Mehitabel
14th Dec 2005, 10:57 AM
Breed Description
Highlands are one of the two native breeds of Scotland counted as M&Ms, the other being the Shetland. The Eriskay pony is also native to Scotland. They are one of the biggest of the native breeds - although the height range is 13hh - 14.2hh, they are immensely powerful and stocky. They have a winter coat well suited to the often harsh weather in Scotland, with a soft and dense undercoat over a waterproof layer of long and coarse hair.
Highlands come in a range of duns (mouse, cream, yellow and grey). They are also grey, brown, black and less commonly bay or liver chestnut with silver mane and tail. Zebra stripes and dorsal stripes are common. Their action is straight and free moving, without much knee action. They generally have a kind and genuine temperament, without being dull or stuffy. While their bulk means that they are often not as agile as the lighter breeds, they are still able to move well and jump.
History
They have always been working animals, being suited to riding or driving. They were originally used for all kinds of farm work, including ploughing, forestry - dragging felled trees out of forests, bringing home cut peat, and carrying farmers to market. They were also used in hunting - carrying sportsmen up hills, and carrying the stags they shot back down them.
Historically, the Highland pony developed in two different directions - those on the mainland, and those on the Western Isles. The Western Isles ponies were smaller, between 13 and 14hh. The mainland ponies were between 14 and 14.2hh, and considerably heavier. They used to be known as 'Garrons' and although no official distinction is now made, some breeders still use the term. As bigger ponies became more popular, the smaller ponies in particular from the islands of Barra and Eriskay became a different type altogether.
There has been considerable outside influence on the development on the modern-day Highland, as with many of the native breeds. In this case, notable influence has come from Clydesdales, (late 19th century) Arabs (in the 16th century), Spanish horses (early 18th century) and Percherons, while the resemblance to the Norwegian Fjord suggests early contact with Scandinavia.
Useful Links
http://www.highlandponysociety.com/index.html
http://www.highlandponysociety.com/links.htm
http://www.highlandponyenthusiasts.co.uk/
Highlands are one of the two native breeds of Scotland counted as M&Ms, the other being the Shetland. The Eriskay pony is also native to Scotland. They are one of the biggest of the native breeds - although the height range is 13hh - 14.2hh, they are immensely powerful and stocky. They have a winter coat well suited to the often harsh weather in Scotland, with a soft and dense undercoat over a waterproof layer of long and coarse hair.
Highlands come in a range of duns (mouse, cream, yellow and grey). They are also grey, brown, black and less commonly bay or liver chestnut with silver mane and tail. Zebra stripes and dorsal stripes are common. Their action is straight and free moving, without much knee action. They generally have a kind and genuine temperament, without being dull or stuffy. While their bulk means that they are often not as agile as the lighter breeds, they are still able to move well and jump.
History
They have always been working animals, being suited to riding or driving. They were originally used for all kinds of farm work, including ploughing, forestry - dragging felled trees out of forests, bringing home cut peat, and carrying farmers to market. They were also used in hunting - carrying sportsmen up hills, and carrying the stags they shot back down them.
Historically, the Highland pony developed in two different directions - those on the mainland, and those on the Western Isles. The Western Isles ponies were smaller, between 13 and 14hh. The mainland ponies were between 14 and 14.2hh, and considerably heavier. They used to be known as 'Garrons' and although no official distinction is now made, some breeders still use the term. As bigger ponies became more popular, the smaller ponies in particular from the islands of Barra and Eriskay became a different type altogether.
There has been considerable outside influence on the development on the modern-day Highland, as with many of the native breeds. In this case, notable influence has come from Clydesdales, (late 19th century) Arabs (in the 16th century), Spanish horses (early 18th century) and Percherons, while the resemblance to the Norwegian Fjord suggests early contact with Scandinavia.
Useful Links
http://www.highlandponysociety.com/index.html
http://www.highlandponysociety.com/links.htm
http://www.highlandponyenthusiasts.co.uk/