THE Scottish Highland Pony is a rare native breed of pony that originated in the Scottish Highlands.
It is known for its strength, hardiness, and sure-footedness and has been used for various purposes such as riding, pack work and agricultural work.
There are concerns about genetic diversity and the long-term viability of the breed.
For Erika Buhck, it was love at first sight and Finn showed what he’s made of at this year’s King Island Show.
“I first laid eyes on Highland Ponies at Neale Burgess’ place here on King Island,” Erika said.
“I was instantly smitten but little did I know that it would take me three years to find one.
“Highland Ponies have been used for centuries as crofters ponies in Great Brit- ain, ploughing fields and pulling carts to market. They are known for their weight carrying ability, stamina, and wonderful temperament.
“In more recent times they have been used to carry stags weighing up to 18 stone from the Scottish Highlands.
“The late Queen Elizabeth used to breed them at Balmoral Castle. They are listed as endangered with only 113 breeding aged mares in Australia and in the UK they are classified as a “vulnerable native breed” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, a UK-based organization that works to conserve rare breeds of farm animals.
“Finn was conceived in Scotland, his mum exported to New Zealand and Finn was born at Hillcrest Highland Pony Stud NZ. At age three he was purchased by Lee Myers from Pamtab Park near Ballarat as her future stallion.
He is only the seventh Highland stallion to be imported into Australia!
“After four years of stud duties he had to be gelded due to a tragic serving accident that he nearly didn’t survive. “He had also not been ridden in four years, when I found out that he was coming up for sale.
“But in true Highland Pony style, he breezed back into ridden duties.”
Finn arrived on King Island in late July last year and has embraced island life. “His first outing was at the 2023 King Island Show, where he won Champion Led Overall and Ridden Pony as well as scoring a lovely 74% in his first ever little dressage test in howling easterly winds.”
The Scottish Highland Pony is an intelligent and adaptable breed, and is well- suited to a variety of disciplines, including dressage, jumping, driving, and endurance riding and with a gentle and affectionate temperament.