Highland pony: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Breed of horse}} |
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{{Use British English|date=October 2011}} |
{{Use British English|date=October 2011}} |
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{{Infobox horse |
{{Infobox horse breed |
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|name= Highland Pony |
|name= Highland Pony |
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|image= Gracie-rhs2005.jpg |
|image= Gracie-rhs2005.jpg |
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|altname= |
|altname= |
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|nickname= |
|nickname= |
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|country=Scotland |
|country=Scotland |
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|group1= Highland Pony Society |
|group1= Highland Pony Society |
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|std1= http://www.highlandponysociety.com |
|std1= http://www.highlandponysociety.com |
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|std2 = http://www.hpeca.org |
|std2 = http://www.hpeca.org |
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The '''Highland Pony''' is a native [[Scotland|Scottish]] pony, and is one of the largest of the [[mountain and moorland pony breeds]] of the British Isles. Its [[Pedigree chart|pedigree]] dates back to the 1880s. It was once a workhorse in the [[Scotland|Scottish]] mainland and islands, but today is used for [[driving (horse)|driving]], trekking and general riding. They are hardy and tough, they rarely require shoeing, and are economical to keep. |
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==Breed characteristics== |
==Breed characteristics== |
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| ⚫ | The Highland Pony is one of the three native breeds of the Scottish [[Highlands and Islands]], the others are the [[Shetland |
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| ⚫ | The height of a Highland |
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| ⚫ | The Highland Pony is one of the three native breeds of the Scottish [[Highlands and Islands]], the others are the [[Shetland Pony]] and the [[Eriskay Pony]]. Over many centuries, the breed has adapted to the variable and often severe climatic and environmental conditions of Scotland. The winter coat consists of a layer of strong, badger-like hair over a soft, dense undercoat, which enables this breed of pony to live out in all types of weather. This coat is shed in the spring to reveal a smooth summer coat. This essential hardiness is combined with a kindly nature and even temperament.<ref name="Characteristics">[http://www.highlandponysociety.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=28 Highland Ponies: "Breed Characteristics" Highland Pony Society Web site. Accessed November 6, 2011]</ref> |
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| ⚫ | The height of a Highland Pony is {{hands|13|to|14.2}}. The head is well-carried and alert, with a kindly eye, broad muzzle, and deep jowl. A reasonable length of neck goes from the [[withers]] with a good sloping shoulder, and well-placed forearms are desired. Ponies are to have a well-balanced and compact body with a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, powerful quarters with a well-developed thigh, strong gaskin, and clean, flat hocks. Desired traits also include flat hard bone, broad knees, short cannon bones, oblique pasterns, and well-shaped, broad, dark hooves.<ref name="Characteristics"/> |
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| ⚫ | Highland |
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| ⚫ | Highland Ponies are seen in a range of [[dun gene|dun]] shades. The Highland Pony Society recognizes shade variations referred to as "mouse" (known in other breeds as [[grullo]]), "yellow" (bay dun), "grey" (dun with gray gene that lightens with age), and "cream" (a dun apparently also possessing a [[dilution gene|dilution factor]]).<ref name="Characteristics"/> Other, nonstandard terms, such as "fox dun", (describing a [[dun gene|red dun]]) "oatmeal dun", and "biscuit dun" (describing a cream dun) are sometimes also used.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.somis.dundee.ac.uk/~amdouglas/highland/colours.htm |title=Highland Colours |author=A. Douglas |at=In ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20080506105737/http://www.somis.dundee.ac.uk/~amdouglas/ Kirkcarrion Highland Ponies - Native Pony Information Pages]'' |date=5 June 2002 |accessdate=2 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020727000439/http://www.somis.dundee.ac.uk/~amdouglas/highland/colours.htm |archive-date=27 July 2002 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> They also may be [[gray (horse)|grey]], [[Seal brown (horse)|seal brown]], [[black (horse)|black]], and occasionally [[bay (horse)|bay]] or a shade of [[chestnut (coat)|liver chestnut]] with a [[flaxen gene|flaxen]] mane and tail.<ref name="Characteristics"/> |
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| ⚫ | Dun-coloured ponies have [[primitive markings]] which include a dorsal stripe and some show zebra markings on legs. A transverse shoulder stripe is also often present. Foal coat often |
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| ⚫ | Dun-coloured ponies have [[primitive markings]], which include a dorsal stripe and some show zebra markings on their legs. A transverse shoulder stripe is also often present. Foal coat colours often change and many ponies change colour gradually as they grow older. Others show a slight seasonal change in colour between winter and summer coats. "Broken" colours such as [[pinto horse|pinto]] are not allowed.<ref name="Characteristics"/> |
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The Highland Pony Society actively discourages [[horse markings|white markings]] of any description other than a small white star. Stallions with white markings other than a small star are not eligible for licensing by the Highland Pony Society. No white markings (other than a small star) nor white legs or white hooves are acceptable in the show ring.<ref name="Characteristics"/> |
