New Forest: encroachers and embezzlers

Posted on July 14, 2015 by newforestcommoner
The New Forest boasts what is believed to be the highest concentration of ancient trees in Western Europe.

The New Forest was once inhabited by ‘persons of questionable character’ and officials who exploited rather than cared for it.

Visitors to the New Forest are often delighted with the Olde English charm of its cottages, farms and former labourers dwellings. With an abundance of thatched roofs and cottage garden planting schemes, the quaint and pretty villages are the semblance of picture postcard appeal. The sight of free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys adds to the atmosphere of a bygone rural idyll that has most visitors peering longingly in at many an Estate Agent’s shop window. But the New Forest hasn’t always been a place that respectable people would want to settle in. In fact, far from it.

Encroachers and trespassers
Areas that today are recommended to visit by the tourism guide books in former times were in the possession of ‘persons of very questionable character, who live most wretched and abandoned lives.’ Many of these people were ‘encroachers’ who, due to the indifference of the Forest keepers, were able to erect hovels and take up residence. Once these trespassers had established themselves in the area they were very difficult to evict. Many of the officials were too afraid to address the issue, as those who were prepared to reside illegally were ‘as ready to become murderers, as thieves.’ In 1748, for example, what is now the picturesque village of Woodgreen was described as ‘…every house there a trespass, and all the inhabitants live by pilfering and stealing out of the Forest.’ The reputation of the New Forest ponies fared no better, being described as ‘the property of vagrants and smugglers, not worth more than 2/6 a head.’

Dishonest and embezzling officials
If the inhabitants were unsavoury characters some of the Forest officials were just as unpleasant. Many of the offices had become mere sinecures and were taken up by men who wanted to exploit the Forest’s resources for game hunting or to improve their position in society. But some of the officials were downright dishonest and ignored the ancient traditions and etiquette of the Forest for their own gain. Most Crown employees were not paid and took timber and other Forest resources in lieu of wages. In the mid-1700’s the Deputy Surveyor, The Deputy Woodward and the Purveyor of the Navy were all accused of corruption. By 1789 ‘The Fifth Report of Commissioners to Enquire into the Woods, Forests and Land Revenues of the Crown’ stated that the New Forest was over run by deer, many of the Forest customs and payments had lapsed, and the Forest was greatly exploited by those entrusted to look after it. The Commissioners further reported that three of the Inclosures had been turned into rabbit warrens by the keepers who found it more profitable to rear and sell rabbits than tend trees! William Cobbett, in his famous book ‘Rural Rides’ fumed: ‘This Forest has been crawled upon by favourites, and is now much smaller than it used to be.’ He firmly believed that the very best parts of ‘this once-public property’ had been sold off and called for an enquiry.

New Forest Act 1877
Reform did eventually come in the shape of The New Forest Act 1877, which redefined the powers and duties of the administration, particularly the Verderers and the Office of the Woods, the forerunner to the Forestry Commission. The Act also confirmed the ancient rights of the commoners, which had been attacked from all sides by encroachers, embezzlers and maladministrators alike. Today the New Forest is professionally managed by agencies and statutory organisations that, under the watchful eye of conservation charities like the New Forest Association and the New Forest Trust, value the practice of commoning and the special qualities of the landscape.

The New Forest ponies roam freely in small family herds that can consist of mares, fillies, colts and geldings.

New Forest ponies were once described as ‘the property of vagrants and smugglers’.

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New Forest: hand fasting in a woodland glade

Posted on July 6, 2015 by newforestcommoner
The origins of hand fasting ceremonies have been lost in time but are increasing in popularity.

The origins of hand fasting ceremonies have been lost in time but are increasing in popularity with modern couples.

Recently I was invited to a hand fasting wedding ceremony that took place within a leafy glade in the New Forest*. The weather was perfect, as dappled sunlight showered through the canopy of beech, ash and oak trees. A gentle breeze wafted the smell of newly cut hay from the nearby meadows, while woodland butterflies danced among the guests and settled on the happy couple as they exchanged vows to one another. The bride, with wild flowers weaved into her hair, looked like a beautiful sylvan nymph and the groom her proud Oberon. It was my first introduction to a form of spiritual union whose origins have been lost in time.

