Temperament and feeding

Temperemant, safety and reliability

The fact that Highlands perform well in comparatively slow work such as trekking, forestry and deer-carrying suggests, quite rightly, that they have a calm, steady temperament. This makes them outstandingly suitable for the nervous or elderly, and they have also been used successfully as mounts for disabled riders - all of whom appreciate their confidence-giving attributes. However, it must not be thought that, because they are kind and reliable, they are also dull. For many a Highland has shown itself to be a keen, active ride in the hunting field and, correctly schooled, to be able to compete with great success in Pony Club and Riding Club activities - making up by sure-footedness and handiness what it may lack in outright speed. With the present revival in harness work both for showing and for pleasure, the ponies are once more proving their worth in this field also. Safe, reliable, friendly, a good, comfortable ride, constitutionally strong and hardy, attractive to look at, and with considerably more versatility than is generally appreciated, the Highland pony has so much to offer.

Feeding and exercise

The fortunate owners of these delightful animals have, as a rule, only one thing to worry about - their ponies' ability to grow fat on 'nothing but fresh air'. This is something which applies to most Mountain and Moorland breeds because the natural foodstuffs of their habitats are generally of poor quality and sparse in quantity. But the Highlands probably react more quickly than most to lusher pastures and easily become over-weight. This unfortunately makes far too many of them appear heavy and ungainly - a travesty of the true Highland. Careful feeding and exercise will, however, restore the pony to a more healthy, well-proportioned condition.