{"id":664,"date":"2010-08-09T04:40:23","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T04:40:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=664"},"modified":"2025-04-02T14:05:48","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T14:05:48","slug":"highland-pony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/highland-pony","title":{"rendered":"Highland Pony"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

The Highland Pony is an ancient breed whose hardy constitution has been formed over centuries by incredibly harsh conditions found in the Scottish highlands and Isles. Due to the rocky climate these ponies are incredibly sure footed and can not be convinced to step on ground they believe to be unable to hold their weight.
\n<\/p>\n

Origins<\/h3>\n

This robust pony has been native to Scotland since before the Ice Age and the breed originally came in two distinct varieties: Scottish Mainland and Western Island, which was lighter and smaller of the two. <\/p>\n

Known for centuries by farmers for their handiness in difficult terrain and for war as they were easy to keep and virtually indestructible. More recently the Highland breed became known for trekking and trail riding, with their inherent sure footed abilites and docile nature. Today there is a wide variety of Highland types and that is reflected in the array of different ways they are used. Breeding records have been kept since 1896 and the Highland Pony Society was founded in 1923. <\/p>\n

According to DAD-IS they are at risk and as of 2019 there were only 237 left. The Equus Survival Trust lists them as vulnerable. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 11 – 14.5 hands<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Head is attractive and well carried
\nEyes are bright and kind
\nNeck is medium in length
\nChest is deep
\nHindquarters are powerful and well-developed
\nLegs have broad knees and silky feathering
\nFeet are well-shaped and broad
\nMane & tail are full and long<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

chestnut<\/a> | grey<\/a> | bay<\/a> generally with a dun<\/a> dilution and primitive markings. <\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Docile and calm<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Riding pony
\nHunting
\nLight agriculture
\nCattle pony
\nShow pony
\nHarness work
\nTrekking<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

* all links open in a new window<\/small>
\nHighland Pony Society<\/a>
\nHighland Pony Enthusiasts Club of America<\/a>
\nCentral Scotland Highland Pony Club<\/a>
\nHighland Pony Enthusiasts<\/a>
\nHighland Pony Society of Australia<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to Buy<\/h3>\n

Lone Tree Farm<\/a>
\nTalisker Highland Ponies<\/a>
\nMcClellan Highland Ponies<\/a><\/p>\n

Highland Pony Studs<\/h3>\n

Achnacarry & Craigiebrig Highland Pony Stud<\/a>
\nTrailtrow Highland Ponies<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
\n
\n\"Highland\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Highland\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\"Highland\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Highland\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n