Highlands

jcberry

jcberry

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Has anyone on here got one?
Anyone had any experiences with them, good or bad?
Are going to look at a lovely looking lad, who is 3/4 highland next weekend, never had any experience with a highland before, so just wondered what they are like..
Thanks xo
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i have one love her to death but am gettin rid of her after she shattered my confidence!

have to say before all this stuff happened she was the best pony ever!!! still love her more than anything!!

they are very hardy strong willed and have to be told who's boss. really do make great ponies plus they are gorgeous!!

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I've only had experience of 2 that were at the same livery yard as me - they were spoiled rotten so they walked all over their owner and were in a separate field because they were quite agressive with other horses - which unfortunately my 23 yr old pony got the butt end of when one of them jumped into his field and gave him a bit of a kicking.

So, I'm not a big fan however, I'm sure if you had one that actually knew what was acceptable and what wasn't it'd be fine.
 
Shawny - yes we did, she wasnt suitable, too small..
Hmmm.. are they strong? As they look like they have quite a large neck and have quite a bit of bodyweight to carry around.
 
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shame snowballappo will continue looking for one for you. I do know of one that might come for sale soon but not 100% sure yet
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yeh i was i'm looking at 2 at the moment so fingers crossed for me
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highlands are super strong, unbelievably strong, i'll show u a pic of my mares neck

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Owners really love them - but they do have to be sure who is boss, because as it says above, if they decide to go somewhere there isn't a lot a puny human can do to stop them.

They can be quite opinionated, but the ones I have seen have a lovely flowing walk. Of course they can carry lots of weight.
 
I have two on loan. I went from knowing nothing about them to being a total addict.

Yes they are phenomenally strong and powerful, and therefore very suitable as a pony for older teenagers and adults, but if carefully handled will rarely use that strength against their rider or handler. They do need to be taught manners at an early age. The mare I have has been ridden by my son since he was 9 years old, has never run off with him or taken advantage of her much greater strength.

Whilst not fast they do have remarkable stamina and can hack out for hours. Not the best breed for jumping, will hop over jumps up to 3' but I wouldn't expect much more unless crossed with a lighter breed with bigger movement.

Those I know have steady gentle temperaments, are very easy to do, as long as you ensure their grazing is restricted in spring and autumn, but they do have a level of determination that could be interpreted as stubbornness, especially if food is nearby!



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Lydia on here owns a cheeky highland called miffy, he is lovely absulue sweetheart to handle and ride in flatwork and bombproof, allthough he is a bit of a nutter to jump but that could be as he only learnt aged 7
 
Have known and ridden about 4 and all have the strong willed, bloody minded personality that has the potential to shatter confidence.
However, if told who is boss, as said before on this post, and if schooled correctly and taught their manners than they are absolutely wonderful horses. Can go out on all day hacks and are very sure footed.

The one my sister rode jumped anything up to 3ft6, and when he entered the ring at Rowallan about to compete in a 1m class a few snooty girls behind me were actually commenting on how "this should be hilarious" and "he looks like a pit pony". I didn't say a word but noted how they went silent when he came out after a wonderful clear round, he continued on to do a double clear and place 5th out of a big class. He was not the fastest but he was one of the most honest.

IMO they have addictive personalities and are definitely one of my favourite breeds.

Also, if you ask me, for a fantastic all rounder you can't go far wrong with a Highland x Tb!

The horse in the picture is absolutely stunning and looks a very nice type. Do you know what he's crossed with?
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I used to ride one and she was the sweetest gentlest horse tbh. Never would use her strenght against you riden or leading.

Was ridden by a toddler and was fine was sweet as anything.
 
Brilliant for riding bareback (as per your piccy) as nothing sticks in to you, as they tend not to have much in the way of withers.

Restricted grazing is essential as you say and it's like leading a tank if there's a feed bowl/hay net around.
 
i have a super 13.2 ish highland x dartmoor and she is only 3yrs shes the most loving little mare ive known , but she is v impatient and constantly needs reminding of manners . v dominent over other horses in field till she got put in her place !!!!!!!!!!!! a v sweet allrounder though.
 
Friend has a lovely 14.3 mare for sale at my yard she is on Horse Mart Advert Reference HM748857B. Being sold as a teenagers jumping pony but mostly been hacking this last year or so. Goey but safe! I'd buy her if I could afford her! In Herts so maybe too far for you?
 
Meant to say afford to keep her not the price she's being sold for!! Can just about afford my own! She is going with good rugs tack etc too! Oh I am useless at this posting thing!, she's not a Highland, obviously! But worth a look!!
 
I breed and show Highlands, and here are a few of mine

Firstly Spitchwick Sea Amber, who is a great jumper and does everything from dressage to hunting

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My lovely mare Amethyst, who is Amber's mum, a few weeks before she foaled
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Mum and babe over the summer, a full sister to Amber

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Young Sapphire having a hooly
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As the watcher has already said, Highlands who are not taught manners as youngsters can be dreadful, and use their strength against you, but well mannered Highlands, are a delight to own and full of character, I simply wouldn't be without them, they are the most versatile of breeds.
 
I bought a highlandx tb last year(2006) for my 12 yr old daughter he was 5 1/2 yrs old and unbroken he came from his breeder. He is the BEST pony! He's hunted, BSJA showjumped, BE evented, he is a little bit quirky but very honest and genuine and will have a go at anything. Have never had any dealings with Highlands before, dont think I'd have a pure bred, they are designed for carrying men and stags over scottish moors aren't they?
 
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