Marriage, as an institution, has ancient roots but was initially the preserve of the aristocracy and wealthy. In times past weddings had nothing to do with love but were all about economic or political gain and legitimating offspring. The marriage contract was a way to make strategic alliances, increase wealth, secure power, and establish a dynasty. It was the Victorians, by rediscovering the ideals of medieval courtly behaviour and chivalry, who first suggested that love was a necessary ingredient for marriage. The flourishing of art, poetry and literature during the Romantic Period encouraged this belief. Queen Victoria herself always referred to her union with Prince Albert as a ‘love-match’. Indeed, many of the customs and practices in conventional wedding ceremonies are Victorian inventions and fashions that we have been encouraged to follow ever since.

However, the 1995 blockbuster ‘Braveheart’ has influenced a more recent and increasingly popular trend. In the film William Wallace (died 23 August 1305), played by Mel Gibson, marries his true love Murron in a hand fasting ceremony. Little is know about the origins of hand fasting but it while it is assumed to pre-date Christianity most of what we know comes from the Middle Ages. The Anglo-Saxons used the notion of hand fast as ‘a formal promise to make a contract’, usually in the form of a betrothal ceremony that would take place prior to marriage. The Old Norse word ‘handfesta’ meant ‘to strike a bargain holding hands’. In either interpretation hand fasting is a binding commitment between two people. Hollywood of course has taken this a step further and now hand-fasting ceremonies are indistinguishable from actual the marriage service.

Hand fasting though is not legally binding and my friends were actually married earlier in the week in a formal service, but I’m certain that it wasn’t as much fun. Those assembled in this scenic tableau were able to take part in the ceremony as well as to witness the joining together of two people who truly loved one another. The joining was quite literal too. The celebrant conducting the ceremony tied their wrists and hands together using threads and talismans that had significance to the couple. This is perhaps where the well-known expression ‘tying the knot’ comes from.

*The correct permissions were obtained prior to the ceremony.

The New Forest is a place of mysticism and spirituality as well as scenic beauty.

The New Forest is a place of mysticism and spirituality as well as scenic beauty.

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New Forest: the celebrity snake catcher

Posted on July 1, 2015 by newforestcommoner
Adders are commonly found on the New Forest and are protected by law.

Adders are commonly found on the New Forest and are protected by law.

July 1st marks the anniversary of the death of one of the New Forest’s most famous residents. Born in March 1840, in Emery Down, Lyndhurst, he was named Henry but in later life became more popularly known as Harry ‘Brusher’ Mills. He started his working-life in horticulture and, like his father, was employed as a gardener. However, he seems to have changed career in his forties to become a snake-catcher or ‘charmer’ and gained widespread celebrity after an article about him appeared in the 1897 November edition of Country Life magazine. The article mused that; ‘No one who is acquainted with the ancient British legends of great snakes or ‘worms’ haunting various hills and vales of Celtic Britain…can doubt when he sees this wildman of the woods with his strange and bizarre equipment, and his bag of snakes, that he is a true and direct, though unconscious, descendant of the priests of serpents and serpent-worshippers who ‘made medicine’ to propitiate the ‘worms’ and dragons, when Britain and heathenness were one.’

The legend has romanticised the man but even so, by all accounts he was a bit of a character. He never married and led an immensely impoverished lifestyle. His home is variously described as either an old charcoal burner’s hut or a mud and timber dwelling made of his own construction. In the museum at Lyndhurst there are photographs of him sitting beside a wigwam-like shelter made of vertical wooden poles, mud and moss. He was often referred to as a recluse or hermit but he was never that. He enjoyed his celebrity status and would regale visitors with tales of the Forest or chat while they posed to have their photos taken with him. His nickname of ‘Brusher’ was earned when he used to attend the cricket matches at Balmer Lawn and brush or sweep the wickets. He also liked to drink whisky or rum in The Railway Inn at Brockenhurst. On one occasion, according to the stories, he emptied a sack of snakes onto the floor of the pub on a particularly busy day so that he could get to the bar to be served.

