About Us
Our members are brought together by sharing the love of their Highland ponies. They span across the continent from British Columbia, Missouri, Maryland, Oklahoma, Illinois, California, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, Washington, Wyoming, Tennessee, & Massachusetts. They are all levels of riders and participate in many disciplines. We all love to hear what is happening with everyone's ponies, who is going where and what babies may be born.
HPECA benefits include:
HPECA benefits include:
- All Members are invited to attend the Annual HPECA Meeting.
- Membership Card.
- Newsletter, published two times per year.
- Free advertisement in the Newsletter: one stud advert OR 3 wanted/ for sale/ services add in each Newsletter.
- Rosette Award Program: as part of the promotion of Highland Ponies in America in Equestrian events and competitions, HPECA Rosettes will be awarded to pure and part-bred ponies registered with the HPS, who compete or participate in Equestrian events.
- Membership provides a network of other Highland Pony enthusiasts for information, support, and social contact.
The History of our Wonderful Ponies
Out of the mists of the Scottish Highlands comes the sturdy Highland pony. It is one of the world’s most versatile breeds.
Used for centuries by crofters, the small land holders in the remote Scottish highlands, they pulled carts, plowed fields, hefted down deer from the highlands, and offered the family children a ride. When called on, they carried men of the clans into battles. In the later years, in both world war I and world war II, they carried the Scottish cavalry to check the battle lines. Many of the ponies unfortunately did not come back to their homes. This severely depleted the Highland pony numbers in the world. Even today, the Highland pony is listed as vulnerable on the endangered species list. There are currently less than 100 on the North American Continent and roughly 3500 in all the world.
An interesting fact is that in Scotland, during their shows, if it is raining the show goes on!! The grass is wet underfoot, the handler puts on rain gear, and the ponies are dripping wet. All the happier as it seems water bounces off of them.
The Highland Pony is the largest of the two native pony breeds of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. As a result, it has over many centuries adapted to the variable and often severe climatic and environmental conditions of Scotland. The winter coat consists of a layer of strong badger-like hair over a soft, dense undercoat which enables this breed of pony to live out in all weathers. This coat is shed in the spring to reveal a smooth summer coat. This essential hardiness is combined with a kindly nature and an even temperament.
Today’s ponies are the direct descendants of these crofter ponies. The first recordings in stud books in Scotland date back to 1880. Prior to this date, there are many recordings of their use. Over the centuries, they have been extremely popular with various royalty. In the 1300’s, in the days of William Wallis of the Braveheart era, a Highland was ridden by King Robert the Bruce, at the battle of Bannockburn in which Scotland became it’s own entity.
The in the 1800’s Queen Victoria took a fancy to the Highland. She was known to have ridden a Highland during her nature trails into regions of the Highlands which had no roads suitable for a carriage. Eventually, Balmoral became her Highland home and it still remains the Highland home of the British royal family, who owns of the largest Highland studs in the world.
Two types of Highlands have developed in Scotland over the years. One, a stout, chunky more draft type was bred on the mainland, known as the Garron type and the other a lighter type, came from the Islands of Islay, Rhum, Mull and Barra in the west. They are a versatile breed, willing to tackle any job.
The Highland is hardy, healthy, long-lived and economical to keep. (what we American’s call an easy keeper). The breed is renown for its strength and resilience. Even though its referred to as a pony, they carry adults. The Highland has qualities, along with its good temperament, which are vital to the success in driving. Easy to match in size and color, Highland ponies, with their smart and stroking appearance, in a 2 or 4 up hitch, give pleasure wherever they go.
While most Scottish Highlands live in Scotland, they are also found in England, Australia, Germany and here in North America.
In North America, there are three stallions in the Western US, four in the East and one in Canada. At present, there are few breeding mares stateside. The breed registry is located in Scotland, and recognizes and registers Half Highlands.
Today, the Highland is still used for packing deer off the Scottish hills, as well as pony trekking, the equivalent of trail riding here. You will see them in a variety of equestrian events. These include riding, dressage, jumping and driving. They are also used in the realm of helping the disabled.
Used for centuries by crofters, the small land holders in the remote Scottish highlands, they pulled carts, plowed fields, hefted down deer from the highlands, and offered the family children a ride. When called on, they carried men of the clans into battles. In the later years, in both world war I and world war II, they carried the Scottish cavalry to check the battle lines. Many of the ponies unfortunately did not come back to their homes. This severely depleted the Highland pony numbers in the world. Even today, the Highland pony is listed as vulnerable on the endangered species list. There are currently less than 100 on the North American Continent and roughly 3500 in all the world.
An interesting fact is that in Scotland, during their shows, if it is raining the show goes on!! The grass is wet underfoot, the handler puts on rain gear, and the ponies are dripping wet. All the happier as it seems water bounces off of them.
The Highland Pony is the largest of the two native pony breeds of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. As a result, it has over many centuries adapted to the variable and often severe climatic and environmental conditions of Scotland. The winter coat consists of a layer of strong badger-like hair over a soft, dense undercoat which enables this breed of pony to live out in all weathers. This coat is shed in the spring to reveal a smooth summer coat. This essential hardiness is combined with a kindly nature and an even temperament.
Today’s ponies are the direct descendants of these crofter ponies. The first recordings in stud books in Scotland date back to 1880. Prior to this date, there are many recordings of their use. Over the centuries, they have been extremely popular with various royalty. In the 1300’s, in the days of William Wallis of the Braveheart era, a Highland was ridden by King Robert the Bruce, at the battle of Bannockburn in which Scotland became it’s own entity.
The in the 1800’s Queen Victoria took a fancy to the Highland. She was known to have ridden a Highland during her nature trails into regions of the Highlands which had no roads suitable for a carriage. Eventually, Balmoral became her Highland home and it still remains the Highland home of the British royal family, who owns of the largest Highland studs in the world.
Two types of Highlands have developed in Scotland over the years. One, a stout, chunky more draft type was bred on the mainland, known as the Garron type and the other a lighter type, came from the Islands of Islay, Rhum, Mull and Barra in the west. They are a versatile breed, willing to tackle any job.
The Highland is hardy, healthy, long-lived and economical to keep. (what we American’s call an easy keeper). The breed is renown for its strength and resilience. Even though its referred to as a pony, they carry adults. The Highland has qualities, along with its good temperament, which are vital to the success in driving. Easy to match in size and color, Highland ponies, with their smart and stroking appearance, in a 2 or 4 up hitch, give pleasure wherever they go.
While most Scottish Highlands live in Scotland, they are also found in England, Australia, Germany and here in North America.
In North America, there are three stallions in the Western US, four in the East and one in Canada. At present, there are few breeding mares stateside. The breed registry is located in Scotland, and recognizes and registers Half Highlands.
Today, the Highland is still used for packing deer off the Scottish hills, as well as pony trekking, the equivalent of trail riding here. You will see them in a variety of equestrian events. These include riding, dressage, jumping and driving. They are also used in the realm of helping the disabled.