11 of the best places to find wild horses and ponies in Wales

Wild ponies are a rich part of Wales' farming culture - and those which remain today have survived natural and manmade culls.

In the 16th Century, Henry VIII ordered a cull of all horses under a certain height, deeming them irrelevant if not fit to carry a soldier.

Then in 2013, a winter snowstorm in north Wales killed more than 100 ponies - emblematic of the danger the climate crisis poses to the few wild horses left.

Now, agricultural cuts by the Welsh government could bring an end to the hill farmers who protect the wild animals.

It is not known exactly how many remain, other than a prediction of around 220 in Snowdonia, making them ever harder to spot.

Here are a few stomping grounds in Wales where you might catch a glimpse of the animals:

Corn Du

At a whopping 873 metres above sea level and the second highest peak in south Wales, you might come across wild Welsh ponies pottering around the ridge.

Elan Valley

In the Elenydd range of the Cambrian Mountains, stretching across Ceredigion and Powys, you might spot a few wild Welsh ponies.

The Carneddau ponies gathered from the Carneddau mountains above Llanfairfechan (Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

Blorenge Mountain

In the beautiful rolling hills of Monmouthshire, one mountain in particular with views of Crickhowell is a popular area among wild horses.

Sugarloaf Mountain

With water holes around, Sugarloaf Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park is a good bet for spotting wild horses and ponies.

Cefn Bryn

Wild horses on Cefn Bryn (copyright unknown)

Wild horses and ponies love this five mile sandstone ridge in the heart of the Gower which is 188 metres high,

Pencader marshes

Wild ponies are welcomed to wetlands where they graze the land to help with conservation of the area.

Llyn Eigiau Valley

This valley in the Carneddau Mountains in the Snowdonia National Park is home to the specific breed of Carneddau Ponies, only found in this region.

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

Wild horses in Llanddwyn Island near Newborough Warren, Anglesey (Ian Cooper/Daily Post Wales)

Remote and unspoilt, the tidal island is perfect for ponies who help to manage the habitat by grazing on the scant grass, particularly around the church.

Newborough Beach, Anglesey

Next to Llanddwyn Island is Newborough, part of the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve. The network of sand dunes is popular among wild Welsh mountain ponies.

Gelliager Common

Just above Bedlinog and Fochriw, wild horses and horses roam freely and the area has an issue with abandonment of the animals.

Sychnant Pass, Conwy

Wild horses in Carneddau pony foal on the Sychnant Pass near Conwy. (Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

Linking Conwy to Penmaenmawr via Dwygyfylchi, much of the pass is in Snowdonia National Park and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is home to wild ponies and stallions.

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