He was a very distinguished looking man with a forked beard, felt hat and gaitered boots. Often he would have a tobacco pipe at his mouth. The tools of his trade included a sack and a forked stick, which he referred to as his ‘staff of office’. The grass snakes and adders that he caught were usually sent to London Zoo, as food for the snake-eating birds of prey. It is also said that he would manufacture and sell ointments made from the snakes for various ailments, including rheumatism, and also sell snake skeletons to curious tourists. The Victorian period was a one of intense interest in the natural world. Increasingly the sciences were becoming accessible to the keen amateur or hobbyist and the New Forest became a magnet for specimen hunters and private collectors of all kinds, including those wanting rare plants, flowers, insects and birds eggs. It is not known exactly how many snakes Brusher captured during his working life but it is generally believed to be in the tens of thousands at least. Nowadays of course such harvesting of wildlife is not permitted and laws protect many areas of the New Forest.

His death occurred on 1st July 1905 in an outhouse at The Railway Inn. Some believe it was due to shock, as shortly before his hut in the Forest was vandalised and, such as it was, rendered uninhabitable. It is believed that the deliberate damage was brought about to stop Brusher from being able to claim ‘squatters rights’ under Forest Law and become owner of the patch of land he had inhabited for nearly 30 years. In his memory the Railway Inn changed its name to The Snakecatcher’s Inn where to this day patron’s can perform a libation in honour of this eccentric but very simple man.

Harry 'Brusher' Mills enjoyed a certain celebrity on the New Forest and was a visitor attraction in his own right.

Harry ‘Brusher’ Mills enjoyed a certain celebrity on the New Forest and was a visitor attraction in his own right.

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New Forest: foals and fawns

Posted on June 22, 2015 by newforestcommoner
The foals born on the New Forest represent a living heritage.

The foals born on the New Forest are one of its most popular attractions according to tourist surveys.

Regular visitors to the New Forest will, hopefully, by now have had a chance to see some of the pony and donkey foals that are currently to be found roaming on the Open Forest. They are charming little additions to the herds of commonable stock and are regularly cited as being one of the main draws to the area by tourists when surveyed. Even the cattle that are turned out may have a calf or two in their midst. However, other baby animals are also present on the Forest at this time of year, but many – particularly the deer fawns – are not to be seen as easily.

Deer species
The New Forest is home to five species of deer – red, fallow, roe and the elusive muntjac and sika. Only the red and roe deer are native species, whilst the others have been introduced to Britain at one or other time in history. The fallow deer were brought over by the Normans during mediaeval times and are now considered naturalised. Muntjac and sika deer are Asiatic species that were introduced to Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. All New Forest deer species give birth in the period between May and June except the muntjac, which breeds all year round.

Does and fawns
The does will leave the fawns for long periods of time while they go off to feed, returning a few times a day to suckle their offspring. For the first few days after they are born the fawns will freeze if approached, as a natural defence strategy. Only after about a week will the fawns flee from danger. This is a critical period for these baby animals and, if discovered, the fawns should not be approached or handled. It is important to stay on footpaths and keep dogs under control during this time to reduce the risk of disturbing them. At about a month old the fawns will be able to venture out to forage with their mothers.

Protected by officers of the Crown
It is the Forestry Commission who are responsible for the management of deer on the New Forest. This is a legacy from the time dating back to its creation in the 11th century when the New Forest was preserved for royal hunting. The deer were once ‘beasts of the chase’ and maintained and protected by officers of the Crown for the king and his court to hunt. Over the centuries the protection of deer made way for the production of timber, but even so Crown officials remained in control of all matters relating to deer. Deer are classed as wildlife, and not commonable stock, for which the Verderers are responsible. So, any incidents or accidents involving deer should therefore be reported to the Forestry Commission. (For sick or injured deer, ring the Forestry Commission on 0300 067 4600. For sick or injured ponies, cattle, donkeys, pigs or sheep call 02380 282052 during normal office hours, or 02380 283141 at other times.)

