Lochnagar Highland Pony Stud

09/09/2025

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Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022

08/09/2025

Beautiful day for hacking out on the farm 😎

04/09/2025

Such strong, surefooted ponies 💙

It’s so I thought I’d share a photo of a walk out with working Highland ponies (known as garrons) and their handlers (known as ghillies) to document them collecting red deer stags from the hill. This is a very traditional job, and it was very interesting to see the pony not only in its natural surroundings, but also doing a job it was bred for. The UK has no natural predators for Red deer, and as a result the deer numbers need to be managed to prevent overgrazing (and ecological damage) across the Scottish Highlands and their meat (venison) goes into the food chain. Venison is a lean and nutritious meat and it should be eaten more widely in the UK - it’s sustainable, tasty, and good for us. One of the traditional roles the Highland pony developed was to carry deer back off the hill - even today, the terrain is so steep and uneven that machinery cannot always be used. Their job is to go out onto the hill where they are loaded up with the carcass, and they then bring it home for processing (where the venison goes into the food chain). These ponies can access places where modern ATVs cannot, and they still have a valuable role across Scotland carrying these deer. The ponies have to be highly trained to do this work, and the highland pony is perfect for the role - it is valued for its strength and courage, which allows them to physically do this very demanding job. Some stags can weigh over 20 stone and the pony has to keep its balance as it picks its way across the hill - when you seem them moving, you soon see that it is not like carrying a rider. It was quite something to witness, and very interesting to see first hand. Highland ponies are categorised as “At Risk” by 🐴🌄

03/09/2025

Wash day for Honour. Hoping to take her to Equifest to take part in the Rare Breeds.

03/09/2025

Hello!!!

02/09/2025

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Hufflepuff of Park View takes top honours at Lochaber Show

02/09/2025

Check out the ears - always listening 💜 Honour

31/08/2025

Beautiful Highland pony mare and foal on a beautiful part of the Scottish coast. Highland ponies are equally at home high up on a hill, or down by the seashore. This breed was developed in the highlands and islands of Scotland as a crofters pony and are also well known as a deer stalking pony (see my other posts). They are valued for their strength, kindness and easy keeping. Highland ponies are categorised as “At Risk” by 🐴🌄 _______________________________________

30/08/2025

06/08/2025

Getting such a big boy. 8 month old c**t, Dram.

26/05/2025

3yo Laddie wanted a trip out too 🚚

Such a good boy. Really kind and easy going. He would make a great project for someone.

22/05/2025

Adrian (AJS) has been a great help with my c**ts. He's so good with the young horses and great to have his experience to learn from 😁 Also been nice to work with the boys in the sunny weather 😎