A pony has died after suffering a serious injury in a crash in the New Forest, with kind passersby staying by her side in her final moments.
At least two members of the public stopped to comfort the animal following a road traffic collision last Wednesday (14 May) – as the offending drivers reportedly made off.
The Agister – an official responsible for managing livestock in the New Forest – attended the scene within 12 minutes and the pony was put to sleep.
She sustained a serious leg injury, and was said to be in a significant amount of pain.
“The Police are involved in both incidents as the drivers did not stop and report at the time of the deaths”, a spokesperson for New Forest Roads Awareness said.
“DO NOT BE THAT PERSON who will hit and leave livestock on the side of the road with fatal injuries.”
In a separate post on social media, they wrote: “Talking to both people who sat with this pony and kept her calm, while she was in a huge amount of pain, have had two things to say.
“The people who stopped and helped… Thank you…. and the others who were hacked off that they had to wait for a bit.
“Think about where you are driving, you do not have the right of way – the livestock do.
“You have to drive within the speed limit and be aware that there are foals out there.”
It’s understood that ten ponies have died in the New Forest as a result of injuries sustained in road traffic collisions so far in 2025.
This incident serves as a reminder to motorists that animals have priority on roads in the region, and drivers should be alert to their presence at all times.
The New Forest primarily covers parts of Hampshire, with a smaller section extending into south Wiltshire – including areas near Landford and Redlynch.