The New Forest landscape supports many species of plants, insects, birds and mammals. It should be valued as a reserve for nature.

The New Forest is home to five species of deer – the red, fallow, roe (pictured) and the elusive muntjac and sika deer.

 

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New Forest: fence month

Posted on June 16, 2015 by newforestcommoner
The red deer is Britain's largest land mammal and it is a true native species and a resident of the New Forest.

William the Conqueror established the New Forest for royal hunting and ‘loved the deer as if he were their father’.

William the Conqueror, who is credited with establishing the New Forest in the 11th century, was a keen huntsman and created laws of venison and vert to protect his quarry and its habitat. The forest laws that he introduced were severe and the punishments for transgressors, such as blinding or having a hand cut off, more so. According to an Anglo-Saxon observer the king’s behaviour, which included taking many marks of gold and hundreds of pounds of silver from his underlings, caused great men to complain and poor men to lament. He banned the hunting of harts and also of wild boar and decreed that the hares should be allowed to run free. The observer further commented that the king ‘loved the deer as if he were their father’.

While they were harsh the introduction of forest laws actually preserved and regulated the practice of commoning and its associated rights and customs. Commoning, one of the oldest forms of agriculture known to man, had been practiced in the area long before William set foot on English soil. Nevertheless, subsequent laws, including the Charter of the Forest 1217, and the Orders and Rules of the New Forest 1537, have claimed to represent ancient usage whilst introducing new observances. One such requirement that has always been more honoured in the breach than in the observance was that of ‘Fence Month’.

Traditionally fence month (20th June to 20th July) occurred 14 days either side of midsummer’s day, which is the time when deer generally give birth. According to one chronicler ‘there must be a watch and ward kept with men and weapons for the fence and defence of wild beasts, for that reason the same is called fence or defence month.’ During this time ‘no men or stray dogs’ were allowed to wander in the forest, and ‘no swine or cattle were allowed to feed within the precincts’. The commoners were supposed to remove their stock to their holdings to enable the deer to calve uninterrupted. However, the commoners were able to continue grazing their animals throughout this period on payment of a small quit rent. By the 16th century these payments were made ‘of old time’ and in 1670 it was stated before the Justice in Eyre, held at Lyndhurst, that ‘from time out of mind the commoners have had common of pasture for their cattle throughout fence month’.

Attempts to reestablish and enforce fence month were made in the early 1850’s, when the practice of commoning came under serious threat from the Crown who wanted to eradicate the ancient rights in order to enclose parts of the New Forest for timber production and sell-off the rest. When the commoners offered to reintroduce quit rents for grazing throughout fence month the Crown refused and used the conciliatory gesture as proof of the Crown’s superiority in the matter. However, when matters came to a head a national outcry and active campaign for the preservation of the New Forest and commoning resulted in the New Forest Act 1877. The Act reconstituted Court of Verderers, which was given judiciary and executive powers over the New Forest, including responsibility for the payment of quit rent in respect of fence month.

Traditional management practices, particularly commoning, have conserved the ecological diversity of the Forest.

Traditional management practices, particularly commoning, have conserved the ecological diversity of the Forest.

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New Forest: wildlife that bites, stings and kicks!

Posted on June 9, 2015 by newforestcommoner
For all its beauty and tranquility, the New Forest is not a benign environment. People are often reminded that whilst nature can be managed she cannot be tamed.

For all its beauty and tranquility, the New Forest is not a benign environment. People are often reminded that whilst nature can be managed she cannot be tamed.

The New Forest is internationally important because of its mosaic of habitats, which contain many rare and endangered species. Traditional management practices, particularly commoning, have conserved the ecological diversity of the Forest. But for all its beauty this is not a benign landscape. People who are unprepared to experience the abundant biodiversity of the New Forest are often reminded that whilst nature can be managed she cannot be tamed. Even though the Forest landscape does not contain large predators, such as big cats, wolves or bears, its resident blood feasting insects will make the unprepared visitor feel no less like someone’s dinner! However, people who like to spend time out of doors are generally accustomed to the risks and inconvenience of biting or stinging insects and know how to take appropriate action. Simple measures, including wearing long sleeves and trousers, rather than t-shirts or shorts, can provide some protection from insect bites, such as horseflies, harlequin ladybirds or ticks, all of which reside in the New Forest.

