The annual August drifts, during which hundreds of New Forest ponies are rounded up for health checks and foals are officially marked, have been called off following the spread of the highly contagious virus across the New Forest National Park.
The outbreak marks the first time in 30 years that the traditional round-up has been cancelled. Around 35 ponies have died from the disease so far, out of an estimated 5,000 that roam freely across the national park throughout the year.
Held between August and November, the drifts are a long-standing part of life in the New Forest. Skilled riders and commoners guide the semi-wild ponies through woodland and open heathland into holding pens, where the animals receive health inspections and new foals are branded to identify their ownership under the area’s centuries-old commoning system.
However, officials say proceeding with the round-ups would risk worsening the outbreak.
The Verderers of the New Forest, the governing body responsible for protecting the area’s traditional agricultural rights, announced that all August drifts have been postponed, with scheduled events later in the year remaining under review.
In a statement, the Verderers 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.”
The decision follows veterinary advice that affected ponies should remain undisturbed to minimise stress and reduce the risk of further transmission. Moving infected animals during the drifts could accelerate the spread of the virus among the free-roaming herd.
Equine influenza is a highly infectious respiratory disease that spreads rapidly between horses and ponies. Symptoms include a persistent dry cough, heavy nasal discharge and fever. While many animals recover, the illness can leave them vulnerable to severe secondary infections, which can prove fatal.
The cancellation is a significant blow to one of the New Forest’s most recognisable traditions, which attracts visitors each year and plays an essential role in maintaining the health and management of the area’s iconic pony population.
Officials say they will continue to monitor the outbreak before deciding whether the September drifts can safely go ahead.