New Forest Pony

Name: New Forest Pony
Origin: United Kingdom
Height: 120 - 145 cm
Colour: Brownish
Category: Pony

History of the New Forest Pony

The ancestors of this breed were the original ponies who interbred with a herd of Welsh mares. An important factor was an English Thoroughbred stallion named Marsk, sire of the legendary Eclipse. From this stallion the ponies inherited their head shape and relatively long stride. Nevertheless, the breed began to decline and in the 19th century it interbred with Arabian and Berber stallions. Two years later, the Society for the Improvement of the New Forest ponies was founded and the ponies were bred with Dales, Fells, Hignlands, Welsh, Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies.

Physique of the New Forest Pony

The head is of the Thoroughbred type, the neck is shorter and muscular. The chest is deep, the back is short and straight, the rump is round with a high set tail. The limbs are firm and fine with quality hooves. The coat is exclusively brown and they grow to 120-145 cm at the withers.

Use of the New Forest Pony breed

The New Forest Pony is a good agricultural worker as well as an excellent sport pony for children. It has good dressage and parkour qualities.

Character of the New Forest Pony

The New Forest Pony is friendly, docile, and easy to handle. He has an aptitude for both dressage and parkour. It is also strong and hardy. Its home breed makes it hardy and tough.