The boys are back! Rare breed New Forest stallions released for breeding season

New Forest stallions are being let out onto the New Forest today (Monday, May 11), marking the start of the traditional breeding season.  

Specially selected stallions are released into specific areas of the Forest for six weeks to maintain the quality and bloodlines of the rare breed New Forest pony.

The stallions are owned by local people called Commoners and are licensed to be out on the Forest by the Verderers of the New Forest who oversee the commoning system. 

This year, 25 stallions will be turned out across the Forest, from Woodgreen and Wootton to Burley, Beaulieu Road and Fritham. Stallions are permitted to remain out until Monday, June 22, although they can be brought in from Monday, June 15. 

Stallions are powerful animals and can behave unpredictably, particularly during the breeding season so people are advised to take extra care when out in the Forest.  

People are urged to admire them from a distance, avoid approaching or attempting to touch them and never feed them. Doing so could result in a fine under the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). 

Dog owners should keep dogs under close control around all livestock, while motorists are urged to take extra care on Forest roads, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are more active. 

The New Forest’s free-roaming ponies are an iconic part of the landscape and play an important role in maintaining the internationally important habitats of the National Park through grazing. 

Since 2010, the New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme has provided funding for grazing for up to 30 stallions each year. The scheme is a partnership between the Verderers of the New Forest, Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority. 

This funding encourages Commoners to own stallions and ensures they have land to graze on during the long period when they are not permitted to be on the Forest.

The stallions and turnout areas for 2026 are listed on the Verderers of the New Forest website

Who to contact if there’s an animal accident 

Legally you must report any accident involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig, sheep or deer to the Police as soon as possible, within 24 hours, even if the animal runs off. Reports should be made either by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies. 

Sick, injured or distressed animals, excluding deer, should be reported to the Verderers’ office by calling 023 8028 2052 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm only). 

Alternatively, animals, including deer, can be reported to Forestry England’s 24-hour line: 0300 067 4600. 

A what3Words location can help to reduce the time it takes to get you or an animal help.