Where to See the New Forest Ponies in Autumn

The New Forest's ponies are free-roaming and semi-wild, owned by local commoners under ancient grazing rights, and autumn is one of the best times to see them — cooler weather keeps them active during the day, and the turning bracken and heather make for a stunning backdrop.

Best Places to Look

Ponies move freely across the whole forest, but reliable spots include the open heathland around Bolderwood and Rhinefield, the grazing commons near Burley and Brockenhurst, and the verges along the minor roads throughout the forest — slow down, they have right of way everywhere, including on the roads.

Autumn Is Special: The Pannage Season

Every autumn (usually September to November), New Forest pigs are also released onto the commons to eat fallen acorns, which are toxic to ponies in large quantities. It's a genuinely unique local tradition worth looking out for alongside the ponies.

Ground Rules for Guests

• Never feed the ponies — human food makes them ill and encourages dangerous road-side begging behaviour
• Keep at least a few metres' distance; they're wild animals, not petting-zoo residents, and can kick
• Keep dogs on a lead near grazing animals
• Drive slowly on forest roads, especially at dawn and dusk when visibility is lower

Make a Day of It

Combine a pony-spotting drive with a walk from one of the forest's car parks (Bolderwood and Blackwater Arboretum are both excellent, low-effort options), and finish with a warm drink at one of the forest's pubs — most welcome muddy boots and dogs without a second glance.