what weight can highlands carry?

[cm2581]

I mean a full up solid 14.2hh that has good conformation and is fit. I know the deer ponies carry great weight but not at any pace. So probably for normal/faster hacking, schooling, pleasure rides, trec comps etc with a well balanced rider. My 16.2hh seems a long way from the ground now and I'm considering poss types of replacements when the time comes!

Ta!

 

[Dry Rot]

Try Googling "weight carrying highland pony" because I'm not going to stick my neck out that far!

 

[Fluffy pony]

Quite an interesting article here:
http://www.thefield.co.uk/features/529836/Highland_ponies_on_the_hill.html

so I'd have thought that a substantial, fit pony with good conformation would be able to carry a substantial adult. My substantial highland pony can certainly carry a reasonably substantial adult all day hacking and stuff without a problem.

Would you buy as a baby/youngster and bring on yourself?

 

[cm2581]

Quite an interesting article here:
http://www.thefield.co.uk/features/529836/Highland_ponies_on_the_hill.html

so I'd have thought that a substantial, fit pony with good conformation would be able to carry a substantial adult. My substantial highland pony can certainly carry a reasonably substantial adult all day hacking and stuff without a problem.

Would you buy as a baby/youngster and bring on yourself?

I really don't know! I seem to have a very particular type of pony that pleases my eye and I very rarely see them. I have no idea if its 'correct' or not!! For example I love this pony, although he is a little small (but looks as though he may grow) http://www.highlandponysociety.com/...-and-over/burnside-westray-highland-pony.html

 

[Dry Rot]

Apparently he's a four year old so will grow a bit.

Not untypical for this far north.

 

[Fluffy pony]

I really don't know! I seem to have a very particular type of pony that pleases my eye and I very rarely see them. I have no idea if its 'correct' or not!! For example I love this pony, although he is a little small (but looks as though he may grow) http://www.highlandponysociety.com/...-and-over/burnside-westray-highland-pony.html

Mmmm, yes, he's lovely . When I was thinking of buying mine, the advice I was given was 'buy one that looks like a small horse' - I did, and have never been disappointed.

I'd say it's worth contacting the various breeders around Scotland (or further afield if you fancy travelling) and asking to go to see their young stock (obviously with a view to buying at some point). This will help you 'get your eye in' (if you see what I mean) and let you see who breeds the type of pony that you like. It also helps you build up relationships with them as there will be many that are not advertised. There will be some studs listed on the HPS website and Susie at the HPS is hugely helpful if you e-mail/phone her for advice/information. Obviously if you buy a baby/unbacked youngster, you know everything that's happened to him or her, and you're not trying to right someone else's "wrongs"

For info, and I'm no connection to this person at all, the Trailtrow Stud in Dumfries specialises in 'performance' highlands - so it might be worth investigating there (if you haven't already)

How exciting for you

 

[JFTDWS]

how long is a piece of string?

My highland's carried 20st plus tack, to prove a point. He routinely carries me and I might be better suited to a 16,2 height-wise. The pony you link to is either very stocky (i.e. able to carry a great deal), or rather lardy, in which case is already carrying a large proportion of its weight limit. A fit, mature highland should be able to handle your average adult without issue.

 

[mollymum]

I was told by a breeder/exhibitor that they are bred to carry 18 stone, which is apparently the average weight of a large dead stag.

 

[Oberon]

Wow!