Stallions to be turned out on the New Forest for six weeks

Stallions will be released on the New Forest for a six-week period this summer. 

A total of 21 have been chosen and will be turned out to breed with the free-roaming mares from Monday, 12 May. 

A select number of stallions are let out each year to help maintain the New Forest pony bloodlines and control the number of foals born each year. 

The stallions are chosen based on their type, conformation and temperament. 

Kerry Dovey-Whiting, who helped judge the stallions for the New Forest Pony Breeders and Cattle Society, explains the background behind the judging. “It is really important the colts are inspected, as one colt or stallion can sire up to 40 foals, so if you permitted a stallion with a conformational defect to breed, that fault can be passed on to lots of ponies,” she says.

“It is vital for the New Forest pony breed that there are new foals each spring to prevent numbers decreasing and the breeding mare stocks to dwindle. The ponies’ grazing helps to keep the natural ecology balance on the Forest.” 

Since 2010, the New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme has provided funding for back-up grazing for up to 30 stallions each year. The scheme is a partnership between the Verderers of the New Forest, Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority. 

This funding encourages commoners to own stallions and ensures they have land to graze on during the long period when they are not permitted to be on the Forest. From the pool of 30, a number are released each year. 

Members of the public are warned not to approach the stallions and to keep their distance from them. Dogs should be kept on lead and drivers are being urged to take extra care across the Forest.