Thinking of getting a Highland pony? pros/cons
- Thread starter staceyn
- Start date
smiggy
Well-Known Member
i bought mine as a 2 1/2 yr old. she was a doddle to break but spent a while being an obstinate donkey. Now we have a foward button though and she is a delight. She was four in june so only just started doing things with her after backing last autumn,
So far has done an endurance training ride, where she behaved impecably, and been taken to mounted games weekend (as my mount). I was asked what i had "given her" as she was so well behaved
We used her to take the passes from the fast horses as she would stand like a rock while someone galloped into her.
tomorrow we are off to a "spook busting" clinic, its local and a handy outing but she may be the horse least in need of spook busting in the country
Her manners on the ground are very good because they are expected to be, they dont have to be thugs.
So far has done an endurance training ride, where she behaved impecably, and been taken to mounted games weekend (as my mount). I was asked what i had "given her" as she was so well behaved
We used her to take the passes from the fast horses as she would stand like a rock while someone galloped into her.tomorrow we are off to a "spook busting" clinic, its local and a handy outing but she may be the horse least in need of spook busting in the country
Her manners on the ground are very good because they are expected to be, they dont have to be thugs.
JFTDWS
Well-Known Member
Well said.
A lot of the reservations raised as "Highland negatives" on this thread, are, in my humble opinion, reservations which apply to any breed. Any badly trained, poorly handled animal will behave like a thug if it is allowed to do so. A highland should be a light, responsive ride and have the handling manners of any other horse.
Certainly mine is snaffle mouthed, light in the hand, responsive to the leg and good to handle in most situations. He's also good to leave in a field and pick up as and when - he was a dream to ride even when coming off 4 months box rest.
I think that some of the problems described are more common in large natives, because those breeds are more commonly owned by teenagers / fluffier adults who don't demand respect and give the pony a real job to do. That doesn't mean that it is somehow a flaw of the breed
MagicMelon
Well-Known Member
They're really good low-level all rounders. But they can be stubborn as someone has already pointed out. Depends on the pony though, as with any.
I had a highland a few years ago, he was a lighter type though and we rarely came home without a red rossette, mainly from SJ and ODE's. He'd win at 1m but struggled doing courses much bigger. They do have their limits but if you want something safe/sturdy to just have fun on, they're great.
I had a highland a few years ago, he was a lighter type though and we rarely came home without a red rossette, mainly from SJ and ODE's. He'd win at 1m but struggled doing courses much bigger. They do have their limits but if you want something safe/sturdy to just have fun on, they're great.
Elmere
Well-Known Member
Yes it does make a lot of sense for studs to only keep the unwanted animals as they are surely going to breed the best foals from them... damn why didn't I think of this sooner?!
Sorry for the sarcasm but that doesn't make sense at all!! I find Highlands are best with solid electrified fencing so that they can't rub on it, they are like any other breed, each pony is an individual but on a whole they are very easy to keep and good honest rides.
MyBoyChe
Well-Known Member
Loving this thread. I have been to see one Highland who belongs to a friend and is for sale, and although not suitable for me, she was an absolute delight to ride and I have a visit to another one arranged for next week, thanks to recommendations on here of good folk to call. I am ridiculously excited, which at my age is a bit unseemly tbh, and this thread has just reinforced my decision to try a good,solid Highland pony to escort my grandchildren out with. Roll on next Wednesday!
Kallibear
Well-Known Member
I never said anything about broodmares? Breeding stock is entirely different from stock for sale, which is what the OP will be looking a buying. How exactly do you breed from a 3 or 4yr old gelding?!
Having actually been highland pony shopping quite a lot, esp recently, most highlands, esp show quality, are sold as weanlings or yearlings. The best is obviously picked and therefore the older stock left is usually lower quality, unless there was a specific reason it was retained (not common). If they've STILL got a 5 or 6yr old for sale there's usually a reason for it. Studs will sell of ex-broodmares for various reasons but they are usually older mares and often not broken or haven't been ridden for years (although breaking a highland isn't exactly hard)
Kallibear
Well-Known Member
There were plenty of highlands on display at the Edinburgh Common Ride last weekend too!
Dry Rot
Well-Known Member
I suppose it all depends on your breeding aims. Personally, I have no interest in shows unless one of my helpers is keen. I usually get stuck on trailer watch anyway as everyone else wants to go ring side!
I've always been interested in the training side and, for that reason, I seldom sell youngsters. As others have said, Highlands are not difficult to break -- provided their earlier upbringing has been correct. My aim is to produce correctly brought up youngsters from the ground that others can take on. I get immense pleasure from hearing the success stories of ponies I've sold on. (It may not have gone unnoticed that some feature on here occasionally!
