New Forest Pony's

[jennygee]

Planning to start looking for a New Forest Youngster, know my Welsh's but not a lot about New Forest as need one to make 14hh + and to be alrounder . Advice Welcome

 

[Horseysheepy]

Amazingly underestimated pony breed!

There's a website called NFED that has lots of pure and part bred NF ponies for sale.

If I was shorter I would have one in a heartbeat!

 

[scruffyponies]

They vary quite a bit in height and build. If you can get to Beaulieu for the sales over the summer you'll have your choice of loads, but be prepared to do some work because some won't have been handled at all, or even seen a headcollar.
They're usually quite sensible, so that's not quite so bad as I have made it sound.

Best thing about NF ponies is the trot. I don't often bother rising when hacking at the trot. Perfectly comfortable sitting.
They're not as flashy as Welsh, but don't generally do 'drama' so as an easy to live with allrounder they're a good choice.
Many will make the 14hh you're looking for and occasionally an inch or two more, but there's much to like about the smaller ones.

 

[Chiffy]

We had a super New Forest confidence giving pony for my granddaughter who had been originally bought from the Forest. She was 13.2 but sturdy. So sensible and kind and a good Pony Club alrounder. They are underestimated among the the higher profile mountain and moorland ponies. We still own our girl, she is 20 and happily teaching another young rider.

 

[Orangehorse]

I found them a calmer temperament than the Welsh. They can grow up to 14/14.2.

 

[nagblagger]

The 'expert' on here is Peregine Falcon as far as i know. She knows all the breeding lines and their idiosyncrasies. Hopefully she will see this thread and respond. The title of New Forest pony will draw her in...

 

[MuddyMonster]

They are brilliant ponies ❤ Mine is very cheeky, tenacious but also very geniune and turns his hoof to anything.

Don't be put off by size, mine isn't 14hh but carries me for miles.

 

[nagblagger]

One of my best, bombproof in traffic etc, was a New forest born on the forest. i didn't appreciate how good he was, easy to break in, lovely temperament etc until i lost him to colic. He was my 2nd horse of a lifetime', but i' didn't know it at the time and took him for granted.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I was going to mention @Peregrine Falcon too but given this will be the third time Ive tagged her she is likely to kick me in the bahookie

 

[Clodagh]

One of my best, bombproof in traffic etc, was a New forest born on the forest. i didn't appreciate how good he was, easy to break in, lovely temperament etc until i lost him to colic. He was my 2nd horse of a lifetime', but i' didn't know it at the time and took him for granted.

We had a fabulous forest bred, he was a full up 14.2. His stud prefix was Brookshill, but this was many, many years ago. He could open any gate or stable door, undo any rope and led the youngstock astray.
He was completely unphased by anything under saddle and was a joy to break in.

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

Fabulous all rounders. I can point you in the direction of stud and forest bred ones. FB have already been sensitised to traffic, dogs, walkers etc so easy to start in that respect. Do you want a foal or something a bit older?

You will need decent fencing. Even stud bred ones know when the battery has died.

 

[SO1]

New Forest ponies are not the undiscovered treasure that they used to be in terms of pricing.

They used to be absolute bargains but they are starting to reach connies prices now and there is a shortage of them as due to responsible breeding they don't breed huge numbers each year. Bargains can still be got from the sales.

I presume when you mean youngster you mean unbacked but not a foal. The demand for ones that will be over 14h is quite high and there are not that many big ones most are around the 13-13.3 range.

PSSM can be an issue so you may want to check mare breeding. Stallions all been tested.

Then there is also stud bred and forest bred. Forest bred have more than likely seen a bit of traffic and people etc from being on the forest.

I had my wonderful new forest gelding who was an ex forest run stallion for 15 years and lost him last year and looking to get another forester. I didn't have any experience of the breed before I got him and originally had wanted a connemara but could not afford one. He was just super and took me places I never thought I go and such a gentle nature too.

You may need good fencing as they do seem to have a habit of wanting to be free range. Mine was a bit of a houdini with the electric fence.

They also are very good doers.

Mine was the most amazing all rounder and I couldn't have loved him more and it broke my heart when he developed a gastric problem that was terminal and I had to have him PTS last year.

PF will be able to tell you about bloodline and which ones are more competition sharper ones and which ones are more steady types.

