The Stallion Scheme was carefully developed to help reduce the number of foals born on the Forest at a time of year, when mares would find it hard to thrive on the Open Forest. This is achieved by limiting the number of stallions and only letting them out during some of the summer months. The New Forest Trust contributes to the funds needed to help pay for grazing for the stallions when they are not out on the forest.
The New Forest Verderers manage the Scheme and they have the powers to select the stallions that can be out on the Open Forest. Although the Stallion Scheme helps to ensure the best quality of foals are raised on the Forest more importance is given to the fact that the welfare of the ponies is much improved, especially in winter.
