Horse breeds / New Forest pony
Photo: Gillian Moy · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
New Forest pony
The New Forest pony comes from the New Forest in southern England, an area of open heath and woodland where ponies have roamed semi-wild for centuries. Its ancestry is mixed, with native ponies crossed over time with stock such as Arabian, Thoroughbred and other breeds, and the herd was long managed for the working and riding needs of the local people. The breed was formally recognized and registered in the twentieth century, and it is valued as a versatile, sturdy pony.
In the saddle, the New Forest pony is known for a free, active way of going and a sensible, forward mind. Many are calm enough for children and newer riders, while the more athletic individuals can handle showing, eventing and gymkhana work. Owners often find them friendly and sociable, with a curiosity that makes them good company on the ground as well as under saddle.
Day to day, these ponies do best with plenty of movement and regular handling. They thrive with equine company, since they are herd animals, and they need consistent work to stay fit and happy. Access to grazing and a routine that keeps them busy will suit them far better than a box alone.
Good for: First-time owners, family riders, trail and pony club use
| Size | small |
| Weight | 551–772 lb |
| Height | 47–58 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
Watch its weight closely, since rich grass can quickly lead to laminitis even in a healthy-looking pony.
Living with a New Forest pony
Exercise
Most healthy adults need regular ridden or in-hand work several times a week, along with daily turnout that lets them move freely. Too little exercise can lead to excess weight, boredom and behavior problems, especially in pasture-kept ponies.
Grooming
The coat is thick in winter and sheds heavily in spring, so regular brushing helps. The mane and tail are usually left natural or lightly trimmed. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing every six to eight weeks, and clipping is optional depending on work and climate.
At home
New Forest ponies are hardy and generally do well with turnout for most of the year, including outdoors through the winter with adequate shelter and a dry area. They are happiest living in a group. Because many are easy keepers, they can gain weight on lush pasture, so feed and grazing should be monitored closely.
Training
New Forest ponies are typically quick to learn and willing to please, responding well to patient, consistent handling. They are often good at trail riding, showing, gymkhana and mounted games, and many move on to eventing or jumping. Expect a green pony to be forward and energetic at first, and to settle as it builds confidence and strength.
Health
Like many easy-keeping ponies, New Forest ponies can be prone to laminitis, particularly when overweight or on rich grass. Metabolic conditions are a concern for the breed, so please ask your vet about a suitable diet, weight monitoring and routine care for your individual pony.
- Laminitis
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
- Dental problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a New Forest pony
Forage and water, adult
10–17 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 551–772 lb, and 6–11 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,400–$4,250
Hay about $1,183, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a New Forest pony is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a New Forest pony
Shelters and breed rescues list New Forest ponys and New Forest pony mixes every week. Search adoptable New Forest ponys on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a New Forest pony right for you?
- Yes if you want a sturdy, sociable pony for family riding.
- Yes if you have grazing and can keep the pony fit and at a healthy weight.
- Yes if you enjoy trail riding, gymkhana or pony club activities.
- Think twice if you are keeping a pony on rich pasture with little time to manage its weight.
- Think twice if you want a pony with no need for regular work or companionship.
Questions owners ask
Is the New Forest pony good for beginners?
Many are calm and sensible, making them suitable for experienced children and adult beginners. Individual temperament varies, so a trial ride with an experienced instructor is wise.
How much does a New Forest pony cost?
Prices vary widely with age, training and bloodlines. Well-schooled ponies usually cost more than young or unbroken ones, so budget for ongoing care as well.
How tall does a New Forest pony get?
Most stand roughly 12 to 14.2 hands at the withers. Heights vary with ancestry, so check the individual pony's measurements.
How long do New Forest ponies live?
With good care, many live into their mid to late twenties or beyond. Diet, weight management and dental care all play a big part in longevity.
Are New Forest ponies easy keepers?
Yes, they often thrive on little feed and can gain weight quickly on rich grass. Careful management of grazing and diet is important.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.