Soon after the last ice age, the ponies arrived and they and the New Forest have developed together. Not only do they preserve the Forest, but they also make tremendous riding ponies - talented at jumping, racing, dressage and gymkhana events; they are canny, willing and have terrific temperaments. Dionis Macnair has been involved with them for over 60 years, and as a breeder is well placed to describe their characters and chronicle their development. She colourfully recounts exploits of memorable pony characters and such events as the annual "Point to Point".