We’ve finally tracked down and resolved the software issue that caused problems when removing maps from directory listings.
You can now choose whether the map is shown on new listings, and we can remove it from existing listings on request.
The directory software and databases have also been upgraded, so emojis are now fully supported. Previously they weren’t recognised and couldn’t be displayed.
The old Google map directions, contact form, and social share buttons have been removed. These features were no longer used and often caused confusion with advertisers’ own social links. The existing links are now highlighted more clearly, and anyone wishing to share a listing can simply use the sharing options on their own device.
If you’d like your listing updated, just get in touch.
Over the last few days we’ve carried out an important behind‑the‑scenes upgrade to the NFED website. Nothing on the surface has changed, but the foundations underneath the site are now stronger, more modern, and ready for the future.
This work has improved three key areas:
1. Better reliability
NFED now uses a newer and more robust data format. This helps prevent odd character issues, improves consistency across all sections of the site, and keeps everything running smoothly.
2. Better compatibility
Modern devices, apps, and browsers all handle text slightly differently. This upgrade ensures NFED works more cleanly with today’s phones, tablets, and computers — especially when people copy and paste text from apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or email.
3. Emoji support
You can now use emojis throughout NFED — in the Diary, News, Directory, Classifieds, Events and more. If you want to add a smiley, a horse, a weather symbol, or a thumbs‑up, NFED will now save and display them correctly.
A few examples you can now use:
🐴 ☀️ 🌧️ 👍 😊 🎉 🏆
This upgrade doesn’t change how you use the site, but it does make NFED more flexible and future‑proof. Everything should feel exactly the same — just a bit friendlier and more reliable behind the scenes.
As always, thank you for being part of the NFED community.
We’ve noticed a rise in AI‑written adverts. That’s absolutely fine — it’s entirely up to each individual advertiser whether they choose to use AI or not — but accuracy is still essential.
To help everyone who does use AI get it right, we’ve added a new FAQ with some useful pointers on how to produce a clear, honest and complete advert.
How to Use AI to Help Write a Horse Advert
AI tools can be really helpful when creating a clear, well‑structured advert for your horse. They won’t replace your knowledge or honesty, but they can tidy up your wording and present your information professionally.
1. Start With a Strong Title (Maximum 75 Characters) 📝Your title should be short, accurate and eye‑catching.Good things to include:
Type or discipline (e.g., All‑Rounder, Dressage Prospect)
Age or height
A standout quality (e.g., Safe Confidence Builder)
🚫 Important: Don’t mention selling or price in the title if you would like the advert shared on Facebook. Facebook’s rules automatically block titles containing words like for sale, selling, £, price, etc.
Tip:Ask the AI:
Write a horse advert title under 75 characters based on the details below.
2. Provide the AI With Clear Details for the Advert Text 📋AI works best when you give it complete, honest information. Include as many of the following as possible:Essential Details:
Breeding – Known parentage or type 🧬
Sex – Mare, gelding, stallion 🚻
Type – Pony, cob, sports horse, native, etc. 🐎
Age – In years 🎂
Height – In hands (hh) 📏
Experience – Hacking, schooling, jumping, hunting, competitions 🎯
Temperament – Calm, forward, green, quirky, safe, etc. 😊⚡
Good Qualities – What the horse does well ⭐
Limitations / Honest Points – Any quirks, needs, restrictions or areas still developing ⚠️
Price – Clear and realistic 💷
Location – Optional but helpful 📍
Extras – Tack included, videos available, trial facilities, etc. 🎥🪝
Tip:Tell the AI exactly what you want:
Write a clear, honest horse advert using the details below. Include breeding, sex, type, age, height, experience, temperament, good qualities, any limitations and the price.
3. Review the AI’s Output Carefully 👀AI can help with wording, but you must check everything.Make sure:
All details are accurate
Nothing is exaggerated
Any quirks or limitations are clearly stated
The tone feels honest and suitable for NFED
The price is correct
4. Keep It Honest 🤝A good advert includes both strengths and weaknesses. Buyers appreciate transparency, and honest adverts reduce time‑wasting enquiries.5. Example Prompt You Can Copy & Paste Into Your Chosen AI Platform 💬
Please write a horse advert title under 75 characters without mentioning selling, and a clear, honest advert description. Include breeding, sex, type, age, height, experience, temperament, good qualities, any limitations, and the price. Here are the details: [insert your information].
6. Submitting Your Advert 📨When you have carefully checked the AI‑generated advert and are happy with it, copy and paste it into the submission form at: 👉 https://www.nfed.co.uk/submit.htm
Supplied by the Clerk of the Verderers
Week commencing Monday 20th July 2026
25/07/2026 Foal - Injured & Destroyed - HIT & RUN Ipley Crossroads M Lovell
Week commencing Monday 27th July 2026
27/07/2026 Black Mare - Injured & Destroyed Telegraph Hill - B3078 M Maton
Click Here to see how to report an accident, problems with New Forest stock or driving incident.
