New forest pros and cons

[seriously festive equine]

Hi all I am currently looking for a new horse (Native) Looking to buy next year. Some thing 5+ Ideally. I am looking at connies but saw people looking at Nf and welshies. I was wondering pros and cons on nf breed. (Had a welsh as a kid and they are lovely but naughty!) Thank you!

 

[Widgeon]

We had a lot of NFs at the RS I rode at all through my teenage years (we were in Hampshire so they were easy to come by). They were great. Nice natured, tough, versatile and would have a low level crack at pretty well anything. I rode a 13.2 until I was about 19; I was 5'7" so my legs dangled a bit but she was built like a tank and had no trouble carrying me on a full day's hacking.

Looking to buy as an adult though, anything that's a) already backed and b) at the taller / chunkier end of the spectrum commands a pretty high price. I think it's easier to find good ones if you're in the South (I'm not anymore).

ETA - I don't know much about Welshies except that from my experiences of them, they are impressive but I couldn't deal with that much drama in my life. I don't have time to ride enough to keep one quiet!

 

[meleeka]

New Forests are great all rounders. I think they are less popular than connie’s because of their height. They are great ponies who’ll usually turn a hoof to anything.

 

[Widgeon]

I think they are less popular than connie’s because of their height. They are great ponies who’ll usually turn a hoof to anything.

They're less flashy than modern Connie breeding too. But I like that - floof and a leg at each corner is desirable!

 

[MuddyMonster]

Yes, I definitely agree that NF's are less flashy and IME ride like ponies far more than Welsh's or Connie's of a similar height.

I'm 5'6 and my NF is 13.2/13.3hh but definitely wouldn't be a child's pony.

He's a ridiculously good doer in a way some Welsh's aren't. He's always on a diet and is a decent amount of work and only just lean

He's absolutely epic though.

 

[mustardsmum]

They are the south’s secret alternative to the connie They live off fresh air and get a good one and they are amazing all rounders. They have lovely characters, kind, sometimes a bit quirky, but a good one will look after you. Mine frequently gets mistaken for a connie, he’s nearly 15hh and is a fab size for me (I’ve never moved from natives to proper horses …). He rides like a small horse and has the most amazing canter. They are not sharp like a connie, or hot like a Welsh but get a good one and they are equally as athletic as either. I always get lots of nice comments about him. They make super dressage ponies. You do have to watch their weight, they would live off a gravel pit and they tend to have great feet (mines never been shod). Look on NFED or Horsequest. They are generally cheaper than Connie’s but the prices have crept up in recent years, especially for the oversized (14.3 to 15hh) types. They are generally pretty uncomplicated, the only thing they can be a bit stubborn at times and I think a lot of New Forest pony owners will know what I mean…

 

[Jenko109]

Very expensive ATM to get an up to height NF.

Cons are the constant need to weight manage.

Make sure they are PSSM clear.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Also, I do think there's a difference between forest born and stud born.

Mine is forest bred, born and raised. That has had it's own pro and con's!

 

[follysienna]

I grew up with foresters, they are wonderful ponies. They will have a go at anything, mine were never spooky or hot (although as a teenager I wished they were!). They would hack anywhere, through water and mud without a second glance. Mine weren't super talented but were happy popping 80cm courses, prelim dressage, showing, handy pony, gymkhana etc. But I do think they are becoming more athletic nowadays. I've had connies and welshies too, and would choose a forester over them everytime.

 

[dottylottie]

i’m sure @SO1 will be along soon to tell you how fabulous they are!

 

[Orangehorse]

I have had a few Welsh and one NF and I had a couple of Irish import ponies as a teenager which I suppose would have had some Connie in them.

I don't like Welsh as a whole, far too spirited, and as I have said many, many times before a Welsh cob is fine so long as you have a convenient Welsh mountain to ride up, in other words they need a lot of work and can be fantastic competition ponies (or complete physcos). The small Welsh are a bit too much and too clever for a starter child rider, although I know there are some angel ponies out there that are wonderful, as a breed they are sharp. I think the Welsh C are probably the best of the bunch.

My two Irish imports were fantastic ponies, gymkhanas, pony club, hunting, show jumping but again, they were living out and getting lots of work.

Of the lot I found the NF the calmest temperament. I only ever had the one so can't say that it applies to the whole number of ponies in the country, she seemed pretty co-operative and calm. Its difficult to get the larger ponies though.

 

[lozzles]

Our new forest was anything but calm but great fun to ride. No malice in her just very strong and forward. Was wired rather like a collie she lived to work. Very easy to handle but would go round a cross country course and be asking to go round again. Funnily enough with that much energy no difficulty managing her weight either! She was incredibly sound. Only time she was ever lame was when she knocked a splint.

