Beaulieu Road pony sales
The Beaulieu Road pony sales are famous throughout the equestrian community and the saleyard has recently undergone a complete refurbishment, in order to bring it into line with more strict government health, safety and animal welfare regulations.
The saleyard is located on the Lyndhurst to Beaulieu road (B3056), approximately 3 miles from Lyndhurst.
Originally, New Forest pony sales were held in Lyndhurst itself and have been happening on a regular basis for around a century.
When the railway line was built to carry passengers from the capital as far as Dorchester, the saleyard was relocated to Beaulieu Road station. Transportation of the livestock was simplified, and the saleyard had found its permanent location.
Nowadays of course, ponies and cattle are transported by road but the Beaulieu Road saleyard still holds the perfect location, in the very centre of the New Forest.
The biggest pony sales occur late in the year. Between late summer and early winter, all the New Forest ponies are rounded up by Agisters and commoners in 'drifts', and are taken off the Open Forest.
After a drift, all animals are counted for and health checks and any necessary treatments are given. The pony sales give the animal's owners the chance to sell their livestock or to purchase more.
Equally importantly, the sales are major events in the equestrian calendar and provide the perfect opportunity for pony owners and enthusiasts to get together.
Opposite the Beaulieu Road saleyard is the Beaulieu Hotel and pub, while the tall pine trees and grassy lawns adjacent to the saleyard make a great spot for a relaxing picnic.
