Oliver's story.

My name is Oliver. I live here in the New Forest with my mum and aunties.

I spend my days playing with my friends and snoozing in the sun. My legs are still too long and my neck too short to graze properly, so my mum feeds me while I grow strong.

I’m learning about the world - wide-eyed, curious, and full of wonder, but I also have to be careful.

My family tells me stories about parts of the forest where ponies lose their way. They become used to human food, encouraged to eat from hands. It’s not their fault- they don’t know any different. But they stop foraging, they gather near people, and they begin to depend on things that harm them.

These ponies can become aggressive, competing for food, whether against other ponies, donkeys, cows, or even humans. And when things go wrong, they are taken away. Away from their home. Away from the wild life they were meant to live.

Sometimes, their need for human food draws them too close to roads… and that can end in tragedy.

I am one of the lucky ones. My family keeps me safe, away from busy “petting” areas. I stay among the trees. If people take my photo, I might even pose, but if they come too close, my mum guides me back into the shelter of the forest. I’m still learning. And I’ve been taught that the best life is a wild, natural one. So when you look into my eyes, please ask yourself:

What life would you want for me?

I don’t want to become dependent or aggressive.

I want to graze freely, roll in the grass, and gallop with the wind.

You can help make that happen.

Please keep your distance, take your rubbish home, and drive carefully.

For me, my family, and all my friends.

Love Oliver