 

[FitzyFitz]

Had a welsh years ago who was an absolute angel, but I agree most of them are a handful. Currently got a Welsh D who I love dearly, did advanced level endurance (up to 120km) but has had to retire early and is now being quite tricky to keep occupied.

Loaned/borrowed two purebred foresters (one stud one forest bred) , owned two purebreds (one stud bred one forest bred then rescued) and two partbreds.

The ones I loaned were a bit on the sluggish side to ride but as bomb proof as they come. One hunted and did endurance and was safe as houses, the other was a teenagers mount and happily jumped (110cm) and bombed around without getting silly. I once hunted the forest bred one in the new forest and she got left behind a bit so abruptly decided to take a shortcut and took me ducking and diving through a gorse thicket, hopping several trees and streams and caught up with everyone who was going around like sane people...

The ones we've owned have been much more forward going, the purebreds were both absolutely worth their weight in platinum, turning their hooves to any discipline (eventing, endurance, trec, western reining, polo crosse, you name it) and being canny enough to be careful nanny horses for kids and novices, but giving you more challenge if you're up to it. Long lived and very sound.

The part breds are both forest bred mare with a performance bred Arab stallion although not actually related to each other. Both are duracell bunnies and require a sensitive light rider but are lovely critters.
One is a bit of a wimp, needs rugging, bad feet, and although he's very careful when his brain is online is a complete idiot when adrenaline hits and will literally run into ditches or gates. Saying that I've also been using him as a responsible escort for a freshly backed 4yo and he's excellent.
The other one takes good doer to an extreme, resembling a stretched Shetland pony in hairstyle and physique unless she's in very heavy work. Tough as old boots though, never shod or rugged, spicy and sensitive but safe to ride out wherever you like all day long.

Currently got quite enough horses to be getting on with but if I was looking for another would be very tempted by a young new forest to bring on. I do love my welshie but I'd choose one cautiously.

 

[dorsetladette]

As a welsh lover I find them a bit 'plain', but the ones I've met will turn a hoof to anything.

Have a look at the breed website regarding PSSM as they are pretty hot on it.

Most seem to be 13-14hh, but I'm sure you would easily find a breeder with larger ponies if you looked for them.

Like any native they tend to live on fresh air and weight management can be a problem if not kept in the correct environment for them.

 

[Time for Tea]

I have 3 at the moment, two which I bought as foals, now age 5 and enjoying their work. one older one of 11, who grew to 15hh, ( in my avatar), and have had 2 in the past, years ago, before we had horses. Now returned to the N F pony in my older years. I think they are lovely ponies. They are primarily sensible, I would say. One is gentle, loves children, does granny hacks with me, or kiddie rides, with grandson, or wakes up and enjoys hunting or 70/80cm eventing with my daughter. He is not a brave pony, but some of them certainly are. The youngsters are very different. One is quirky and sensitive, a bit panicky until he is sure what he is doing. very honest. Lovely on the ground. The other youngster is bolder, rather the opposite of sharp, though he is forward going. Also honest. Both grew to about 14.1hh. They are all affectionate, opinionated and fun, comfortable, good with traffic, and dogs.

 

[Snow Falcon]

Where do I start?! Fabulous all round ponies. I have forest bred ones and stud bred ones, have also bred both.

There is a variation in type. I prefer what I term the WHP rather than the sportier type. Mine are raised to do a bit of everything. FB ones are already desentitised. Some of the smaller ones can be a bit cheeky and are more of an adult ride but fab for competent child.

I've ridden a 13.1 to full up 14.2hh. I'm 5'7 so a good pony with a decent depth of girth will take up your leg well. As someone has mentionned the society is very pro-active with PSSM. All stallions are tested before being licensed. Breeders are encouraged to test mares too.

Good to handle, easy temperaments and quick learners. I've been involved with them about 30yrs now. If you would like any more information please do not hesitate to drop me a PM.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Where do I start?! Fabulous all round ponies. I have forest bred ones and stud bred ones, have also bred both.

There is a variation in type. I prefer what I term the WHP rather than the sportier type. Mine are raised to do a bit of everything. FB ones are already desentitised. Some of the smaller ones can be a bit cheeky and are more of an adult ride but fab for competent child.

I've ridden a 13.1 to full up 14.2hh. I'm 5'7 so a good pony with a decent depth of girth will take up your leg well. As someone has mentionned the society is very pro-active with PSSM. All stallions are tested before being licensed. Breeders are encouraged to test mares too.

