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The practice of lawful depasture of ponies (as well as cattle, pigs, donkeys and sheep) upon the crown lands and adjacent commons of the New Forest Hampshire, is done by those known as New Forest Commoners. This unique form of extensive farming has taken place there for over a thousand years, and has, essentially changed very little in that time. Although all individually owned, ponies run without restriction in the form of a semi feral breeding herd. New Forest Commoners are legally entitled to depasture stock after paying what is known as a "marking fee" per animal depastured to the New Forest Verderers. There are approximately 3,500 ponies depastured on the New Forest (Verderers records 2001). 

The Verderers who form the ancient court of swainmote are responsible for the day to day supervision of the herd which is policed by their team of Agisters, employees of the Verderers. 
Each year, from late summer to early winter, the ponies are rounded up for checking, marking, worming and weaning of foals that have been sired and born on the open crown lands and commons. Surplus ponies are also removed during this period. At the same time a series of pony sales are held within the perambulation of the forest where weaned and surplus stock are marketed and sold. This has considerable benefit in welfare terms for the forest run mares and is also essential as the New Forest Commoners historically have neither the ability in terms or resources or financial means to keep and maintain weaned and surplus stock throughout the winter months.

The practice of commoning plays an essential role in maintaining the fragile ecological balance that has created a unique landscape not only within the UK but Western Europe. All of the crown lands within the New Forest are designated SSSI's and the forest also has Special Area of Conservation (SAC) status. The natural grazing patterns created by the practice play a vital role in the maintenance of this special landscape. 

In addition to the ecological importance, commoning has also great cultural heritage. The New Forest Commoners have a very strong community based within the forest with many organisations such as the Commoners Defence Association, The New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society and the New Forest Livestock Society all functioning intrinsically together. The commoners hold many social events as well as their very own farming calendar, a part of our rural heritage that we have lost in almost all of our rural communities nation wide.

The open crown lands and adjacent commons coupled with the unique landscape and geological location give the New Forest huge amenity value. There is a thriving tourism industry stretching right down to the south coast based within the forest, something that also owes great debt to the commoners who's ponies and other depastured stock are the acknowledged architects of the New Forest landscape.