Wildlife that bites and stings
The tick problem on the New Forest is of particular concern, as these tiny blood-sucking insects can carry Lyme’s Disease (Lyme borreliosis), which is a nasty bacterial infection. The ticks are generally the size of a poppy seed and very difficult to see, but their irritating bite is often associated with a distinctive ringed rash that looks like a target, such as one would see on a dart-board or on an archery butt. Children are generally bitten above the waistline and adults on their legs. Early symptoms are flu-like and if left untreated can become more serious. Luckily, the treatment is a simple course of antibiotics. Wearing long trousers and staying on the footpaths and designated tracks of the New Forest is the best preventative measure, as ticks are found in many places, including wooded and grassy areas. Wearing muted colours and avoiding heavy perfumes or scents will also lessen the risk of attracting wasps and bees, which are drawn to bright colours and strong fragrances. Mosquitos and midges are a particular pest and in times past the New Forest commoners would make insect repellent from herb robert (Geranium robertianum), which grows on the heathland. The leaves of the elder-tree (Sambucus nigra) were used as an insecticide, amongst other things, as was broom (Cytisus scoparius), which was also used in a preparation to kill lice. Nowadays it’s much easier to just pick up pre-prepared insect repellents (or lice treatment if you need it) from High Street pharmacies or supermarkets.

Wildlife that bites and kicks
Luckily the New Forest doesn’t contain any wildlife that poses a significant threat to human health, such as deadly scorpions, spiders or snakes. Unless, of course, you are allergic to the bite of Britain’s only venomous snake – and New Forest resident – the adder (Vipera berus). This is not an aggressive snake but it will defend itself with a painful bite if disturbed or frightened. It can be found in various terrains across the Forest, where it preys on small mammals, birds, amphibians and lizards. The largest animal on the Forest likely to take a chunk out of you is a either New Forest pony or donkey, but you’ll have to do something pretty silly to deserve such rough treatment. They can also deliver a fairly hefty kick too. These animals are accustomed to visitors and generally prefer to keep themselves to themselves, but some people do insist on trying to stroke them, feed them or handle their offspring. Such provocation is bound to end up in retaliation!

Stay safe. Enjoy the New Forest.
There are lots of simple precautions that visitors to the New Forest can take to make sure that they have a safe and enjoyable day out. Such precautions include wearing appropriate clothing, headwear and footwear; using insect repellent; and, in warm weather, applying sun cream liberally and having plenty of drinking water. It is also recommended to avoid contact with the free-roaming animals and to keep to the designated tracks and pathways. In this way you are much more likely to enjoy your encounter with the New Forest and its wildlife than to be a victim to it.

Adders are commonly found on the New Forest and are protected by law.

Adders are commonly found on the New Forest and are protected by law.

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New Forest: chalybeate springs and aquatic things

Posted on June 1, 2015 by newforestcommoner
Temporary ponds are an important habitat for species of invertebrate and amphibian species - but also very convenient for the wild ponies.

Temporary ponds are not only an important habitat for species of invertebrates and amphibians but also very convenient for the semi-feral ponies and other commonable animals.

I was watching visitors paddling in one of the many Forest streams recently and it made me reflect on the distinctiveness of the watercourses on the New Forest. The New Forest contains streams, ponds, and mires, as well as coastal saltmarshes that are among the most important habitats in Europe. There are also many temporary ponds within the New Forest that are mostly dry for the better part of the year but fill up during periods of rainfall or melting snow. These temporary ponds are vital habitats for many species of invertebrate and amphibian because of the absence of the fish that would otherwise prey upon them. The Hampshire Avon, on the other hand, which brushes the New Forest in the west, is said to contain more fish species than any other river in Britain.