Good to handle, easy temperaments and quick learners. I've been involved with them about 30yrs now. If you would like any more information please do not hesitate to drop me a PM.

Would you mind if I was to PM you on the off chance you knew anything about my boy's dam or could point me in the right direction? I believe his sire did quite well in the show ring known so there's a bit of ìnformation about him - he certainly looks like him - but know noting about his dam.

Just out of curiosity more than anything else, as he's definitely never going anywhere!

 

[Snow Falcon]

No problem, please do. Send me his registered name. I love looking all the pedigrees up too.

 

[Ratface]

As a child, I was roped in to keeping a Forest-bred mare excercised for an owner whose child was at boarding school in term time. Oakey (she was branded with an O K mark) was brave, would fly over anything that she was put at, excellent in all traffic, going under and over road and railway bridges, brilliant at gymkhana games, rather difficult to hold onto out hunting and sometimes a bit awkward to catch. She lived until her early thirties and was much missed after she died.

 

[SO1]

I lost my first forester last year. I had him as 5 year old till I lost him to a rare gastric issue at the age of 20.

He took me a rider of very little talent to places I never dreamed of going such as Royal Windsor. He was a fantastic all rounder with such a gentle nature. I did most activities with him and never took him for granted. When I lost him my heart broke and I still have not recovered. It took me over a year to find my current Forester who is 5 and also has a gentle loving nature and is proving to be willing and a good boy.

The major disadvantage over connies is their rarity. If you have the 10k plus for a 5 year old connie there is so much choice whereas with foresters there are so few of them it takes a while to find one. I almost gave up and started looking at connies.

As people mentioned weight control is an issue but connies and welsh also have the same problem with being good doers.

They also do have a habit of escaping so you need decent fencing and others have mentioned PSSM but then Connies can have HWS. Both of which can be tested for.

I also think the community of new forest owners are very friendly. When I lost Homey I got a lot of support from people in the new forest community.

Connies are the ultimate sports pony but foresters are not quite as big or sharp. Depending on what you would want to do with your pony and what type of rider you are PF can advise on lines which might suit.

I know of a 13.3 4 year for sale from the same person that I got my 5 year old from.

My YO is a Welsh D enthusiast. For me they are too wide and powerful. I feel more comfortable with a smaller type but she has had a lot of fun with her Welsh stallion. My friend has a Welsh D mare and she is a nervous rider but her D is no trouble at all. I think a lot of it depends on how they are started and kept as well as the temperament. Advantage of D"s is no upper height limit for showing so no risk of a youngster going overheight.

I am so pleased I got another forester and didn't go for a connie in the end.

 

[seriously festive equine]

Thank you everyone for your advice! I really appreciate it! also wondering do you ever get any issues with saddling ect?

 

[poiuytrewq]

There are two nice NF yearlings for sale on Preloved. Wiltshire based

 

[Glitter's fun]

Just seen an 18yo NF described as "quirky" & they want £8,000.
Is that a normal price for the breed? (Don't see many where I am.)

 

[SO1]

Thank you everyone for your advice! I really appreciate it! also wondering do you ever get any issues with saddling ect?

Not really. Homey had a normal off the peg saddle in 16.5 which was fully adjustable.

Bert is smaller and I had to have his made to measure saddle as I needed a 16 inch pony saddle but I had adult flaps put on it. I am 5.2ft and Bert is 13.2 but takes a 5.6 rug. Homey was 13.3 but a big 13.3 and took a 6ft rug.

I know you are not looking now but this is the person I got Bert from and he was really well started. She specialises in bring on NF for sale.

Absolute gem of a pony

<p>Registered NF gelding, approx 13.2/3, 4yr old.<br /> <br /> Eddie is an absolutely beautiful pony inside and out. He has beautiful paces and works beautifully on the flat. <br /> <br /> To jump, Eddie is so brave and bold. No fillers bother him. He has been to 3 shows and been ridden by a...

www.horsequest.co.uk

 

[SO1]

Just seen an 18yo NF described as "quirky" & they want £8,000.
Is that a normal price for the breed? (Don't see many where I am.)

That one is a JC SJ pony so I expect if a serious competition pony that will be where the value is rather than due to the breed.

I paid 8.5k for my 13.2 5 year old Bert in August. He was originally advertised a 9750. I was first to view him. He is out of a mare that has produced pony's that have been successful at HOYS and on his grandsire Wayland Cranberry on his sire side is number 3 on the elite sire list. He had won his only dressage test and had been out to a few shows jumping clear at 80.

