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New Forest Breed

Breed Characteristics
The New Forest pony is one of the native pony breeds of the UK.
Their history dates back to 1066 and the time of William the Conqueror who set aside the New Forest as a Royal Hunting Reserve.
Even earlier than that, Canutes Forest Law of 1016 records the presence of the ponies in this area.
The ponies are renowned for their docile temperaments, hardiness, strength, speed and surefootedness, all qualities which have helped them to survive in the harsh and rugged environment of the Forest.
Today it is these same qualities of strength and athleticism combined with a remarkably sensible and kind temperament that win over the loyalty of anyone who has the opportunity to experience them.
Breed in Australia
The first New Forest pony to come to Australia was ‘Burton Sligo’ in 1931.
It wasn’t until the 1970’s that more ponies were imported with the arrival of four New Forest stallions from England, ‘Priory Sunshade’, ‘Broadlands Bright Seraphin’, ‘Mudeford Peter Piper’ and Vernons Sweet Sultan.
Since then their numbers have steadily grown and their reputation as a versatile pony suited to adults and children, has grown with them.
New Forest Pony Breed Standard 1.4.06
Height
The upper limit is 14.2h (148cms). There is no lower limit.
All ponies should be judged equally regardless of height.
Where there are sufficient numbers of ponies competing, they are shown in 2 height classes, 13.2h (138cms) and under, and over 13.2h (138cms).

Colour
New Forest ponies may be any colour except piebald, skewbald, spotted or blue-eyed cream. Palomino or very light chestnut and cream ponies with dark eyes are only eligible as mares and geldings.
Blue eyes are not permitted.
White markings on the head and legs are permitted except


a pony shall not have any white markings on pink skin.....
1. behind the head
2. above a horizontal line level with the bony protuberance of the accessory carpal bone in the
forelimb
3. above a horizontal line level with the point of hock in the hind limb.


Type
New Forest ponies should be of working type with substance.
They should have sloping shoulders, strong quarters, good depth of body, straight limbs, plenty of flat bone and good round hard feet.
Length of body should exceed height and depth of body should equal length of leg.
The ponies are quite capable of carrying adults, while narrow enough for small children.
The smaller ponies, though not up to so much weight, often show more quality.

Action
This should be free, active and straight, but not exaggerated.
Movement should come from the top of the shoulder, not from the elbow and hocks should really be used.

Temperament
The New Forest pony should have an ideal temperament and be very easy to train.

Showing Rules and Guidelines - New Forest Ponies 1.4.06
Showing Rules
1. Ponies are shown unplaited but may have lightly pulled manes and tails.
2. The jaw line and heels may be trimmed, but the whiskers should be left untrimmed.
3. No make-up is allowed or any other falsification of markings.

Showing Guidelines
(i) Trimming as above is regarded as permissible for New Forest ponies because it is normal for them to drop their feathers when in summer coat.
(ii) The use of baby oil to add shine to features or oil or hoof blacking on the hoofs would be acceptable where they enhanced the ponies “natural attributes” rather than altering the pony’s original appearance.