).Any breeder who thinks they can gain a reputation by breeding from "lower quality stock" isn't going to be in business for long! When buying breeding stock you get the best and pay what you have to do to get it. Sometimes it can take years to properly evaluate which are the best producers. How can a show judge, who sees an animal for a few minutes at best, judge things like trainability, resistance to disease, ease of temperament, inherited traits, long living, freedom from eating disorders, resistance to Laminitis, etc.? Conformation, maybe, but there's a hell of a lot more to a working animal than that. But if you main aim is the show ring, you may do things.
We tacked up two of our youngsters for the first time last week. There was no bucking and within minutes both had settled down to graze in the round pen. Today, day two, I expect someone will lie across the saddle and may even sit up. After these exercises, both ponies self-loaded, i.e. they walked into the trailer by themselves without being led to get a handful of hard feed. There's a lot more that will be done before they are sold on for a new owner to start the ridden training.
Tacked up for the first time, old coat simulating a rider, and the 3yo grazes relaxed and happy: (edited to say, we did notice the rein which was secured immediately!).
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staceyn
Well-Known Member
Dry rot I want one of your highlands !
Hippona
Well-Known Member
I have a 13.33hh unregistered highland gelding....he is of the lighter frame. I bought him as a just backed 4 year old- he's now 8. He is a delightful 'character'.....very sweet and friendly- politely stubborn on occasion. He takes the P when my daughter rides him in a gentle way...wandering over to the verge for a snack etc because he knows she can't stop him But with me he is a forward fun ride. He is a bit heavy on the forehand- simply because I haven't spent the time to really school him. He is fab on roads, great to lunge, loves to jump..takes things in his stride
.He does get fat on fresh air and needs careful watching but he's never sick or sorry. He can be bargy if allowed......its easily nipped in the bud, he knows the rules but just tries it on now and again.
If he were a hand higher I'd have him as my full-time horse, but I doubt daughter would be happy with that
But with me he is a forward fun ride. He is a bit heavy on the forehand- simply because I haven't spent the time to really school him. He is fab on roads, great to lunge, loves to jump..takes things in his stride.He does get fat on fresh air and needs careful watching but he's never sick or sorry. He can be bargy if allowed......its easily nipped in the bud, he knows the rules but just tries it on now and again.
If he were a hand higher I'd have him as my full-time horse, but I doubt daughter would be happy with that
Dry Rot
Well-Known Member
dafthoss
Well-Known Member
Dryrot you know if any of yours need a bit of pc and rc experiance I'm always here
Fantastic little horses from what I have seen, easy to do, polite and well mannered when handled properly. Have a great sense of humor and are generally easier and more forgiving than my connie (there are some brill photos where I have gone 'oh ****' as I have lost the contact down the reins before a jump, only to remember I'm on fergs not YP who would have had me over his head for such things). JFTD's fergs is such a dude I took him to pc and went xc on him the 3rd time I had sat on him, the first being a hack and the second a little jump session at home. Great little all rounders and pc ponies I'd say, he stood like a rock when it wasnt his turn, attempted every thing asked of him and when we parted company (not his fault) he just put his head down and ate some grass all at his first ever rally!
Fantastic little horses from what I have seen, easy to do, polite and well mannered when handled properly. Have a great sense of humor and are generally easier and more forgiving than my connie (there are some brill photos where I have gone 'oh ****' as I have lost the contact down the reins before a jump, only to remember I'm on fergs not YP who would have had me over his head for such things). JFTD's fergs is such a dude I took him to pc and went xc on him the 3rd time I had sat on him, the first being a hack and the second a little jump session at home. Great little all rounders and pc ponies I'd say, he stood like a rock when it wasnt his turn, attempted every thing asked of him and when we parted company (not his fault) he just put his head down and ate some grass all at his first ever rally!
Bright_Spark
Well-Known Member
Elmere
Well-Known Member
You didn't specify a sex, geldings, mares and stallions are used for ridden showing so one can only assume you meant all and yes all are out there if you actually go and look. Breeders will retain a pony or even a field full for one reason or another and then decide to sell at a later stage but are waiting for someone knowledgeable enough to come along and show it successfully or just give it a good home.
Twinkley Lights
Well-Known Member
Me too!
and me!!!!!
