June

Feeling the Sun

As the days warm up ponies find their “shades” – loitering under trees and bridges, or in the shade of buildings, to avoid the worst of the sun and flies. They’ll often be seen standing head to tail, swiping flies from each other’s faces with their tails. Grazing will concentrate on the grassy “lawns” and, on hot days, the wet valley mires – which plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of this habitat for some of Britain’s rarest species.

While the year’s selected stallions are out the mares will gather in quite large herds, spreading out again when the stallions are taken back off the Forest. Spotting a large herd is quite a good indication that there is a stallion about, so a useful hint to keep a good distance away, particularly on horseback.