Where to Spot the New Forest Ponies in Hampshire
If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise! To be more 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.
The ponies roam freely around unspoilt woodland, heathland, and river valleys in the New Forest National Park, grazing on the land and helping to keep the landscape and rare species in good order.
And it won't take long to spot one of the 5,000 ponies as they will either be happily grazing on the moorland or wandering down the high street (yes, you read correctly).
Read on to find out more! This blog post tells you where to find ponies in the New Forest, explains why they roam free and gives essential information on the do's and don'ts during a close encounter with the animals.
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Your Guide To Finding Wild Ponies In The New Forest
Are The Ponies Really Wild?
They are classed as free-roaming or wild but are actually owned by 700 'commoners'. The commoners are people from the farming community who have the right to turn livestock, ponies, cattle, and donkeys into the forest.
Common rights have existed since King William I (the Conqueror) created the New Forest in the early 11th century.
Another "common right" is to turn out pigs in the autumn, known as "pannage season".
Around 600 pigs feed upon fallen acorns, chestnuts and other nuts, which are toxic if consumed by the New Forest ponies, deer and cows.
This symbiotic relationship means the pigs are fed, and the ponies and other animals remain safe - proof of nature working in harmony with one another.
Who Looks After The Ponies?
"Verderers" look after the New Forest ponies. They are forestry officials who determine the Common Laws and control their execution. This role developed in the Middle Ages to administer forest law on behalf of the King.
Verderers work with "New Forest Agisters", who assist them each year when the ponies are rounded up in "drifts".
Over thirty of these New Forest drifts occur each year, giving the "Commoners" (pony owners) a chance to check the health of their animals. They can wean, handle the foals, and put on new reflective collars so ponies can be seen on the roads at night.
At this point, the commoner may want to sell his pony and take it from the forest. Ponies sold unhandled, straight from the forest, generally do not fetch much money as they are semi-feral and unmanageable. Because of this, commoners often take their ponies home to handle them before a sale.
If a pony is to be released back into the wild following 'the New Forest Drift', its tail will be cut by the agister as confirmation that the owner has paid the year's fee for the right to graze in the forest.
The cuts vary in style to show which forest agister is responsible for each pony.
What Are The Ponies Characteristics?
Their hardiness, intelligence and strength are qualities for which New Forest ponies are valued.
They have lived in harmony alongside their human counterparts for over 2000 years. This means they are not phased by visitors stopping for photographs or the hustle and bustle of cars and people on the high street, where they can often be spotted.
They are most commonly grey, chestnut or white and have a long head, short neck and back and muscular hindquarters. Being between 12 and 14 hands high (122 – 148 cm) makes them excellent riding ponies, often used in gymkhanas.
Can You Feed The New Forest Ponies?
Feeding New Forest ponies is forbidden. It is a big "NO NO" as they are wild and dangerous; one kick could seriously injure you. An agitated pony will have his ears back against his head. Make sure you move away swiftly if you see this, as the ponies can move very quickly towards you.
Admire them from a sensible distance, but don't stroke or feed them; this could land you in trouble.
If you are caught feeding them, you can be fined £100. Following a successful prosecution, this will increase to a £1000 fine (correct as of 2024).
If you visit in Spring, you may witness the "Bambi-legged foals" learning to become part of the herd. However, never come between a mare and its foal; view from a safe distance.
Where Will I Find The New Forest Ponies?
Everywhere is the answer!
Driving through the New Forest, you will see them gathered together, grazing on the moorland or near the New Forest villages.
You won't have to search for them too long as they are all around.
The best places to spot new forest ponies are:
Beachern Woods and Horseshoe Bottom in Brockenhurst
Hatchet Pond in Beaulieu
Abbots Well and Godshill in Fordingbridge
Boltons Bench in Lyndhurst Village
Burley Village (also famous for witchcraft!)
Map of New Forest Pony Hot Spots
Do I Need A Car To See The Ponies?
Driving yourself is the best way to see them. The speed limit in the New Forest is 40mph, but common sense will tell you when to slow down when approaching a pony.
Wild ponies have right of way in the New Forest, so go with the flow and wait for them to move when they are ready.
If you don't own a car, you could hire one from Discover Cars or book a New Forest Bus Tour.
Please park carefully on the grass verges and watch the ponies go about their everyday business from afar; it is a magical sight.
Make sure you have your camera ready for some incredible shots.
If a pony starts to walk towards you, move away; they can bite and kick!
Can I Get To The New Forest By Train From Central London?
New Forest National Park has a primary rail line running through it, stopping at Ashurst, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst and Sway.
The journey takes 90 minutes from London, making exploring the New Forest in one day a possibility.
A lovely way to get around the forest is on two wheels from the bike hire shop in Brockenhurst near the train station.
The New Forest Code
The nine ways to help keep the New Forest safe:
- Keep your distance from the animals – don’t feed or touch them.
- Take home litter and dog waste.
- No fires or barbecues.
- Keep dogs under control. Don’t let dogs approach or chase any animals.
- Park only in car parks
- No wild camping.
