The New Forest

This is a former hunting area established about 1079 by William the Conqueror who claimed it as one of his Royal Hunting Preserves. (Little did it matter that 20 small hamlets were destroyed in order for this to happen.)

So, what is now the 'New Forest' is not new at all.

It's a unique area that retains many rural practices conceded by the Crown in historical times.

Rights of Commons were ancient rights entitling commoners to graze their animals in the open forest. So, throughout the  Forest's history, ponies, cattle, pigs, & donkeys have been pastured in the open.

 

It was with the hope of seeing free ranging horses, that we headed into the New Forest... and off the beaten path. Horses were everywhere... Strolling along or crossing the roads, nibbling grasses bedside the roads, & grazing in most open spaces. Once a year they are rounded up and the various owners trim their tails in a specific pattern to designate who they belong to. They also evaluate the health of the horses.