The Highland Pony is an exceptional, all-purpose breed and wonderful family pony. The horse has a solid conformation with proportionate hind legs and a high-set tail that gives it a more refined appearance. The head has a broad forehead, but is chiseled and tapered at the muzzle, which is short. The Highland comes in a variety of colors and markings including gray, brown, black dun with a dorsal stripe, and a chestnut that is complimented by a silver or flaxen mane and tail.

Considered the general purpose horse of the Scottish Highlands and Isles, the Highland Pony was used on the farm, under saddle, in harness, and as a pack horse. Because the breed is easy to keep, hardy, and healthy, they rapidly became the pony of choice for the area. The terrain of the Highlands is rocky and rough. But, the Highland Pony is confident, strong, and surefooted. It was able to carry large loads over long distances, earning its place as Scotland's pony.

Now, they're rarely used as work horses, but the Highland Ponies are still a popular family pet and considered to be wonderful training horses. The Highlands are not only safe and willing jumpers, but also very steady and calm, making them ideal companions for inexperienced riders and children. The Highland Pony is also often used as a trail riding or tourist mount.

The breed originated in the Scottish Highlands, but was developed out of horses imported from Scandinavia during the Bronze Age, and then again from France in 1535. In 1870, a Roadster Hackney was introduced to improve the breed, but it has remained relatively untouched ever since. Today, there are Highland Pony Societies all over the world and they are particularly popular in Australia, where an offshoot breed, the Australian Highland Pony, has developed.

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Highland Pony - Horses for Sale