Stallions turned out onto New Forest amid warning to stay away from ponies

THE public are urged to keep clear of pony herds after 21 stallions were released onto the Forest this week.

The stallions were turned out in various locations yesterday (Monday) including East Boldre, Hale Purlieu, Balmer Lawn, Bramshaw Golf Course, Wilverley, Hilltop, Ashurst and Linford. They can remain out on the Forest until Monday 23rd June.

The male ponies selected to run on the Forest are chosen after vetting by the New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society and the verderers.

Introduced in 2001, the stallion scheme ensures animals are chosen with important qualities such as stamina, hardiness and temperament, which will be passed to the next generation of foals.

They are only allowed on the Forest for eight to nine weeks to limit the number of foals born each year. Before the scheme was introduced up to 100 stallions ran on the Forest year round, with foals sometimes only fetching a few pounds at auction.

During the period when stallions are on the Forest, the public are asked to stay well clear and keep dogs under control.

The verderers said: “As with all livestock our strong advice to Forest visitors is to keep a good distance away from the stallions as they go about their duties and gather a herd. In particular, we advise horse riders to avoid stallion areas.

“Any equine entering their area will inevitably result in the stallion approaching to check if the newcomer is a threat to his herd, or should be encouraged to join it.

“An entirely natural reaction, which can be intimidating to all but the most confident riders.”