Stallion warning as New Forest breeding season starts

Drivers and visitors to the New Forest are being warned to keep their distance as stallions have been released in the New Forest to breed.

As the behaviour of the 21 stallions could be erratic, verderers who regulate the livestock on the forest have urged visitors not to walk through the pony herds and to keep dogs under close control.

Motorists are being urged to be on their guard, plan their route and expect large herds of ponies that are likely to be “flighty and defensive”.

The stallions were turned out on Monday and will be brought in on 23 June.

Urging drivers heed warnings, campaign group New Forest Roads Awareness said: “The stallions are going out to hundreds of ladies that haven’t seen a gent in months…they are only thinking about one thing.

“The ponies will be running, there are foals as well so please drive with care and attention.”

The approved stallions are turned out each year to different areas across the forest to maintain the New Forest pony as a breed.

When they are not turned out into the forest the registered stallions live out on one large pasture together.

They are owned by commoners who live in properties with ancient rights attached, dating back to the 11th Century, allowing them to graze livestock on the open forest.