August

The first round-ups start in August. Agisters and commoners ride out in a pre-defined area to gather as many ponies as possible into a pound. For some ponies this is the only time they are handled. Whilst in the pound the agisters will check that the animals are entitled to graze the Forest and that the annual “marking fee” has been paid by the owner. Commoners can take this opportunity to check the animals over, trim hooves, and worm their ponies. Foals which will be sold in the Autumn will be taken home to be weaned and prepared for their new owners, giving the mare time to recover after suckling ahead of the New Forest winter. Any staying out on the Forest will need to be branded to ensure that they are readily identifiable.