History of Highland Ponies in Australia

The first recorded Highland to come to Australia was the stallion Hyskeer from the stud of the late J.H. Munro Mackenzie of Calgary. He arrived in Perth, W.A., around 1912. There has been no record of any progeny in Australia although there are bound to be descendants around.

It wasn't until 1961 that further importations took place with the stallion Glenearn Brigadier (Pictured below) and the mare Penny Parthing arrived in Victoria for the Barrymoor Stud. This combination produced the well known and influential stallion Barrymoor Grand Final.

Pictured below Penny Farthing IMP

In the 1970s, three mares were imported for the Taranganba Stud in Queensland, Debbiedene (Pictured below), Druid of Croila, Gypsy Melody of Turin Hill and the stallion, Trooper Macpherson of Croila. Unfortunately Debbiedene only produced one foal, a filly Taranganba Dinah. However Druid of Croila produced 5 foals, 4 fillies and 1 colt which was gelded. Gipsy Melody was the most prolific breeder and is seen in most of the Highland pedigrees of todays ponies. She produced 8 colts, 3 of which have been kept as stallions and 4 females which have all gone on to breed.

Pictured Below Gipsy Melody of Turin Hill IMP

Pictured Below Druid of Croila IMP

Pictured Below a very young Druid of Croila IMP

In more recent times, the stallion Maverickdene (Kieran of Dalbrack x Jenniferdene) was imported to Australia by Myra & Jim Currie of Currie Park Stud in Pinjarra Western Australia in 2001.

Most recently, Scott McGregor imported 10 Highland ponies to Australia in 2006. Amongst these ponies included the stallion Fyfedene (Falcon Frost of Sauchriex Salinadene) and young colt Fourmerk Royal Scott.

Falcon Frost of Sauchrie

There are not a great number of Highland Ponies within Australia compared with some of the other pony breeds but those involved with the Highland Pony are dedicated to their continued promotion.

They are a very versatile breed, their placid temperament and willingness to please makes them suitable mounts for many equine sports. They have proved this by competing successfully in dressage, eventing and harness in open competition.

Barrymoor Grand Final

The Highland Pony, a strong and hardy native of Scotland, is found on the mainland and in the Western isles. Ranging in height from 13 to 14.2 h.h. it is one of the most versatile of the British native breeds.

They are hardy and of sound constitution, while their winter coat, consisting of a layer of strong badger-like hair over a soft, dense undercoat, enables them to live out in all weathers. There are two recognised types, the mainland type also known as the Garron is the taller of the two standing up to 14.2 h.h. and is the most widely known. The Western isles type varies in height from 12.2 h.h. to 14.2 h.h. and is often regarded as being the purer strain.

This type, particularly those that come from the Isle of Rhum, often display the characteristic dun or cream coat colouring which appears to have a silvery outer layer. Silver hairs also abound in the otherwise black mane and tail. In general both Highland types are powerful, well built animals with short, broad heads, cresty necks and compact muscular bodies. They are used as all purpose utility animals by the Highland farmers and crofters.

Their sure-footedness, willingness to work, docile nature and immense stamina make them ideal for work over rough, often inhospitable terrain.

Traditionally associated with deer-stalking, they have found great favour more recently as trekking mounts. They make excellent 'family' ponies, many being natural jumpers, and are very easily broken to harness.

Pictured below Barrymoor Grand Final