A Fine Horse in New Country

Highland Ponies are the largest and strongest of the British native breeds. The eel stripe often found down their back, and the zebra markings on their legs, suggest an ancient lineage. Similar ponies are shown depicted on standing stones carved in Scotland around 300BC.

They are hardy and adaptable animals, able to survive harsh winter conditions on sparse grazing. Generally sure-footed, with kind and even temperaments, they can often carry up to 20 stone without difficulty.

These qualities have made them indispensible to generations of hill men, where they have been used for carrying stags off the hill, pulling carts and ploughs, and for general transport. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in using them on estates, as they are seen as environmentally friendly in sensitive areas, and are the ultimate 4-wheel drive vehicle!

Today they are most often used for riding and have proved themselves in jumping, endurance and dressage, as well as all-round family ponies. Their calm dispositions and ease of keeping make them a popular choice in trekking centres and riding schools.

Like most of the British native breeds, they are becoming more rare, with less than a thousand breeding mares left, and they are now deemed Category 4 "At Risk" on the Rare Breeds Register.

The Highland Pony Society has lots more information about the breed, and the Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club and Highland Pony Talk have very active forums on all matters Highland!