Watchlist |
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust | Cattle | Pigs | Sheep | Goats | Equines | Poultry |
Equines
Highland Pony
2008 Watchlist; Category 4, At Risk.
The Highland pony is the largest native pony breed of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. It evolved from the sixteenth century with some influence of other breeds - mainly Norfolk Roadster and Arab - and became adapted to the variable and often severe climatic conditions of Scotland. Its ability to thrive in a hostile environment, combined with its strength and even temperament, suited it for many purposes. It has been used as a military pony, for general farm work, forestry, driving, riding, deer stalking and other sporting and showing activities.
The typical Highland pony, standing up to 14.2 hh, is well balanced and compact with powerful quarters, a deep chest and plenty of room for heart and lungs. The head is alert and the muzzle broad with a deep jowl. Colours vary from shades of dun and grey to brown, black and occasionally bay and liver chestnut with silver mane and tail. Many ponies have a dark coloured dorsal stripe and some show zebra markings on legs and shoulder. The double winter coat enables the ponies to live out in all weathers. The coat is shed in spring to reveal a smooth summer coat. The long tail, thick mane and forelock offer protection against the sun and biting insects in the summer months, and they have thick feathering on the lower legs.