 

[SO1]

YO had to "New Forest proof" the yard so totally agree on that point. She had to work out how Homey was getting out of the field by hiding behind a bush to observe him. He was climbing through it getting into the rested field and then getting upset because the others weren't doing the same.

He also broke a lot of electric fence gate handles.

[QUOTE="Peregrine Falcon, post: 15281960, member: 54012"

You will need decent fencing. Even stud bred ones know when the battery has died.
[/QUOTE]

 

[Marigold4]

My experience with New Forests is that they are VERY food orientated and become overweight very easily. They are not at all suited to the lush ex-cattle grazing we have round her and ideally need lots of exercise and low calorie grazing. I have seen a couple of NFs locally that have needed to have their grazing so restricted (otherwise they got laminitis) that they had a pretty miserable life. I second the need for powerful electric fencing.

 

[Chiffy]

That’s sad Marigold. Our New Forest lived happily on our Dairy Farm with excellent grazing, no trouble at all but we do work all our horses and ponies on a regular basis and they don’t live out 24/7.

 

[SO1]

I don't think they are any more laminitis prone than any other native breed or cob.

Mine did not get laminitis in the 15 years I owned him but he was exercised normally 5 times a week all year round, and if on lush grass he was muzzled and he was also on soaked hay. It was hard work sometimes and I did have to ride in all weathers. I also had access to a floodlit school so could ride after work if it was dark in the evenings. In his later years I got him tested for EMS and Cushings and he had neither.

I think ALL natives or cobs are at risk of laminitis if on lush grass and overweight and need to be managed accordingly not just New Forests. It is a problem if you cannot find suitable yards that cater for good doers.

I think the laminitis risk is a massive downside for the natives and cobs and it can be a big worry. I worried about laminitis for all of the 15 years I had Homey even though he never got it. I did think this time round it might be easier to have a riding pony with a lot of TB blood so less of worry but then they tend to have others issues being sharper to ride.

I think now unless you have something that is mainly TB or very poor doers then there will be a laminitis risk if allowed to get overweight on lush grass.

Lush cattle grass is not ideal for any equine really and even cows can get laminitis from the grass. Laminitis is the number one cause of lameness in cattle. They can also get staggers from a magnesium deficiency. My grandparents had a dairy farm. Lush 'cattle' grass is not that good for cows either.

My experience with New Forests is that they are VERY food orientated and become overweight very easily. They are not at all suited to the lush ex-cattle grazing we have round her and ideally need lots of exercise and low calorie grazing. I have seen a couple of NFs locally that have needed to have their grazing so restricted (otherwise they got laminitis) that they had a pretty miserable life. I second the need for powerful electric fencing.

 

[jennygee]

Fabulous all rounders. I can point you in the direction of stud and forest bred ones. FB have already been sensitised to traffic, dogs, walkers etc so easy to start in that respect. Do you want a foal or something a bit older?

You will need decent fencing. Even stud bred ones know when the battery has died.

That would be brill. Hopefully looking for yearling to 2yr old, luckly have mains electric fencing have had all my horses from youngsters over the years but getting older so looking for something a little bit easer.

 

[jennygee]

I don't think they are any more laminitis prone than any other native breed or cob.

Mine did not get laminitis in the 15 years I owned him but he was exercised normally 5 times a week all year round, and if on lush grass he was muzzled and he was also on soaked hay. It was hard work sometimes and I did have to ride in all weathers. I also had access to a floodlit school so could ride after work if it was dark in the evenings. In his later years I got him tested for EMS and Cushings and he had neither.

I think ALL natives or cobs are at risk of laminitis if on lush grass and overweight and need to be managed accordingly not just New Forests. It is a problem if you cannot find suitable yards that cater for good doers.

I think the laminitis risk is a massive downside for the natives and cobs and it can be a big worry. I worried about laminitis for all of the 15 years I had Homey even though he never got it. I did think this time round it might be easier to have a riding pony with a lot of TB blood so less of worry but then they tend to have others issues being sharper to ride.

I think now unless you have something that is mainly TB or very poor doers then there will be a laminitis risk if allowed to get overweight on lush grass.

Lush cattle grass is not ideal for any equine really and even cows can get laminitis from the grass. Laminitis is the number one cause of lameness in cattle. My grandparents had a dairy farm.

