Highland Pony: Size, Temperament and Care

Who a Highland Suits

Highlands suit adults who want a strong, steady pony for hacking and trekking, families who want one pony for everyone, and drivers. Their calm, sure-footed nature makes them popular on trekking centers and with less confident riders.

They are strong, though, and a pony that knows its own mind still needs consistent handling.

Working Ponies of the Highlands

Highland ponies worked on crofts and estates across the Scottish Highlands and islands, carrying loads over rough hill ground. On sporting estates they are still used to carry deer off the hill, and they work in forestry and trekking.

The Highland Pony Society keeps the stud book. Many Highlands show the primitive dun coloring with a dark eel stripe along the spine, and sometimes faint zebra marks on the legs.

Feeding and Grazing

Like most native ponies, Highlands evolved on poor, rough grazing and are very good at turning a little food into a lot of pony. On rich lowland grass that talent becomes a problem: they put on weight fast, and extra weight raises the risk of laminitis. Ask your vet whether your pony's grazing should be limited, especially in spring and early summer.

Base the diet on forage: grass in moderation and weighed hay, often in a small-hole haynet. Most need little or no bucket feed, just a ration balancer or mineral lick for vitamins and minerals, plus salt and fresh water. Read feeding horses forage first and body condition scoring.

Hooves, Teeth, Coat and Weather

Highlands have hard feet and strong legs with silky feather. Pick out feet daily, keep feather clean and dry, and check the skin underneath when you groom. Book the farrier every few weeks and a dental check at least once a year.

Their winter coat has a dense undercoat and a long outer coat that sheds rain; most healthy Highlands with shelter don't need a blanket (rug) unless clipped.

Company, Space and Handling

Highlands need equine company and plenty of turnout. They are happiest on rough, varied grazing or a track system rather than rich pasture. See grazing and pasture management.

Health: Preventive Care

Book a check-up soon after your pony arrives, and ask your vet about vaccinations and a worming plan guided by fecal egg counts. Plan for the farrier every few weeks and a dental check at least once a year. Score body condition every few weeks, by hand: weight creeps on quietly, especially on spring grass.

Worming, vaccinations and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your pony and where you live.

Buying, Loaning or Rescuing

Breed society members, breeders and rehoming charities are good starting points. Ask about the pony's experience with traffic, hacking and the farrier, have a vet do a pre-purchase examination, and check the passport. See buying a horse.