Oliver's story.

My name is Oliver. I reside here in the New Forest with my mum and my aunties. I spend my days playing with my friends and basking in the sun. My legs are too long and my neck too short to graze yet, so my mum still feeds me. I'm discovering the world around me and am curious and eager to learn, but I must be cautious.

My family has shared stories about parts of the forest where ponies get drawn into a negative lifestyle. I've heard these ponies become addicted to human food and are encouraged to eat from people's hands. It's not their fault; they don't know any better, but these ponies stop foraging for themselves. Instead, they gather in car parks, looking for their next fix of ham sandwiches and ice-creams. I've been warned that these ponies become aggressive and try to eliminate any competition for their next meal, whether it be another pony, donkey, cow, or human.

When a pony harms a human, it is taken away in a trailer, similar to being imprisoned for a pony that once roamed freely with its companions. Additionally, there is the concern that these unfortunate creatures, driven by their addiction to human interaction, might wander onto busy roads to feed from a car window, inevitably resulting in death or injury.

I am fortunate. My family protects me from the "petting zoo" areas. I reside safely among the trees in the forest, and when I encounter people who take my photo, I might even give a little pose. However, if they come too close, my mum guides me into the safety of the canopy. I am still learning about this world, and I've been told that the best way to survive is to live a wild, natural life. So please, look into my eyes and ask yourself what kind of life you would want for me. I don't want to become an aggressive, territorial addict; I want to roam the lands, roll in the mud, and gallop in the wind. This can only happen if humans keep their distance, take their rubbish home, and drive carefully. Will you do this for me, my friends, and family?

Love Oliver 💖