Have a welsh c already who is grazed along side sheep on a track system so is always kept moving.

 

[Marigold4]

That’s sad Marigold. Our New Forest lived happily on our Dairy Farm with excellent grazing, no trouble at all but we do work all our horses and ponies on a regular basis and they don’t live out 24/7.

Not mine though. Just observing others round where I live. In 20 years, none of minechave had laminitis.

 

[HollyWoozle]

I have been riding a 14hh NF mare occasionally to help someone out and she seems to carry me no problem, I am 5’8” and about 11 and a half stone, but it is only for light hacking. I do seem to fit in her saddle just about.

I don’t get to spend too much time with her but she has a sensible head on her and a very nice trot.

 

[J&S]

I had a lovely NF mare for 25 years. Just the best pony ever! My breeder is gone now but last week I rode on the forest from Ford Farm stables. Trudy Nineham and James Young breed Brock ponies and have been massively successful with them for many years. I highly recommend that you see what youngsters they have available.

 

[Annagain]

I know of a nice 4yr old mare for sale. A couple of friends bought her as a project to get started and sell on. She's 13.3 at the moment but might have a bit of growing left to do. Her rider is pregnant so they're keen to sell. PM me if you'd like me to pass on her ad.

 

[jennygee]

I know of a nice 4yr old mare for sale. A couple of friends bought her as a project to get started and sell on. She's 13.3 at the moment but might have a bit of growing left to do. Her rider is pregnant so they're keen to sell. PM me if you'd like me to pass on her ad.

Thankyou, but looking for a gelding

 

[Carlosmum]

August Bank Holiday weekend is the New Forest Pony Breed show ( ridden on Saturday In hand Monday.) Get your self along there, lots of ponies to see, lots of breeders to chat to. Some of the ponies will be for sale marked on the catalogue. Breed Society and New Forest Pony Enthusiasts Riding Club will be there. New Park, Brockenhurst, 26th & 28th august.

 

[jennygee]

August Bank Holiday weekend is the New Forest Pony Breed show ( ridden on Saturday In hand Monday.) Get your self along there, lots of ponies to see, lots of breeders to chat to. Some of the ponies will be for sale marked on the catalogue. Breed Society and New Forest Pony Enthusiasts Riding Club will be there. New Park, Brockenhurst, 26th & 28th august.

Thankyou, will try and get down for the monday.

 

[SO1]

Not much help if you go on the Monday but I will be there on the Saturday if you wanted to meet up.

Thankyou, will try and get down for the monday.

 

[Time for Tea]

I have 3 of these lovely ponies. Had a couple of others years ago as well. Have had two from foals, they are 5 now, interesting journey with them. One is a drama queen, (lots of Frank of Crabbswood in his lines) but he is sensible underneath it all, and will do anything for you once he trusts you. The other baby is bombproof although quite forward going. He has some Brookshill on one side. He is very immature and unbalanced. Getting stronger though. The older one is 11, had him since he was 3, he is 15hh, and grew until he was 7. Late to mature in every way. Huge trot on him, keeps up with my trotter mare, or did. She is retired now. Very nice ponies all.

 

[Clodagh]

I have 3 of these lovely ponies. Had a couple of others years ago as well. Have had two from foals, they are 5 now, interesting journey with them. One is a drama queen, (lots of Frank of Crabbswood in his lines) but he is sensible underneath it all, and will do anything for you once he trusts you. The other baby is bombproof although quite forward going. He has some Brookshill on one side. He is very immature and unbalanced. Getting stronger though. The older one is 11, had him since he was 3, he is 15hh, and grew until he was 7. Late to mature in every way. Huge trot on him, keeps up with my trotter mare, or did. She is retired now. Very nice ponies all.

Do Brookshill still exist? Bramble was the best pony.

 

[Time for Tea]

They do, Brookshill Brumby was a winner of best Forest bred stallion(I think) at the Breed Show a few years ago. Brumby is a chunky. A friend of mine has one by Brookshill Royal, her boy is a lovely quality, scopey pony

 

[Ratface]

I had one from when I was 9yrs old to when I was 20. He was a brilliant, brave, sensible all-rounder and we had loads of fun. Excelled at jumping and could be rather "onward-bound" when hunting!