Strathspey

Highland Ponies

History of Highland Ponies

TREKKING AND RIDING

The decades which followed farm mechanization were a depressing time for draught horse breeds all over Scotland. The Highland pony however did not suffer such a serious decline as the larger draught horses did. This was due in part to the introduction of pony trekking and its subsequent rise in popularity which gave the Highland a new, and economically important role to play. It was the ideal choice of pony to use over the hill terrain covered in trekking, and it's even temperament made it a mount of choice for all types and ability of rider.

Attention to physical features which make a good mount became increasingly important to breeders. A lighter type of Highland was required with longer sloping shoulders but which nevertheless retained all the special Highland characteristics. A good range in height was required so that trekking clients of all shapes and sizes could be accommodated.

The riding sphere has continued to widen for this the most powerful and versatile of our native breeds. The riding type used in pony trekking centres has been found, with proper training and management, to compete easily with all the other pony breeds in competitive work including driving, endurance riding, pony clubbing, dressage and working hunter pony. This versatility, combined with the fact that it is a very economical pony to keep, has caused a recent upsurge in interest in the breed and new markets have opened for breeders, particularly in England and on the Continent.

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