- Stick to the permitted cycle tracks.
- Drive with care – animals on the road!
- Help wildlife by keeping to the main tracks.
Are There Other Animal Encounters In The New Forest?
You can enjoy quite a few other animal attractions in the New Forest.
There is something for all the family, from the Deer Sanctuary at Bolderwood to the Reptile Centre in Lyndhurst.
Where Can I Stay In The New Forest
There are plenty of beautiful hotels in the New Forest if you want to stay the night. I have listed some of my favourite luxury hotels with links to pricing and availability.
Limewood Hotel - an upscale boutique hotel located just outside the village of Lyndhurst.
It has a beautiful interior design and a restaurant run by Angela Hartnett and her team. I have stayed here several times and love its manor house meets chic boho vibes.
The Pig - This hotel is a modern twist on a country-house hotel, with a relaxed, laid-back feel, effortless grandeur and incredible local produce.
Carey's Manor Hotel - A charming manor house, excellent restaurants & the award-winning Senspa.
Montagu Arms - the 18th-century manor house hotel offers a cosy, homely feel in a picturesque setting.
The Master Builders' House Hotel - Set on the banks of the Beaulieu River within New Forest National Park, this hotel offers an AA Rosette restaurant and luxurious rooms.
Rhinefield House Hotel - This uber-grand 19th-century country house features a spa, swimming pools, ornamental gardens and fine dining.
The hotel featured below is the beautiful Burley Manor, which has a herd of deer on the estate!
And if you fancy a trip to the seaside while you are in this neck of the woods - excuse the pun - you can visit Hengistbury Head, Christchurch, Mudeford and Bournemouth, all just a short drive from the ponies in the New Forest.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
As an old horsegirl, I always love visiting places where there's a chance of seeing a horse or a pony 🙂
I last visited the New Forest approximately 8 years ago. It was a summers day. I remember taking my 2 kids there. We stumbled across an ice-cream van & I was brave enough to feed a few of the ponies that had gathered near-by, with some pre bought apples. They were no threat.
It was an unforgettable experience In beautiful surroundings.
On my next visit, now that I know it’s illegal, I’ll maybe think twice 🤷🏼♂️
Hi Ian, I am glad you have such lovely memories; the New Forest is a beautiful place to visit. It's difficult to know about fines (and, in some cases, criminal records!) for feeding the ponies, so you are not alone in wanting to feed them.
Interesting to know that you can see these wild and free ponies roaming around freely but it’s not safe to touch or feed them. It’s good that they’ve imposed a fine on that too, for people’s own safety. Nevertheless, it must be quite the sight to watch!
The ponies look so cute and friendly, they seem to love their home Hampshire. I was somehow reminded of Animal Farm on reading about the feed given to the pigs, albeit to keep the ponies safe. All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.
Its a good advice that we should never feed the wild animals even when they are as cute as the ponies. Thats great to know that there are around 5000 ponies in the area. I have never been to Hampshire before but I would love to go there especially to see these amazingly looking ponies. I love to take pictures of them.
I've seen ponies up close in Iceland, and totally love it! Would love to visit New Forest and see some too. With more than 5000 in the area, it won't be too difficult. Good to know that you can also take New Forest Bus Tour if you don't drive.
I have also seen the Icelandic ponies - they are smaller and more stocky than the ones in the New Forest. A tour is a good way to see everything the forest has to offer.
I love wild ponies, but I haven't seen too many of them, so it's perfect to know that I can spot them in New Forest in Hampshire. You provide lots of tips. It's awe-inspiring that there are 5000 ponies in the area. I haven't know the word “Commoners” and “Verderers” and their story, so I learn a lot from this article. I love to photograph animals, but I don't try to approach them or feed them. I always keep a safe distance.
There are plenty of great photo opportunities in the New Forest - I am sure you would enjoy it.
The only time I've seen ponies up close is at the petting zoo, and it's always a joy to feed and play with them. I've never seen or heard of wild ponies before. If I didn't know any better, I would probably have thought they are just as tame, so thanks for the heads up. Good to know you could rent a bike here.
I think you would love to see them roaming about the New Forest. They are a joy to watch.
I don’t think I have ever found wild ponies. So I would definitely plan to head out in Hampshire to see the New Forest ponies. With 5000 grazing in the area, I would be sure to get my fill of this sight! But I would keep my distance and not try to feed them. Certainly out of kicking or biting distance.
I too am wary of horses but to see them grazing in the New Forest is wonderful. Always advisable to stay a distance away from them.
What a lovely place. To be honest I am a little bit afraid of horses, but actually the free roaming "wild" horses seem less threatening, because they keep their distance. Taking the train and renting a bike would be a perfect solution for me.
We have rented bikes and cycled through the forest - it is quite magical when you glimpse a pony or deer just grazing.
Oh man, I would love to go there and see the ponies one day. I'm a huge horse person and seeing 'wild' ponies is something that would be awesome to experience. I like that you included the best place to spot them.
Glad you liked it The New Forest really is a magical place and even though I've been so many times I always get so excited when I see the New Forest ponies!