Heartbreak in the New Forest as Shetland Ponies Vanish, Community on Edge

Published: 08 August. The English Chronicle Desk

In the quiet village of Cadnam in the New Forest, the serenity of rural life was shattered for beef farmer James Penny when six of his 25 Shetland ponies vanished without a trace. The incident, believed to be a case of theft, has left the 70-something farmer devastated and a tight-knit community of Commoners living in fear.

Three weeks after the disappearance, a nationwide social media campaign brought partial relief when two of the missing ponies – a mare and her three-year-old foal – were found roaming roadside in London, 75 miles away. Both animals were in poor condition, having reportedly lost around 15kg each, and bore signs of distress. Penny alleges that the younger pony, named Snippy, had part of her branding shaved in what appeared to be an attempt to conceal her identity.

The recovery was bittersweet. Four ponies remain missing, and Penny’s sense of helplessness lingers. “You’re just thinking about them, waiting,” he said quietly, describing the emotional toll. He recalls seeing the recovered mare gallop away from her year-old foal for hours, her wild eyes and gaunt frame betraying weeks of neglect.

The disappearance has heightened tensions among New Forest Commoners, residents with ancient rights to graze livestock freely on the land. Many have been sleeping in barns, caravans, or horseboxes to protect their animals, fearing the same fate could befall them.

Suspicion has fallen on a large group of travellers who set up an unauthorised camp in the forest shortly before the ponies went missing. While police have not confirmed any suspects, Penny claims he saw members of the group handling one of his mares just days before the theft. Other farmers reported late-night trespassing, ponies being chased on quad bikes, and torchlight activity on their land.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed receiving several reports of suspicious activity in the area between July 17 and 19, including distress caused to horses. Officers used legal powers to move the unauthorised camp on but continue to appeal for information regarding the theft.

The incident has left a lingering sense of unease in the community. For Penny and his neighbours, the bond with their animals runs deep, and the loss – both physical and emotional – is profound. “They’re more than livestock,” one neighbour said. “They’re part of our lives.”