More than 50 businesses across the New Forest have now signed up to the New Forest Drive Safe campaign to help protect animals and improve road safety.
The initiative, led by the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) and New Forest National Park Authority in conjunction with New Forest Roads Awareness, encourages businesses from across the area to raise awareness among staff, customers and visitors about the importance of driving carefully on New Forest roads.
This is particularly important due to Commoners’ free-roaming animals – namely ponies, cattle, donkeys – as well as other wildlife, who regularly cross roads.
Beaulieu estate, Harwoods Bentley and McClaren, the Commoners’ Larder and New Forest Fruit Company are among the companies who have already lent their support to the initiative.
Businesses joining the scheme are listed on the CDA website and can opt into a quarterly newsletter with key road safety messages and seasonal updates, which they are encouraged to share with their employees who regularly travel on Forest roads.
Animal accident hotline cards are also given out, highlighting who to call in the unfortunate event of an accident involving Forest livestock.
Andrew Parry-Norton, who run the Commoners’ Larder which delivers farm produce, said: ‘We are very proud to be part of the New Forest Drive Safe campaign.
‘As a business rooted in commoning, we understand how important Commoners’ free-roaming animals are to the landscape, heritage and way of life.
‘By supporting this campaign, we hope to help raise awareness of how important it is to drive safely in the New Forest to ensure the safety of both people and Commoners’ livestock.’
By signing up to New Forest Drive Safe, businesses are helping to spread awareness of the simple actions drivers can take to reduce the risk of collisions and keep both people and animals safe in the National Park.
Road traffic remains one of the greatest threats to the welfare of the free-roaming animals who play a vital role in maintaining the unique landscape and habitats through their grazing regimes.
The New Forest Drive Safe campaign continues to welcome new businesses from across the Forest and surrounding areas.
From retailers and hospitality venues to tourism operators and service providers, any organisation is encouraged to sign up so it can play a role in helping visitors and residents understand how to drive responsibly in the Forest.
Businesses interested in joining the campaign can find out more and sign up on the CDA website.
New Forest CDA vice chair Keith Mansbridge said: ‘We are delighted that more than 50 businesses and organisations have already signed up to support the New Forest Drive Safe campaign.
‘This demonstrates a strong commitment across the New Forest to reducing animal accidents and promoting safer driving.
‘However, this is just the beginning. We want to see even more businesses joining the campaign, helping us spread the message further and ensuring that everyone who visits the Forest understands the importance of driving with care.’
Supplied by the Clerk of the Verderers
Week commencing Monday 13th July 2026
16/07/2026 Foal - Uninjured Near Broadley Car Park J Gerrelli
Click Here to see how to report an accident, problems with New Forest stock or driving incident.
Supplied by the Clerk of the Verderers
Week commencing Monday 6th July 2026
06/07/2026 Colt Foal - Injured & Destroyed Blackgutter - B3078 M Maton
Click Here to see how to report an accident, problems with New Forest stock or driving incident.
Just a quick shout‑out to UK Servers, the newest home of the NFED!
Back in February, I was told our old hosting company was changing direction and I had just four weeks to find a new home for the website. That meant finding a new provider, renting a server, setting it up, moving everything over and testing it — all before the old one was switched off. The alternative would have been closing the NFED altogether.
Thankfully, I found UK Servers, and they’ve been brilliant. The NFED has had a few homes since launching in 1999, but this is easily the best hosting company so far. Support has been fast, friendly and efficient whenever needed.
Long may it continue — and a big thank you to www.ukservers.com.
The Council of the New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society is seeking to appoint an Honorary Treasurer to support the ongoing work of the Society including its remit as keepers of the New Forest Pony Studbook and as a Passport Issuing Organisation.
The current Honorary Treasurer, Mrs Kathy Clarke, will be stepping down at the AGM in April 2027. To support a smooth transition, there will be an opportunity to work alongside Kathy over the course of the year and gain familiarity with the seasonal nature of the role.
This is a varied and rewarding voluntary role, ideally suited to someone with an interest in the New Forest pony and the work of the Society, along with previous bookkeeping or financial management experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Banking cash and cheques and allocating online payments with a preference for weekly visits to the Society’s office in Bransgore (during normal office hours) to liaise with staff and manage any financial queries arising
Processing payments to staff and suppliers
Reconciling and allocating financial records across all income streams (including office receipts, PayPal, and card payments for membership, registrations, passports and other Society activities) and management of Society bank accounts and liaison with the Society bankers.
