Virginia Highlander Horse

Intro

The Virginia Highlander Horse is a relatively new breed, developed in Sugar Grove Virginia by a man named William Pugh. Pugh’s intentions were to create a small, gentle riding horse that was suitable for women and children.

Origins

Around 1960 William started with a small Arabian, Tennessee Walker cross who was pregnant by a Welsh pony. From this colt (Pogo) he established a strict breeding program using the blood of Arabian, American Saddlebred, Hackney, Morgan and more Welsh pony. Many of the North American gaited breeds are quite large and Pugh wanted something under 15 hands, almost pony sized, but with horse conformation. He bred for intelligence, kindness, good health and soundness. He as very specific in his goals.

He continued to breed and sold off unsuitable animals, until he had stock that met his expectations. In the early 1990’s the Virginia Highlander Horse Association was established with two foundation studs, Pugh’s Red Cloud and Shadow of the Ridge, along with twenty mares. While they became popular in neighboring states, the nucleus of Highlanders remained in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pugh believed that the soil rich in limestone made it a perfect location to raise horses, which he raised outside year round. Most Virginia Highlanders are naturally gaited, but also trot.

Features

Average height 13 – 14 hands
Mane and tail hair is thick and long

Physique

Head is clean with a straight or slightly concave profile
Eyes are wide set and expressive
Neck is well sett
Body is robust and strong
Back is short
Shoulders are long and sloping
Hindquarters are long an powerful
Tail is set low
Legs are correct
Hooves are round and hard

Traditional Colors

Solid colors and subtle pinto patterns. Animals with Leopard white patterns can not register.