Jenny56
Member
I am not an expert on Highland ponies at all, but recently went to take photographs of the Highlands at Mendick Highland ponies. They were great ponies to be around and made excellent (and very beautiful) models! I admit I am now a Highland convert! Kate and John Dykes who breed the ponies are very knowledgeable and approachable so I am sure would answer any questions you might have... Their contact details and some more of the photographs can be found on their website www.scottishpedigree.co.uk
SueD
Active Member
Ah, what fabulous black and white photographs.
Takes me back nearly 20 years ago when I ran a Highland Pony centre in North Yorkshire.
They were all home bred and the ones not suitable for showing came to the yard mainly for treking duties.
They lived out as a herd and the dynamics of the the heirarchy were fascinating.
I remember going a couple of miles down the road with bridles to pick up ponies that had been let off for the winter season. They'd swim the river to your call - even the mares with foals at foot - and you could clambour on and ride them back to the yard barebacked with no problems.
They're the only breed I've ever had any experience of backing. They never seemed to see the point of lunging - they'd go round a couple of times on either reign then plant themselves You could then get on board and be led round. Foolishly I thought all youngsters would be that easy!
I'm glad the stifle issue has been mentioned. A couple at the yard had this. Occasionally you'd see one with it's back leg out behind, trailing it along on the toe. It took a bit for me to get used to but with manipuation or sudden movement the stifle always popped back in. I know there are operations available nowadys, not sure how successful they are though.
Our ponies were used for RDA one day (including people with disabilities so severe that local RDA groups could not or would not take them), could be a hunter trial the next, sponsored rides and even hunting - often giving a lead over a fence to some finely bred wimpy thing.
Most of all though, those ponies accepted me into their herd. I could lay out amongst them on a Summer's night with my head against a belly gazing up at the stars whilst one of them stood upright to keep guard - how do they decide who's turn it is for that?
I feel quite sentimental now thinking of it all.
Good luck with whichever Highland that selects you, OP!
Takes me back nearly 20 years ago when I ran a Highland Pony centre in North Yorkshire.
They were all home bred and the ones not suitable for showing came to the yard mainly for treking duties.
They lived out as a herd and the dynamics of the the heirarchy were fascinating.
I remember going a couple of miles down the road with bridles to pick up ponies that had been let off for the winter season. They'd swim the river to your call - even the mares with foals at foot - and you could clambour on and ride them back to the yard barebacked with no problems.
They're the only breed I've ever had any experience of backing. They never seemed to see the point of lunging - they'd go round a couple of times on either reign then plant themselves You could then get on board and be led round. Foolishly I thought all youngsters would be that easy!
I'm glad the stifle issue has been mentioned. A couple at the yard had this. Occasionally you'd see one with it's back leg out behind, trailing it along on the toe. It took a bit for me to get used to but with manipuation or sudden movement the stifle always popped back in. I know there are operations available nowadys, not sure how successful they are though.
Our ponies were used for RDA one day (including people with disabilities so severe that local RDA groups could not or would not take them), could be a hunter trial the next, sponsored rides and even hunting - often giving a lead over a fence to some finely bred wimpy thing.
Most of all though, those ponies accepted me into their herd. I could lay out amongst them on a Summer's night with my head against a belly gazing up at the stars whilst one of them stood upright to keep guard - how do they decide who's turn it is for that?
I feel quite sentimental now thinking of it all.
Good luck with whichever Highland that selects you, OP!
Magicmillbrook
Well-Known Member
I would have loved a highland when I was horse hunting recently, all out of my price range sadly. My cob should last me until I retire, when perhaps I will be able to afford one!
Singing Dawg
Lang may yer lum reek
I've not read all the posts on your thread but having had many Highlands in my youth i have to reply.
they are very clever ponys. One of ours refused to be caught if she saw our farriers van coming in the farm road or if we had been putting jumps up. They will tolerate dreadful weather without rugs and very little feeding. Don't let their lovely natures fool you, one mare of ours dropped every experienced rider as they were so relaxed on her that when she stopped to grab at some cow parsley out hacking they went straight over her shoulder.
Beware of white legs/blazes, not acceptable if you want to show, they should be 14.2 max, a very nice cross is a quarter horse cross highland, not too big but very useful and able.
They can and do turn their hooves to anything from driving to endurance and I knew one which went to PSG dressage.
If you get a youngster don't swing it round and round on teh lunge, you will bore it stupid, strain its joints, and just wasting your time, handle it well and then handle it some more, then get on and go.
A good one will give you a lifetimes service at minimal cost, do a lot of research and try to go for old bloodlines if you want traditional type, some of the ones being bred today are too light and narrow for myliking but it all comes down to personal choice, though a proper highland should carry a 14 stone stag for miles on shooting days.