Additional responsibilities include:
Liaising with Council members and attending monthly Council meetings
Supporting the administration of financial incentives and premiums (e.g. Forest Fed, Stallion premiums and Futurity schemes)
Recording financial online entries for the Annual Breed Show and Point-to-Point events
Working with the Society’s accountants to prepare the annual statutory accounts and financial statements; and incorporation of these into the Annual Report and presentation to the annual AGM
Ensure compliance with HMRC, Companies House and Charity Commission reporting requirements (including maintaining formal role as ‘company Secretary’).
Coordinating periodic reviews of the Society insurance policies and investments (via insurance agents, investment brokers and the Resources subcommittee )
Time Commitment and Location:The role is estimated to require approximately 6–8 hours per week, but this can vary depending upon Society activities.
The Honorary Treasurer role can be undertaken remotely but will work closely with the office team, other officers, and attend the Society’s office in Bransgore on a regular basis (ideally at least once per week).
Ideal Skills and ExperienceThe role would suit someone who has:
Good communication and organisational skills
Competence in standard IT applications (including email, word processing, and spreadsheets)
Previous experience in bookkeeping, accountancy, or financial management (the Society currently uses QuickBooks for accountancy administration but can consider using other platforms based upon previous experience or preference)
A willingness to work collaboratively with staff, Council members, members of the Society and external advisers
An interest in the New Forest and its ponies would be beneficial but is not essential.
Further InvolvementThere may be opportunities to become more involved in the wider work and governance of the Society; however, this is entirely optional.
RemunerationThis is an unpaid voluntary position.A small annual honorarium and/or reimbursement of expenses may be available at the discretion of the Society Council.
Contact:If you (or you know anyone) that may be interested in supporting the Society in this important capacity, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please contact Kathy on 07817 602777 for an informal discussion in the first instance.
Download Document: www.nfed.co.uk/schedules/NFPBCS-Treasurer-job-June-26.pdf
Due to the ongoing Equine Flu outbreak affecting the ponies in the New Forest the Verderers have taken the decision to postpone the start of the 2026 drifts.
There will be no drifts taking place in August.
Drifts in September and onwards will be subject to ongoing review depending on the status of the infection.
Clerk of the Verderers
Supplied by the Clerk of the Verderers
Week commencing Monday 15th June 2026
21/06/2026 Colt Foal - Uninjured Tethering Drove, Hale P Rix
Week commencing Monday 22nd June 2026
24/06/2026 Brown Pony - Nothing Found Hatchet Lane, Beaulieu - B3054 R Maton
Week commencing Monday 29th June 2026
02/07/2026 Bay Colt Foal - Injured & Destroyed Brockenhurst Road, near Broadley Car Park J Gerrelli
Click Here to see how to report an accident, problems with New Forest stock or driving incident.
Supplied by the Clerk of the Verderers
Week commencing Monday 8th June 2026
09/06/2026 Bay Colt Foal - Killed - HIT & RUN Forest Road, Fritham M Maton
Click Here to see how to report an accident, problems with New Forest stock or driving incident.
Just a quick heads‑up: the office will be closed from mid‑morning on Thursday 18th June and will reopen on Friday 19th.
Adverts can still be submitted as normal, but they won’t be processed until we’re back, and messages won’t be monitored during this short break.
We usually manage everything well within 24 hours, but on this occasion we’ll be completely off‑grid.And sorry to anyone nearby if we end up slowing the traffic a little while we’re out and about!
Supplied by the Clerk of the Verderers
Week commencing Monday 11th May 2026
We are very pleased to report that there were no RTA’s involving Commoners stock for the above week.
Week commencing Monday 18th May 2026
We are very pleased to report that there were no RTA’s involving Commoners stock for the above week.
Week commencing Monday 25th May 2026
27/05/2026 Roan Mare (with a foal) - Injured & Destroyed Claypits (near the junction with the B3080) - B3078 J Gerrelli27/05/2026 Dark Pony - Nothing Found Blackdown - B3056 R Maton
Week commencing Monday 1st June 2026
We are very pleased to report that there were no RTA’s involving Commoners stock for the above week.
Click Here to see how to report an accident, problems with New Forest stock or driving incident.
Due to a recent rise in equine flu cases, several events are being cancelled.To keep everyone informed, we are leaving cancelled events in the diary but marking them clearly as Cancelled. (Under normal circumstances, cancelled events would be removed.)
Event OrganisersTo ensure the accuracy of information on the NFED:
We can only amend or update events when instructed directly by the event organiser.
If you advertise your events on the NFED, please contact us as soon as possible if any details need changing or if an event is cancelled.
Finding Cancelled EventsYou can quickly view all cancelled events by:
Typing Cancelled into the search box at the top of the Event Diary, or
Using this direct link:https://www.nfed.co.uk/calendar/search.php?ref=cancelled