Bad humours and leeches
Visitors to the New Forest have for centuries remarked upon the restorative qualities and health-giving properties of its waters. Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) that were so popular with the medical profession up until the late 1800’s are still found today in some of the New Forest ponds or ditches. This parasitic animal was widely used by doctors to suck the blood of patients and draw out the ‘bad humours’ that were believed to be responsible for all manner ailments or disease. The leeches search for food during May to September when the warmer weather increases the water temperature. Its favoured prey are waterfowl, frogs, and commonable livestock but it has also been known to take advantage of any easy meal provided by any obliging visitors who paddle about or wade in its habitat!

Chalybeate iron springs
Some New Forest waters have been given more palatable curative properties, particularly those with ‘chalybeate’ features – a natural spring with iron salts. There are many instances of these springs providing treatments for everything from leg ulcers to ophthalmic conditions. During the Middle Ages, for example, the spring at Fritham known as Lepers Well was widely used as a cure for leprosy. Later it became better known as Iron Well where people wanting to cure their dogs of mange could drop the poor afflicted mutt down into the waters from a wooden hatch. There the dog was able to scramble out ‘after he has finished his ablutions’.

Shultze Gunpowder Factory
But not all of the watercourses have faired well during the history of the New Forest. Latchmoor Brook particularly suffered as a result of the activities at the Shultze Gunpowder Factory, which was established at Fritham in the 1860’s. During the process of making ‘smokeless gunpowder’ large quantities of wood pulp was soaked in nitric and sulphuric acid, which was then rinsed in gallons of water. The toxic effluent was then discharged into Latchmoor Brook. The belief at the time was that because nitric acid and sulphuric acid were used in medicine their effects on the water, wildlife and the human population would be benign. The reverse, of course, was true. Dead fish could be found floating downstream up to five miles away. When the factory closed in 1920 its polluting effects on Latchmoor Brook ceased. It has, however, left one redeeming feature that is still present in the New Forest today. In order to provide the factory with the vast amounts of water required for the industrial process Latchmoor Brook was dammed to make a reservoir. Eyeworth Pond, which was created in 1883, is still visible today but fortunately is now a haven for wildlife.

Eyeworth Pond was created to feed the Shultze Gunpowder Factory.

Eyeworth Pond was created to supply the Shultze Gunpowder Factory with water.

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New Forest: Eclipse – the son of Marske

Posted on May 25, 2015 by newforestcommoner
Marske was used as a Forest stallion for four years and was the sire of the legendary racehorse Eclipse.

Marske (1750-1779) was used as a Forest stallion for four years and was the sire of the legendary racehorse Eclipse.

In the month of May, just under 250 years ago, began the career of the most celebrated racehorse of his day and one of the most famous Thoroughbred horses in history. Foaled in 1764, Eclipse was a mean tempered colt described as chestnut with a bald [white] face and the off hind leg white up to the hock. Though smaller than most modern racehorses, standing at no more than 15.2hh, he had a legendary athletic ability. He was undefeated in 18 races, including 11 King’s Plates – major racing fixtures. He was said to run without effort and to win with such comfortable margins (reports estimate between 10 to 20 furlongs) that a phrase was coined in his honour; ‘Eclipse first, and the rest nowhere.’ People would substitute the horse’s name for their own or whomever they wanted to acknowledge as being superior. He was retired from racing, mainly due to a lack of opposition, and began his stud career in 1771.

The career of Marske
The discovery of Eclipse’s supreme racing ability elevated the status of another Thoroughbred horse – his sire Marske. Marske was reported to be ‘a beautiful deep brown, fifteen hands in height, with great substance and a grand figure’, although some observers judged him to be actually under 14.2 hands in height. He was said to have no white markings except a strip around the coronary band of his near hind foot. Prince William Augustus, HRH the Duke of Cumberland, and the third and youngest son of George II had bought Marske in 1750 as a foal. The horse had had a promising start to his racing career but after his performance declined he was retired to stud. When his master died in 1765 Marske was sent to the Tattersalls Sales where a Dorsetshire farmer bought him for ‘a trifling sum’, allegedly of just a few pounds. Marske stood at stud in Bisterne, near Ringwood, and began to service New Forest mares for three guineas and five shillings. His progeny were said to be ‘all browns like the horse, well shaped and most of them good goers.’

