"A pony!” I squealed, as I watched it gallop off over the heathland. For 2,000 years wild ponies have been hanging around the New Forest in Hampshire and I was thrilled to see my first one as we drove through the ancient woodland to our weekend away in Brockenhurst.
A staple of the scenery, the 5,000-strong herd roam freely around the 219 square mile national park and are owned by the New Forest commoners who have the right to graze their ponies and cattle on the open forest. Their grass-nibbling helps with the upkeep of the place.
Pulling into the village, we knew we were in for some idyllic country living, with thatched cottages, traditional old pubs and posh independent shops to potter around.
