Drivers warned as 'frisky' stallions released

Drivers have been warned to take extra care as 25 stallions have been released in a national park.

The stallions will be free to roam different parts of the New Forest in Hampshire as breeding season gets underway.

The New Forest National Park Authority said ponies are likely to cross the road at speed and in places where drivers do not expect it.

The next six weeks is deemed to be one of the most important periods of the year for forest-run ponies as it will "maintain the quality and bloodlines of the rare breed New Forest pony," the authority added.

In a post on social media, New Forest Roads Awareness warned drivers: "Stallions have only one thing in their mind, roads and cars are not in there, so even on quiet roads, a stallion may push mares on.

"Obey the 40mph limit, even at that you should expect the unexpected. Hormones have taken over, and it is their forest.

"Keep your distance and if you want to take a photo, use the zoom.

"Please help us keep them and everyone safe this breeding season."

The stallions are carefully selected and chosen by the Verderers of the New Forest, an ancient and unique governing body that regulates and protects commoners and preserves the land.

The stallions are released in specific areas from 11 May until 22 June.

A park authority statement added that people should "admire them from a distance, avoid approaching or attempting to touch them and never feed them" and that "doing so could result in a fine".

Dog owners have also been warned to keep their pets under close control and "motorists are urged to take extra care particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are more active".

In 2025 the number of ponies killed on the national park's roads rose despite a high profile campaign about the dangers of free-roaming livestock.

There was a 64% increase from 2024, with 36 ponies killed on the roads last year.

The New Forest's free-roaming ponies are owned by commoners - people who own or occupy land with ancient rights.