This scheme manages the selection and number of stallions which run on the Forest each year.
This helps to reduce the number of foals born each year and improves the quality of those foals.
Free grazing is provided for up to 30 stallions.
These are inspected by five judges, who look at conformation, type and action/movement, as well as bloodlines.
Out of the 30, in an average year, 10 stallions are chosen to run out on the forest for four weeks, though in recent years, more stallions have gone out for longer.
Funding from the VGS supports the grazing land so we can keep the stallions off the Forest while still encouraging commoners to keep some stallions.
For 2023, 18 stallions will be on the Forest between 9 May and will be in by 10 July. As always, please give them a wide berth, as all ponies’ behaviour during this time will be unpredictable.
