Warning about petting New Forest ponies after close call for youngster at Whitefield Moor, Brockenhurst
A LITTLE girl had a close call with a New Forest pony which kicked out after a group appeared to pet the animals.
It was captured on video by commoner Sally Marsh as she was passing by Whitefield Moor in Brockenhurst.
The video emerged as the NFDC today (Wednesday) approved the introduction of fixed penalty fines of £100 for feeding and petting Forest animals in Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).
Breaching them could see a maximum fine of £1,000, although most offenders will be hit with one of £100. The orders are due to be introduced in July.
Sally, an author, said: “I was out checking on our own Forest-run ponies with my stepfather when we spotted the family getting too close to a group of ponies. As we pulled up I started to film as I had a feeling something was going to happen.
“But it was too late to warn the family. The young girl started to get closer to the ponies and seemed to touch the grey pony by its stomach, and its friend reacted defensively, kicking out.
“Luckily, the girl was grabbed out of the way just in time. The family soon retreated back to the car park, hopefully having learned their lesson.”
“It really could have ended in disaster for the little girl.”
Two years ago, a pony choked to death after being given a carrot to eat, while another was seriously ill after it was given a pie.
In 2019 the National Park Authority (NPA) launched a campaign warning people not to approach the ponies and said it would consider the "potential for enforcement".
On its website the organisation says feeding ponies causes “serious issues”.
It warns: “Some ponies and donkeys develop an unhealthy craving for human food and become aggressive with people.
“The animals also tend to gather near roads, looking for people with food, and this makes them more vulnerable to traffic accidents. Human food can give ponies bad stomachache, which is very painful.
“Even stroking ponies can be dangerous. They may look friendly, but they are unpredictable and can bite and kick, especially mares with foals.”
