Who owns the animals in the Forest?

The ponies, donkeys and cows you see in the Forest are owned by Commoners. Commoners have an ancient right by virtue of the lands they live on or rent, to put their animals out in the Forest.

Can I feed the animals?

Nope. If someone feeds a pony something they haven’t found themselves, let’s say a Haribo or a carrot, this could result in the pony being really unwell or even kill them.

If you touch the animals, they become used to human contact which can put them in danger. They beg for food which makes them un well and they can wonder in front of cars at car parks. Admire them from a distance.

Sales Ended

Social Ride

Follow this organiser to stay informed on future events

By The New Forest Off Road Club

Social Ride
Sat, Oct 4, 10:00
The Forest Cafe Sway • Sway
Free
Neuromatch Social Event-Southampton
Mon, Oct 20, 13:00
Bricklayers arms • Southampton
£11.55
HUUDDLE Social
Tue, Oct 28, 17:00
The Dell at Southampton FC • Southampton
£50
Halloween Book Crawl and Social
Sat, Oct 25, 10:30
BH6 Books and Home • Southbourne
Free
Sip + Social: Portsmouth Alternative Business Awards
Thu, Oct 30, 18:30
Staggeringly Good Brewery • Portsmouth
£30
So Social Quarterly Lunchtime Quiz and Pizza - October 2025
Wed, Oct 8, 12:15
Axis Conference Centre • Chilworth
£24
Sewtime Sewing Socials
Sat, Sep 27, 10:00
St John's Locks Heath • Park Gate
£25
Chamber Social
Fri, Nov 28, 16:30
The Ox Row Inn • Salisbury
Free
BHR Social - September
Fri, Sep 26, 16:30
Kimbridge Barn • Kimbridge
Free
Chamber Social
Fri, Oct 31, 16:30
The Ox Row Inn • Salisbury
Free