Origin
Scotland
History
A very old breed, the Highland pony inhabited northern Scotland before the Ice Age. It has been suggested that they were derived from the crossing of two types of ponys, one type which resembled the Asian Wid Horse, and the other type, which was similar to the Exmoor. Archaeological evidence shows that horses were imported from Scandinavia during the Bronze Age, and later from Iceland. Around 1535, the size and quality of the breed was improved by French horses, which would have included ancestors of the Percheron. Spanish horses were imported and used in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Roadster-type Hackney was brought to the Isles in 1870 and had a particular influence on the Arran ponies, and the Dales and Fell were also used.
The addition of eastern blood had the greatest impact of all. The Duke of Atholl, whose stock became a cornerstone of the breed, used eastern horses in the 16th century, and the Calgary strain, evolved by J.H. Monroe-Mackenzie on Mull, was based on the Arabian horse, Syrian. The Macneils of Barra used Arabians, and bred small, light, fast, Arabian-type ponies.
In the past, there were two distinctive types found in the Highland pony: the Scottish Mainland and the Western Island, the latter being lighter in build and smaller than the Mainland type. Recently there has been a good deal of interbreeding between the two types and the distinction is not as marked as in the past or even now disappeared.
Pedigree records have been kept since 1896, and the Highland Pony Society was founded in 1923. Affiliated societies now flourish in Australia and France, and the export of ponies is worldwide. The royal connection continues today at Balmoral Estate with the Queen´s expanding stud, where ponies earn their keep in traditional manner carrying deer, driving and trekking.
Description
- Head:
fine and tapered, very broad across the forehead and short between the eyes and the muzzle - Conformation:
the breed is very strong for its size with a well-proportioned body. The tail is set high in the quarters, and the hind legs are correct in their proportions - Average height:
12.1 to 14.2 h.h. - Colours:
the Highland varies between several shades of primitive dun; yellow, cream, mouse-most have a dorsal stripe and zebra markings on the legs. Greys are numerous also, and some are black or brown - Temperament:
docile, calm - Today:
properly broken and handled, Highland ponies are excellent mounts for riding clubs 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. As useful, safe hunters and long distance ponies they excel in rough or steep country.