Marske at stud
In 1766 William Wildman bought Marske, who was then 18 years old, from the farmer for 20 guineas. Wildman was an astute businessman and realised that as soon as Eclipse’s talent as a racehorse was recognised the value of his sire’s services as a stud would rise, and indeed they did. Wildman sold Marske to the Earl of Abingdon for 1000 guineas, who then charged a stud fee of 100 guineas. When Marske died in July 1779 there was an outpouring of grief that was captured in the following verses:

 ‘Ye sportsmen, for a while refrain your mirth;
Old Marske is dead! consigned to peaceful earth;
The king of horses now, alas! is gone,
Sire of Eclipse, who ne’er was beat by one…’

 And;

 ‘Dissolved in tears, ye sportsmen, mourn the loss,
Renowned Rycott bears the heavy cross,
Old Marske is dead! the king of horses gone,
Sire to Eclipse, who ne’er was beat by none.

The sire of Eclipse
Yet there had been some controversy, confusion and some would say even downright deception over Eclipse’s pedigree. According to some reports his dam, Spilletta, was actually serviced by two stallions, Marske and a horse called Shakespeare, before she eventually conceived. These allegations were strongly refuted and Marske is generally accepted to be the sire of Eclipse. Indeed, the fact that Marske became champion sire in 1775 and again in 1776, meaning that his offspring earned the most money through racing in those years, shows that he did have influence in producing championship offspring. So, why didn’t this celebrated racing sire produce any New Forest pony stock of note? There do not seem to be any Forest foals by Marske in his four years as a stallion at Bisterne that have made their mark on the horse world. The answer could be quite simple. It would appear that Eclipse’s racing genius came from his mother and not his father.

A big hearted horse
When Eclipse died in 1789, following the tradition of burying the head, heart and hooves of champion racehorses, it was discovered that he had a large heart. The heart was not abnormal, just very big; in fact it weighed approximately 14 pounds. The average size heart of a racehorse from that era was about six pounds. The heart of a horse is the equivalent of an engine in a motorcar. In essence Eclipse was able to rely on a much more powerful engine than his racing counterparts. He received this genetic goody from his dam, Spilletta, and passed it on to his daughters and so forth and so on. (The large heart gene is passed on through the female x chromosome and Spilletta had it in both of her x chromosomes.) Much more is now understood about breeding and genetics than would have ever been known to the Georgians.

New Forest pony influences
Even though in the past the introduction of breeds, such as Thoroughbreds like Marske, Arabians, and other native pony stock have been attempted to refine and ‘improve’ the New Forest breed, the commoners have always insisted that the older bloodlines of Forest bred ponies have fared better out on the Open Forest. Indeed, since 1930 only registered New Forest stallions have been permitted to run with the Forest mares. This stipulation has ensured that the qualities of stamina, sure footedness, intelligence and affable natures have endured in the breed. In reality it is the Forest that has the biggest influence on the New Forest pony breed and it is the New Forest pony that has the biggest influence on the Forest.

Since 1930 only purebred stallions have been permitted on the Open Forest to sire the next generation of New Forest pony.

Since 1930 only purebred stallions have been permitted on the Open Forest to sire the next generation of New Forest pony.

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New Forest: stallions vs geldings – boys will be boys!

Posted on May 18, 2015 by newforestcommoner
The New Forest ponies roam freely in small family herds that can consist of mares, fillies, colts and geldings.

The New Forest ponies roam freely in small herds that can consist of mares, fillies, colts and geldings.