Don't brush out manes and tails as you will spoil them. One famous scottish exhibitor just pulled his ponies off the hill, put them in the lorry and showed them, heather in tails n all.Please post plenty pics of your purchase if you make it. And don't give it any titbits from your hand or it'll nip forever
they are very clever ponys. One of ours refused to be caught if she saw our farriers van coming in the farm road or if we had been putting jumps up. They will tolerate dreadful weather without rugs and very little feeding. Don't let their lovely natures fool you, one mare of ours dropped every experienced rider as they were so relaxed on her that when she stopped to grab at some cow parsley out hacking they went straight over her shoulder.
Beware of white legs/blazes, not acceptable if you want to show, they should be 14.2 max, a very nice cross is a quarter horse cross highland, not too big but very useful and able.
They can and do turn their hooves to anything from driving to endurance and I knew one which went to PSG dressage.
If you get a youngster don't swing it round and round on teh lunge, you will bore it stupid, strain its joints, and just wasting your time, handle it well and then handle it some more, then get on and go.
A good one will give you a lifetimes service at minimal cost, do a lot of research and try to go for old bloodlines if you want traditional type, some of the ones being bred today are too light and narrow for myliking but it all comes down to personal choice, though a proper highland should carry a 14 stone stag for miles on shooting days.
Don't brush out manes and tails as you will spoil them. One famous scottish exhibitor just pulled his ponies off the hill, put them in the lorry and showed them, heather in tails n all.Please post plenty pics of your purchase if you make it. And don't give it any titbits from your hand or it'll nip forever
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PoppyAnderson
Well-Known Member
Me too!
Me three!
Greylegs
Well-Known Member
Can't resist getting involved in this debate. I have an utterly scrumptious highland and he's brilliant. Spent last season doing prelim dressage on him and have plenty of ribbons to show for it: moving up to Novice this year, hopefully. He has better paces than many horses I've met. He has a nice jump (but not my thing to be honest ...), can be a bit cheeky but I have never felt safer on any horse. Forward going but sensible and never flaps in traffic. He's 14.2 and I'm quite tall but don't feel too big on him. They do live on fresh air, though, so you may need to be prepared to manage their grass intake in the summer. Currently mine is in his "winter warmers" - a coat thick enough to run your fingers through, so you also need to be prepared when they moult! Mine gets ridden 4-5 times per week, but is totally sensible if he has a month off.
I have to agree with the other posts though ... do some research and be prepared to spend sensible money on good breeding. Good ones are scare and are that price for a reason - because a good one is priceless. They can be expensive but you'll get your money's worth .... the best horse you ever owned.
I have to agree with the other posts though ... do some research and be prepared to spend sensible money on good breeding. Good ones are scare and are that price for a reason - because a good one is priceless. They can be expensive but you'll get your money's worth .... the best horse you ever owned.
honetpot
Well-Known Member
I am on my third Highland, and they are a small tractor with legs. Don't think pony think horse with its legs shortened, they will destroy anything thats not built like Fort Knox but usually with no malice.
I buy them as youngsters, keep them to show and then sell them as four year olds backed and ridden away, usually very quickly. The last one was sold entire as a four year old and I think he was the nicest pony I have ever owned but I had no long term rider for him.
Do not think because they look like a teddy bear you can treat them with any differently than any big horse, they can smell weakness and the ones that are bargy its usually due to poor handling as youngsters. Never ever tit bit. You have to use your brain to direct their energies as there is no way you can make a highland do anything.
I buy them as youngsters, keep them to show and then sell them as four year olds backed and ridden away, usually very quickly. The last one was sold entire as a four year old and I think he was the nicest pony I have ever owned but I had no long term rider for him.
Do not think because they look like a teddy bear you can treat them with any differently than any big horse, they can smell weakness and the ones that are bargy its usually due to poor handling as youngsters. Never ever tit bit. You have to use your brain to direct their energies as there is no way you can make a highland do anything.
Janah
Well-Known Member
I have owned for the last 11yrs (bought as a 10yr old) Highland x TB 14.2hh gelding. Best thing on four legs.
I don't jump, he does, I just point and shut my eyes, never stopped or run out and has managed to be placed in SJ and Combined training heights up to 2' 6". We have done loads of low level dressage and rarely come home without a rosette (riding club pre lim and novice). Loads of hacking, rock steady in traffic.
He sometimes need time to work out that he won't be killed by being clipped or by the new massage machine. Just a little suspicious of anything new. He is a TB x after all!
Tends to carry weight and diet carefully watched. A little worried about strangers and doesn't do hugs! But a very easy pony to do. Can get on and hack straight out on roads after a six week layoff, no probs but on the other hand not a slug. Can be ridden with a fag in one hand and a G & T in the other or go for a real blast across country.
