HIGHLAND PONY

One of nine pony breeds native to Great Britain, with origins dating back to the last Ice Age. An all-purpose Scottish breed, the Highland pony developed in northern Scotland and the Scottish Islands. The Highland pony is exceptionally strong for its size. It stands 147.5 cm (58 in, or 14.5 hands) high at the withers. The high part of the back, located between the shoulder blades, although many are shorter by 10 to 20.5 cm (4 to 8 in, or 1 to 2 hands). This pony has a stocky, roundish body with short, muscular, large-boned legs. The back is short and straight, and the neck long and muscular. The head is short and straight with a wide forehead separating dark, expressive eyes. The muzzle is soft and velvety with flared nostrils. Because this pony developed in the craggy Scottish highlands where there is little need for speed, the primary gaits of this breed are the walk and trot. The Highland pony's coat is gray, brown, black, or dun (yellow or bluish). It often has a distinctive, dark stripe running down the middle of the back. The mane and tail are silky, and the tail is carried high. Some of the horses pictured in cave drawings made 15,000 to 20,000 years ago at Lascaux, France, resemble the modern Highland pony. The The Highland pony was crossed with horses brought to Scotland from Scandinavia during the Bronze Age (4000 to 1000 BC). This pony later bred with horses from France in the 16th century and from Spain in the 17th and 18th centuries, in addition to horses native to Great Britain. The greatest influence on the Highland pony was the Arabian horse. Its characteristics are visible in the head, tail, and increased height of the modern Highland. The docile Highland pony has long been used in fields on small Scottish farms, as a draft (pulling) and pack (cargo-carrying) animal, and for riding. A durable hunting horse, the Highland pony can easily carry a deer weighing over 100 kg (over 220 lb).

Darmoore Pony - Exmoor Pony - Fjord -Hackney - Highland Pony - Icelandic Pony

Barb (HORSE) - Bashkir Welsh Mountain Pony