PLANS to improve the pony stock in the New Forest have received a boost.

A home has been found for the stallions taken off the Forest in a bid to limit the number of foals being born.

The horses will spend the winter at New Park, Brockenhurst, home of the New Forest Show.

A show spokeswoman said stallions would be taken off the Forest each year and inspected to ensure only the best animals were allowed to breed.

She added: "Finding a suitable place to put them was a problem.

"The New Forest Show Society was delighted to be able to offer the Commoners, Verderers and local people 40 acres of New Park Farm for their stallions.

"So far 18 stallions are at New Park and have settled in well. If this proves a success it will continue in subsequent winters."