As an added bonus, a lovely Dun colour!
He is now 22 yrs old and with me 'til the end.
I don't jump, he does, I just point and shut my eyes, never stopped or run out and has managed to be placed in SJ and Combined training heights up to 2' 6". We have done loads of low level dressage and rarely come home without a rosette (riding club pre lim and novice). Loads of hacking, rock steady in traffic.
He sometimes need time to work out that he won't be killed by being clipped or by the new massage machine. Just a little suspicious of anything new. He is a TB x after all!
Tends to carry weight and diet carefully watched. A little worried about strangers and doesn't do hugs! But a very easy pony to do. Can get on and hack straight out on roads after a six week layoff, no probs but on the other hand not a slug. Can be ridden with a fag in one hand and a G & T in the other or go for a real blast across country.
As an added bonus, a lovely Dun colour!
He is now 22 yrs old and with me 'til the end.
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Dry Rot
Well-Known Member
To those looking for a Highland, don't forget they are a Scottish breed and come from the far north. The Scottish Highlands may seem a long way away, but it is great country up here and a wonderful place to come for a holiday. We lie about the weather to keep the place to ourselves -- really! No snow here yet and I'm north of Inverness!
There is no shortage of Highlands up here, so you'll have a better selection, and they will be a bit cheaper -- so even though you will have to pay for transport (as a shared load with Eric Gillies?) they probably won't cost any more than one from further south at the end of the day. Also, with the Internet, it is possible to do the bulk of your horse hunting via the keyboard before you've even left home.
Have a look at The Highland Pony Society site at http://www.highlandponysociety.com/. Horsequest is probably the best online site for sale adverts (click on Native Ponies For Sale, then Highlands) at http://www.horsequest.co.uk/ Oh, and don't forget the Scottish Tourism site for ideas -- http://www.visitscotland.com/
Hope to see you soon!
MagicMelon
Well-Known Member
Pro's: Are generally pretty level headed and sensible to ride.
Con's: Can be a bit bolshy if allowed to be. Prone to getting fat easily.
Personally I like riding the speedy types but am not a fan of the (more usual) lazy ones.
Con's: Can be a bit bolshy if allowed to be. Prone to getting fat easily.
Personally I like riding the speedy types but am not a fan of the (more usual) lazy ones.
moana
Well-Known Member
Highlands are one of my favourites, weight carriers, usually gentle, calm, steady and yes, usually suitable for RDA.
Star_Chaser
Well-Known Member
I came across one when looking at rescue sites not sure if this is your thing or not but look at Beau
http://brownbread-horse-rescue.co.uk/ might not be there anymore but they seem to do others.
Edit: er I'm a numpty they breed them http://www.brownbreadstud.com/page5.htm whoops
http://brownbread-horse-rescue.co.uk/ might not be there anymore but they seem to do others.
Edit: er I'm a numpty they breed them http://www.brownbreadstud.com/page5.htm whoops
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Native Lover
Well-Known Member
I got given my first highland last summer, She is going away to stud this spring . But my daughter rebacked her for fun during the summer holidays. You couldnt wish to meet a nicer natured pony.
But whoever said the tractor of the pony world was correct she is as solid as a tank. I cannot wait for my foal to be concieved and born.
But whoever said the tractor of the pony world was correct she is as solid as a tank. I cannot wait for my foal to be concieved and born.
SusannaF
Well-Known Member
I spent most of my teens riding a pony who was thought to be part Highland (he was the wrong colour for a pure Highland*, but the right colour for a Highland cow ).
Although he had his faults, they were due to a very bad start in life involving a dumb jockey that left permanent damage. As I get older I look back and appreciate his great temperament more each year. Good do-er. Scared only of the village slaughter house (understandable), hydraulic brakes on buses and of prams. Always up for a wee charge. Jumped. Reliable. Tank-like. Also very very cunning at getting through any kind of electric fence. He could squeeze between two strands....
* if any Highland experts want to have a look at him and tell me if he really does look like a Highland, here he is.
).Although he had his faults, they were due to a very bad start in life involving a dumb jockey that left permanent damage. As I get older I look back and appreciate his great temperament more each year. Good do-er. Scared only of the village slaughter house (understandable), hydraulic brakes on buses and of prams. Always up for a wee charge. Jumped. Reliable. Tank-like. Also very very cunning at getting through any kind of electric fence. He could squeeze between two strands....
* if any Highland experts want to have a look at him and tell me if he really does look like a Highland, here he is.