The Highland Pony Society actively discourages [[horse markings|white markings]] of any description other than a small white star. Stallions with white markings other than a small star are not eligible for licensing by the Highland Pony Society. No white markings (other than a small star) nor white legs or white hooves are acceptable in the show ring.<ref name="Characteristics"/> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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| ⚫ | Tracing the history of the breed presents difficulties. In the earliest period of development of the [[domestication of the horse|domesticated breed]], |
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[[File:Looking towards Meall na Leitreach - geograph.org.uk - 45053.jpg|thumb|Highland ponies have often been used as [[Deer stalking|deer stalker ponies]] to carry dead game.<ref name="hrh">{{cite book |title=30 Years On and Off the Box Seat |author=HRH the Duke of Edinburgh |author-link=Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh |year=2005 |publisher=J. A. Allen |isbn=0851318983 |ol=11598049M}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sportsafield.com/2019/highland-tradition/ |title=Highland Tradition |first=Diana |last=Rupp |date=2019 |work=[[Sports Afield]]}}</ref>]] |
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| ⚫ | Tracing the history of the breed presents difficulties. In the earliest period of development of the [[domestication of the horse|domesticated breed]], the two types were the small and light pony of the Western Isles, and the larger and heavier mainland-bred type. The larger animals were commonly called [[garron]]s, though the term is considered incorrect. Both types have integrated now, thus generally less distinction exists between the types within the Highland Pony breed. However, the phenotype of the smaller type survives in the rare Eriskay Pony.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.highlandponyenthusiasts.co.uk/ancestory-and-demand |title=Valerie Russell, A Highland Breed History |access-date=2011-11-06 |archive-date=2012-04-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425131158/http://www.highlandponyenthusiasts.co.uk/ancestory-and-demand |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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== Working Highland Ponies == |
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| ⚫ | An estimated 5500 Highland Ponies remain in the world today, with most in [[Europe]]. Although some are still bred for their substance and stamina, the trend is to breed for a pony more suited for riding and driving. The breed is also commonly crossed with [[Thoroughbred]]s to produce good [[eventing]] horses. Despite increasing popularity, the breed is still categorised as category 4, "at risk", by the [[Rare Breeds Survival Trust]]. |
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* Deer Ponies: Highland Ponies are still used to extract deer carcases from the hill using saddles especially designed for the purpose. Several Breeders still supply Highland Ponies to carry deer. |
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* Horse Riding and Pony Trekking: The popular outdoor sport of Pony Trekking was credited with being started in Badenoch at nearby Newtonmore in 1952 by Ewan Ormiston, it is still possible to ride in Newtonmore with his grandson Ruaridh at the Newtonmore Riding Centre. [http://www.ormistonhighlands.com/ Ormiston Highlands] |
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* Croft Work: Highlands were used extensively on these small Highland agricultural units but are seldom used today. |
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* Logging: There is limited use of Highland Ponies for timber extraction. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [http://www.highlandponysociety.com/ Highland Pony Society] |
* [http://www.highlandponysociety.com/ Highland Pony Society] |
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* [http://www.highlandponyenthusiasts.co.uk/ Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club] |
* [http://www.highlandponyenthusiasts.co.uk/ Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club] |
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* [http://www.nationalponysociety.org.uk/ NPS - National Pony Society] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20001206220800/http://www.nationalponysociety.org.uk/ NPS - National Pony Society] |
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* [http://www.newtonmoreridingcentre.com/ Newtonmore Riding Centre Website] |
* [http://www.newtonmoreridingcentre.com/ Newtonmore Riding Centre Website] |
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* [http://www.highlandpony.com.au/ Highland Ponies Australia] |
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{{Equine|state=collapsed}} |
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{{British horses}} |
{{British horses}} |
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{{Scottish animal breeds}} |
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[[Category:Horse breeds originating in Scotland]] |
[[Category:Horse breeds originating in Scotland]] |
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[[Category:Horse breeds]] |
[[Category:Horse breeds]] |
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[[Category:Animal breeds on the RBST Watchlist]] |
[[Category:Animal breeds on the RBST Watchlist]] |
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[[Category:Ponies]] |
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[[Category:Conservation Priority Breeds of the Livestock Conservancy]] |
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Latest revision as of 00:34, 20 August 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2018) |
 Highland Pony Champion at the Royal Highland Show 2005 | |
| Country of origin | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Breed standards | |
The Highland Pony is a native Scottish pony, and is one of the largest of the mountain and moorland pony breeds of the British Isles. Its pedigree dates back to the 1880s. It was once a workhorse in the Scottish mainland and islands, but today is used for driving, trekking and general riding. They are hardy and tough, they rarely require shoeing, and are economical to keep.
