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(The
following is from literature provided by the Highland
Pony Society)
You
can take a Highland anywhere!
The
Highland Pony is one of the two native 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. This
essential hardiness is combined with a kindly nature and even temperament.
Circle
H Glenfiddich, N.H.
(Photo provided by Lee Ann Bunn)
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 Riding...
In
build and temperament the Highland makes the ideal family riding pony,
for all ages, sizes, and weights. Properly broken and handled, they
are excellent mounts for most Riding Club and Pony Club activities.
Many are natural jumpers and in the show ring can increasingly hold
their own in Side-Saddle, Mountain and Moorland, and Working Hunter
Pony classes (up to Olympia and Malvern competition standard). As
useful, safe hunters, and Long Distance ponies, they excel in rough
steep country, where cleverness and steadiness are essential. Ever
more popular with Riding Schools - some Riding Centres in France now
use Highland ponies exclusively for tuition of both riding and driving.
Malvern
Highland Pony Show, UK
Working Hunter Pony (WHP)
(Photo Provided by Lee Ann Bunn)
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Driving...
The
wide diversity of Highland Pony type makes the breed an excellent
choice for any harness work, whether pleasure driving, wedding hire,
or in Eventing (competition under FEI rules). The breed is renowned
for its strength and resilience, and these qualities, along with its
good temperament are vital to success in driving. Easy to match in
height & colour, and easily broken to harness, Highland Ponies
with their smart and striking appearance give pleasure where ever
they go.
Circle
H McGregor, ME
(Photo Provided by Pat Wright)
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Trails...
Pony
trekking was founded on the broad backs of Highland Ponies. In 1952,
to give summer work for deer ponies, Ewan Ormiston opened the first
trekking centre at Newtonmore, Scotland. Since then, the activity
has spread throughout Britain, taking the breed with it. Kind nature
& quick learning ability make the ponies easily broken-in to the
essential daily routine of a trekking centre.
Pony
Trekking at
Blair Castle Estate, Scotland
(Photo provided by Lee Ann Bunn)
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Breed
Description
The
breed is a strong, well balanced, compact pony with all its features
in proportion to its height. It is one of the largest of the British
Native Breeds, and should show substance and strength - short cannon
bones , well developed forearm and second thigh, deep chest, well
sprung ribs, strong quarters, broad flat hocks and knees, and hard
round feet.
 Height:
13.0hh to 14.2hh (Breeding stallions are required to be 14.2hh or
under for licensing).
Head:
Well carried and alert with kindly eyes. Broad muzzle and with a deep
jowl.
Neck
and Shoulders:
Reasonable length of neck going from wither with a good sloping shoulder,
and well placed forearm.
Body:
Well balanced and compact with deep chest with plenty of room for
heart and lungs, ribs well sprung.
Quarters
and Hind legs:
Powerful quarters with well developed thigh, strong second thigh,
and clean, flat hocks.
Legs:
Flat, hard bone, broad knees, short cannon bones (ideally 8"
- 9"), oblique pasterns, and well shaped, broad, hard dark hooves.
Mane
and Tail:
Hair should be natural flowing and untrimmed with full tail.
Roderick
of Croila, VA (Photo by Jody Ciliberto)
Colours:
A range of duns - mouse, yellow, grey, and cream. Also grey, brown,
black, and occasionally bay, and liver chestnut with silver main and
tail. Many ponies have a dorsal stripe and some zebra markings on
legs and shoulders. A small star is acceptable, but other white markings
are discouraged. Foal coats often change and many ponies change colour
gradually as they grow older, especially those with grey hairs interspersed
with the original colour. Others show a slight seasonal change in
colour between winter and summer coats. Broken colours are not allowed.
Stallions:
With white markings other than a small white star
are NOT eligible for licensing with the Highland Pony Society in Scotland.
Action:
Straight and free moving without undue knee action.
Capabilities: A
ride, drive, and pack pony; can adapt to many equestrian disciplines.
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Highland
Ponies in America are doing it all!
Kellwould Tilly,
VA (Photo provided by Margaret Long)
Heath of New Skye
and Carnegie of New Skye, PA (Photo provided by Barbara Clardy)
Circle H Glengarry,
NH (photo provided by Lee Ann Bunn)
Circle H McGregor,
ME
(Photo Provided by Donald Wright)
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