they live in semi-wild herds. They are not wild animals but are owned by commoners and are used to people, though they should not be fed by hand as this encourages bad habits.2
The story where it all began
The New Forest Pony is one of the oldest native pony breeds in the UK, with records of horses in the New Forest dating back to 1016 when rights of common pasture were granted. Over centuries the breed was shaped by natural selection on the open heathland, woods and bogs of the New Forest. In the 19th century, selective introduction of Arab, Thoroughbred, Welsh and other native bloodlines refined the breed while retaining its strength and stamina. Today, ponies still roam freely on the New Forest, owned by local commoners who have the right to graze animals there. The breed is registered and microchipped, and is recognised by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust as a native breed at risk.17
Recognised by the official bits
New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society (NFPB & CS)
A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.
You need
4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
2 cups water
2 tsp baking powder
1 ¾ cups flour
2 tsp cinnamon
How
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before feeding.
How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my New Forest Pony, and what should it eat?
Feed your pony daily with good quality hay or pasture, as their natural diet is grass. Avoid human food and grass clippings. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2Pet Wiki plan
Which foods and plants are dangerous for a New Forest Pony?
Never give your pony human food, grass clippings, or toxic items like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, or xylitol. These can cause colic or serious illness. Stick to hay and pasture.28
How much space and land does a New Forest Pony need?
They need a safe, well-fenced paddock with fresh water. The exact amount of land varies based on your pony's size and activity, so ask a good breeder or vet for guidance.2
What kind of shelter does a New Forest Pony need?
Your pony needs access to shelter like trees or a field shelter, especially in bad weather. They are hardy and can live outdoors year-round with proper shelter and feeding adjustments.2
How do I look after a New Forest Pony's hooves or feet?
Pick out hooves daily and schedule a farrier visit every 6 weeks as part of Furry Diary's starting plan. Regular hoof care keeps them healthy and sound.2Pet Wiki plan
Does a New Forest Pony need grooming or shearing?
Yes, regular brushing keeps their coat clean and healthy. They are hardy and don't need shearing, but standard horse grooming is important for their well-being.2
Can a New Forest Pony live alone?
No, they are social animals and should be kept with other horses or ponies. Living alone can cause stress, so always provide companionship.2
How long does a New Forest Pony live?
New Forest Ponies typically live between 20 and 30 years with good care. They are a long-lived, sturdy breed.2
Is a New Forest Pony good with children?
Yes, they are known for their friendly, calm and willing-to-please nature, making them suitable for both children and adults. They are intelligent and easy to train.45
What regular vet care does a New Forest Pony need?
Your pony needs annual dental checks, vaccinations, and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Furry Diary's plan also includes a farrier visit every 6 weeks.2Pet Wiki plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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