Regular visitors to the New Forest will be aware that at the moment (updated May 2017) the stallions have been set loose to run with the free-roaming mares, causing much excitement among the herds of semi-feral ponies. Generally speaking the New Forest is predominantly a feminine environment for much of the year. The New Forest Byelaws are very specific about not allowing entire (uncastrated) male animals to roam on the Open Forest and stipulate that ‘No person shall cause or allow any entire bull, entire male sheep or entire male pig to roam at large in the Forest if, in the case of a bull, it has attained the age of three months or if, in the case of a male sheep or male pig, it has attained the age of one week.’

Stallions, colts and geldings
The herds of ponies that roam the New Forest are made up of mares, geldings, fillies and colts. In order to maintain the female bias on the Forest, the Byelaws further state that a colt is not permitted on the Forest after the age of two years old. If their owner wants to keep them entire, for use as a stallion, colts must be entered into the New Forest Stallion Scheme and be presented for inspection and approval. Colts that are to be kept for purposes other than breeding, such as riding, driving or simply roaming on the Open Forest are ‘cut’ or gelded, which involves castration by removing both testicles. Indeed, many of the ponies that help to maintain the biodiversity of the Forest through their grazing habits are geldings.

Equine courtship is noisy
When the stallions are turned out on the Open Forest, their presence has an electrifying impact on the dynamics of the herds. The courtship of all equines is noisy, aggressive, and involves lots of galloping about, which can have a stimulating effect on all the herd members. There is a lot of teasing or ‘vamping’ behaviour in mares and fillies, when in the presence of the stallions, as they try desperately to attract his attention. Some of this activity can be misdirected at the geldings, as the mares flirt outrageously, affecting their own conduct and interaction with the herd. During this time the ponies will behave unpredictably and visitors to the Forest are advised to drive with care, and pay close attention to the mood of the ponies when walking in the Forest.

Boys will be boys!
There is more to being a stallion than just hormones. Stallion behaviour in castrated horses or ponies is quite common (some studies record up to 50%) and geldings have been known exhibit all the characteristics of a fully entire male, including dominating individuals, mounting or rounding up mares, and territory marking. This is believed to be a product of social stimuli, particularly in animals kept on pasture with a number of other horses or ponies, rather than an urge to breed. It is not unheard of for geldings in an established herd on the New Forest to get into a tussle with a stallion over the attentions of the mares, and sometimes it is the stallion that comes off worse. The basic scientific opinion, even in the absence of testosterone, seems to boil down to the fact that ‘boys will be boys’. It is strength of personality that seems to be a dominant force in such behaviour rather than levels of testosterone. This is why the uninitiated folk out and about on the Forest at the moment would be forgiven for seeing stallions everywhere!

During the stallion season the dynamics of the herds change, and ponies become more frisky.

The stallions are set free for four weeks each year in certain areas of the New Forest: 2017 Stallion Areas

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New Forest: stallion areas 2015

Posted on May 1, 2015 by newforestcommoner
A thorough selection process of New Forest stallions ensures that the high standard and quality of the New Forest pony breed is maintained.

A thorough selection process of New Forest stallions ensures that the high standard and quality of the New Forest pony breed is maintained.

Each year stallions are released onto the Open Forest to run with the free-roaming mares to sire the next generation of New Forest pony. The stallions are carefully selected by the Verderer’s of the New Forest, the Commoners’ Defence Assocation and the New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society. Only approved stallions are permitted to breed and will run with the mares for only four weeks. Stallions are released on Monday 11th May and must be removed from the Forest by Monday 15th June.

Stallion Areas 2015

Oke Dene President – Picket Bottom
Sandhole Whispering Grass – Penn Common, Bramshaw
Lucky Lane Rollo – Dur Hill, Holmsley
Woodfidley Top Gun – Blackfield
Halestorm Branston Pickle – Pilley, Boldre
Pondhead Bracken – Mill Lawn, Burley
Knaveshash Gold Fever – Withybeds,
Limekiln Brigadier – Matley, Lyndhurst
Applewitch Diversity – Hale Purlieu,
Sway Mister Blue Sky – Shirley Holmes, Boldre

Stallions must run out from Monday 11th May until Monday 8th June 2015
Stallions must be off the Forest by Monday 15th June 2015

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