Intro
The Grayson Highland Ponies are a herd of semi-feral animals that live in Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. The Highlands reach over 5,000 feet, experiencing extreme heat in summer and cold in the winter, with constant sweeping winds.
Origins
We were unable to find any substantial history of these animals, however we assuming they are related to the ponies of Assateague Island.
Sadly it seems that the lack of information on the park’s website isn’t quite an oversight. These animals evolved in incredibly harsh conditions and are now protected within the state park. As hikers trek through the park they feed the wild horses (even though they are asked not to). Animals who have very little to survive on will always take a free meal and soon came to rely on generous park guests as a source of nourishment.
Moral of the story, now if you go to the park to see the horses without snacks, those ponies may give you a beat down until you have something to offer. This is not to say they are bad animals, only that their natural rations are meager and they are hungry most of the time.
The original ponies are extinct, but there are still herds managed by the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association.
Features
Average height 12 – 13 hands
Physique
Head is small and refined
Eyes are widely spaced
Legs are slim, strong with good joints
Feet are hard
Traditional Colors
All colors
Temperament
Independent and hardy
Friendly when domesticated
Use
Riding pony
Pleasure mount
Show pony
Light farm work
Helpful Links
Wilburn Ridge Pony Association
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