The New Forest's annual pony drifts set for August have been postponed after an equine influenza outbreak — the first in the area for about 30 years. Around 35 ponies are believed to have died so far out of roughly 5,000 grazing animals. Officials advise leaving affected ponies undisturbed and urge riders to keep their distance and avoid communal troughs. The New Forest & Hampshire County Show (28–30 July) requires valid equine flu vaccinations for all equines attending.
New Forest Pony Drifts Postponed After Equine Flu Outbreak — First In About 30 Years
The drift has been cancelled to avoid spreading the virus further or any additional stress on the animals - Cover Images
The traditional New Forest pony drifts scheduled for August have been postponed following an outbreak of equine influenza in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire. Veterinary authorities say this is the first confirmed outbreak in the area for about 30 years.
About 35 free-roaming ponies are believed to have died so far, out of an estimated 5,000 that graze across the Forest. The annual drifts — held between August and November — normally involve rounding up ponies to drive them into holding pens for health checks and for new foals to be branded.
Verdict From The Verderers
The Verderers of the New Forest, the statutory body charged with protecting the Forest's commoning rights, have postponed the August drifts and said later round-ups will be kept under review pending veterinary advice. In a statement they said: "Due to the ongoing equine flu outbreak affecting the ponies in the New Forest, the Verderers have taken the decision to postpone the start of the 2026 drifts. There will be no drifts taking place in August. Drifts in September and onwards will be subject to ongoing review depending on the status of the infection."
During drifts, horses are health checked and new foals are branded - Cover Images
Health Risks And Guidance
Equine influenza typically causes a heavy nasal discharge and a dry cough and can lead to serious secondary infections. The virus spreads mainly through airborne particles but can also pass via direct contact with infected animals.
Official veterinary advice is to leave affected ponies undisturbed to avoid stressing them and potentially increasing transmission. Riders and walkers are urged to give ponies a wide berth and to avoid allowing ridden horses to drink from communal water troughs.
Precautions For The County Show
Organisers of the New Forest and Hampshire County Show in Brockenhurst (28–30 July) expect more than 85,000 spectators, around 2,000 horses and roughly 500 exhibitors. To reduce the risk of spread, all horses, ponies and donkeys attending must have a valid equine flu vaccination within six months of the event. No animal may attend or compete within seven days of receiving an equine flu vaccine.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and will reassess plans for later drifts as new veterinary information becomes available.
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