A longstanding New Forest pony drive will go ahead this weekend despite fears it could spread deadly equine flu that has killed at least 35 New Forest ponies. The two-day event called Tracy Cooper’s New Forest Drive is set to take place in several parts of the district, including Ashurst and Woodlands. Last month the verderers announced that New Forest pony round-ups have been cancelled in August. As reported in 2024, the Tracy Cooper Drive made headlines after a pony had to be euthanised when it broke its leg. I am doing this for the welfare of all horses and the Forest ponies.”