Horseriding

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New Forest Horseriding

For many, a trip to the New Forest would not be complete without going horseriding along some of the beautiful woodland tracks or across forest heaths. Both in and around the New Forest there are many horseriding schools and stables which offer riding to beginners and to experienced riders. There are stables at Beaulieu, Bramshaw, Brockenhurst, Burley, Dibden, Fordingbridge, Minstead, New Milton and Sway.

Click here to search our database for New Forest horseriding businesses.

New Forest ponies

The New Forest is famous for its ponies. In fact it is hard to imagine the area without them. The 4000 ponies here are not truly wild - as they are all managed and owned. Nevertheless, most spend their days roaming freely and happily on the Forest. A brand displays the owner's identity and he or she is responsible for the pony's condition. When you see New Forest ponies for the first time, it is an incredible sight. Bear in mind, however, that feeding them is not appropriate. It encourages them to stray onto the roads looking for food, and often results in accidents and animal deaths. Two or three ponies are killed on the roads every week, mostly after dark. As you would expect, New Forest ponies are known for their toughness. Because they have co-existed with humans for so many centuries, New Forest ponies have an ideal temperament which makes them easy to train. They are also sure-footed, willing and they make ideal riding ponies.

Links to useful horseriding and pony sites:

• The New Forest Verderers official website

• New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society

• The New Forest Equine Directory

• New Forest Equestrian Association

• The New Forest Pony Enthusiast Club

• The New Forest Pony Publicity Group

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