As a comparison I bought Homey 16 years ago as a 5 year old. He was 3250 and had been brought on slowly through pony club. He was an ex stallion who had done well in hand at the breed shows. He is on the elite sire list. His grandsire being Applewitch Pure Magic number 2 on the top sires list. I was 2nd to view him. The first person had had difficulties getting him to canter but I never had any problems with getting him going in the 15 years I had him.

Alot of ponies do not even get onto sale sites and get sold through Facebook adds via breed Facebook groups. Some go through NFED. The prices on horsequest are not always reflected of the ponies sold via other methods and tend to be the ones with the higher price tags.

Whilst I am not massively competitive both my ponies come from competition lines. Homey was amazing and rarely did he come home without a rosette. We were always a bit of the underdog and would suprise people. He won the riding club points championship one year. I had never competed in dressage before I got him and it was not long before we were beating horses bred for the job. I used to hack him to competitions and in the winter dressage league if it was windy we would arrive looking windswept and with muddy legs from the bridleway. He also did showing, was excellent at Le Trec, and enjoyed a sponsored ride, though he would get strong and put in buck when excited he also was a good jumper as well.

I am not sure what the future will hold for Bert despite his potential the same as with Homey I didn't buy him as a competition pony. I just wanted a kind all rounder for fun with.

 

[MuddyMonster]

@SO1 where do you find the elite sires list? Would love to see if my boy's sire is on there.

Hope Bert recovers well. X

 

[SO1]

@SO1 where do you find the elite sires list? Would love to see if my boy's sire is on there.

Hope Bert recovers well. X

Here is the list for recent years it is from the annual report. I have the cumulative all time list at home not on my phone. I am travelling on a train at the moment and will take better photo when I am home.

Just found the lists on website. Homey was the sire of Portmore Thundercloud one of the top living stallions.

New Forest Pony Elite Scheme - New Forest Pony & Cattle Breeding

The Elite Scheme was established to help breeders, owners and potential owners interested in New Forest ponies to discover the consistently successful bloodlines in the breed. The aim is to highlight not only the achievement of individual ponies, but to link these to their sires and dams and/or...

www.newforestpony.com

My deceased boy is Lovelyhill Home-Touch on this list which is why I have the list on my phone.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Here is the list for recent years it is from the annual report. I have the cumulative all time list at home not on my phone. I am travelling on a train at the moment and will take better photo when I am home.

Just found the lists on website. Homey was the sire of Portmore Thundercloud one of the top living stallions.

New Forest Pony Elite Scheme - New Forest Pony & Cattle Breeding

The Elite Scheme was established to help breeders, owners and potential owners interested in New Forest ponies to discover the consistently successful bloodlines in the breed. The aim is to highlight not only the achievement of individual ponies, but to link these to their sires and dams and/or...

www.newforestpony.com

My deceased boy is Lovelyhill Home-Touch on this list which is why I have the list on my phoneView attachment 126323.

Thank you My boy's sire is on the top living stallions list from the website, which is lovely

 

[Annagain]

I rode a friend's NF fairly regularly years ago when I had my Welshie. They were pretty much the same size but they felt worlds apart. My old boy rode much bigger than his 14.1 whereas the NF felt much much smaller. His stride was shorter, his neck was shorter and narrower so I felt like I had nothing in front of me, he didn't take up my leg in the same way, despite looking like he would. That would be my only concern as an adult, whether an NF would feel too small. I'm 5'6" so it might not be a problem if you're shorter.

 

[Time for Tea]

I rode a friend's NF fairly regularly years ago when I had my Welshie. They were pretty much the same size but they felt worlds apart. My old boy rode much bigger than his 14.1 whereas the NF felt much much smaller. His stride was shorter, his neck was shorter and narrower so I felt like I had nothing in front of me, he didn't take up my leg in the same way, despite looking like he would. That would be my only concern as an adult, whether an NF would feel too small. I'm 5'6" so it might not be a problem if you're shorter.

This is an interesting point. I think generally speaking the Welsh do have a longer stride and a longer neck, but there are some Foresters that do, one of my youngsters does, when my instructor rode him recently she said he felt much bigger than he actually is. I think he will feel bigger as he matures as he will broaden. My 15hh Forester does feel very pony like, unless he is hunting, when he becomes a horse! I’ve ridden a Connie or two, and I think they have better fronts and movement, again this is a general comment. But the NF are hugely improved I think, over the last 20-30 years since I bought my first one. There have always been some cracking ponies, but the ordinary ponies are much better looking than they used to be. You can see any number of really attractive foals on the Forest now, whereas years ago there used to be any number of misbegotten looking creatures. They have made a really big effort to improve the breeding stock.