The NFPB&CS wishes to inform its members, owners and breeders of an important update
regarding breeding lines identified as PSSM1 carriers within the New Forest Pony
population.

Woodfidley Top Gun (S49/222) was licensed to breed by the Society in 2009 and
predominantly ran as a forest-run stallion until his death in 2023.
In accordance with Society policy, he was tested for PSSM1 along with all other licensed
stallions in 2018. At that time, his test result was reported as clear, and his breeding licence
remained valid.

Following the recent identification of a pony testing PSSM1-positive, the progeny of
Woodfidley Top Gun, and whose dam had also tested clear, the Society undertook a retest
of the stallion. This retest was carried out using hairs from the original 2018 sample retained
by the Society. The sample was also DNA-profiled against his original 2009 DNA profile to
ensure they matched.

Regrettably, the retest has returned a positive result (n/p1). Woodfidley Top Gun has
therefore been added to the list of stallions known to carry the PSSM1 gene and condition.
As a result of this change in health status, the Society, working in partnership with Animal
Genetics is offering PSSM1 testing for any mares or geldings that are progeny of Woodfidley
Top Gun and were bred from 2018 onwards for no charge.

Free testing of ponies that do not run the forest will be available until 31 December 2026.
Free testing of forest-run stock will be available until 31 December 2027.
Testing of progeny will be voluntary, not mandatory.

In line with current Society policy, the registered and breeding status of any progeny tested
and found to be PSSM1-positive will not change. However, the Studbook record for that
animal will be updated to include the verified test result. Breeders are reminded that it
remains their responsibility to manage their breeding programmes responsibly.

Any animal with Woodfidley Top Gun in its pedigree that has been previously assumed clear
[of PSSM1] by parentage can no longer be considered clear without testing.
Only a direct test can confirm the PSSM1 status of an individual pony.

Owners wishing to test progeny of Woodfidley Top Gun bred from 2018 onwards are asked
to contact the Society Office to arrange testing as soon as possible.

Owners of progeny by Woodfidley Top Gun bred prior to 2018 may still request testing,
subject to the standard testing terms and conditions and the usual fee of £25.
For full details of the Society’s PSSM1 policy, please refer to Chapter 16 (and Chapter 12
regarding the licensing of colts and stallions) of the current New Forest Pony Breeding
Programme which can be found Breeding Programme Document – New Forest Pony & Cattle Breeding