Breed characteristics
[edit]
.jpg)
The Highland Pony is one of the three native breeds of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the others are the Shetland Pony and the Eriskay Pony. Over many centuries, the breed has adapted to the variable and often severe climatic and environmental conditions of Scotland. The winter coat consists of a layer of strong, badger-like hair over a soft, dense undercoat, which enables this breed of pony to live out in all types of weather. This coat is shed in the spring to reveal a smooth summer coat. This essential hardiness is combined with a kindly nature and even temperament.[1]
The height of a Highland Pony is 13 to 14.2 hands (52 to 58 inches, 132 to 147 cm). The head is well-carried and alert, with a kindly eye, broad muzzle, and deep jowl. A reasonable length of neck goes from the withers with a good sloping shoulder, and well-placed forearms are desired. Ponies are to have a well-balanced and compact body with a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, powerful quarters with a well-developed thigh, strong gaskin, and clean, flat hocks. Desired traits also include flat hard bone, broad knees, short cannon bones, oblique pasterns, and well-shaped, broad, dark hooves.[1]
Feather hair behind the fetlocks is soft and silky. When Highland Ponies are shown, their manes and tails are kept natural, flowing, and untrimmed.
Highland Ponies are seen in a range of dun shades. The Highland Pony Society recognizes shade variations referred to as "mouse" (known in other breeds as grullo), "yellow" (bay dun), "grey" (dun with gray gene that lightens with age), and "cream" (a dun apparently also possessing a dilution factor).[1] Other, nonstandard terms, such as "fox dun", (describing a red dun) "oatmeal dun", and "biscuit dun" (describing a cream dun) are sometimes also used.[2] They also may be grey, seal brown, black, and occasionally bay or a shade of liver chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail.[1]
Dun-coloured ponies have primitive markings, which include a dorsal stripe and some show zebra markings on their legs. A transverse shoulder stripe is also often present. Foal coat colours often change and many ponies change colour gradually as they grow older. Others show a slight seasonal change in colour between winter and summer coats. "Broken" colours such as pinto are not allowed.[1]
The Highland Pony Society actively discourages white markings of any description other than a small white star. Stallions with white markings other than a small star are not eligible for licensing by the Highland Pony Society. No white markings (other than a small star) nor white legs or white hooves are acceptable in the show ring.[1]
History
[edit]
Tracing the history of the breed presents difficulties. In the earliest period of development of the domesticated breed, the two types were the small and light pony of the Western Isles, and the larger and heavier mainland-bred type. The larger animals were commonly called garrons, though the term is considered incorrect. Both types have integrated now, thus generally less distinction exists between the types within the Highland Pony breed. However, the phenotype of the smaller type survives in the rare Eriskay Pony.[5]
In the 16th century, French and Spanish horses, including the Percheron, were taken to the Scottish Highlands. In the 19th century, a Hackney type and the Fell Pony and Dales Pony were added.
The breed was originally bred to work on the small farms of Scotland, hauling timber and game, as well as ploughing. They are still used for such work, but are usually enjoyed as all-round ponies, good for jumping and trekking, due to their quietness, stamina, and ability to carry weight.
An estimated 5500 Highland Ponies remain in the world today, with most in Europe. Although some are still bred for their substance and stamina, the trend is to breed for a pony more suited for riding and driving. The breed is also commonly crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce good eventing horses. Despite increasing popularity, the breed is still categorised as category 4, "at risk", by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Highland Ponies: "Breed Characteristics" Highland Pony Society Web site. Accessed November 6, 2011
- ^ A. Douglas (5 June 2002). "Highland Colours". In Kirkcarrion Highland Ponies - Native Pony Information Pages. Archived from the original on 27 July 2002. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
- ^ HRH the Duke of Edinburgh (2005). 30 Years On and Off the Box Seat. J. A. Allen. ISBN 0851318983. OL 11598049M.
- ^ Rupp, Diana (2019). "Highland Tradition". Sports Afield.
- ^ "Valerie Russell, A Highland Breed History". Archived from the original on 2012-04-25. Retrieved 2011-11-06.