Are you looking for a new horse to add to your stable? Do you want a horse that is small but mighty, gentle but spirited, and smooth but fast? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might want to check out the Virginia Highlander horse breed. This breed is one of the newest and most exciting additions to the equine world, and it has a lot to offer to its owners.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Virginia Highlander horse breed, including its history, characteristics, uses, and benefits. By the end of this article, you will be amazed by this breed and might even want to get one for yourself. So saddle up and let’s get started!
History of the Virginia Highlander Horse Breed
The Virginia Highlander horse breed is a relatively new breed that was developed in the 1960s by William Pugh, a breeder from Virginia who had a vision of creating a small riding horse for beginners, women, and children. He was inspired by a chestnut stallion named Pogo, who was a cross between an Arabian/Tennessee Walker and a Welsh pony.
Pogo had a natural single-foot gait that made him comfortable and easy to ride. Pugh decided to cross Pogo and his offspring with other breeds, such as Morgans, Tennessee Walkers, Arabians, American Saddlebreds, Hackney and Welsh ponies. He selected the horses that met his criteria for conformation, disposition, and gaited ability.
He named his new breed the Virginia Highlander, after his home state and the Scottish Highlands where some of his ancestors came from. In the 1990s, the Virginia Highlander Horse Association was established to promote and register the breed. The foundation stock consisted of two stallions and twenty mares, and by June 2004, there were more than 130 registered Virginia Highlanders.
Characteristics
The Virginia Highlander is a small breed of horse that stands between 13 to 14 hands high. It has a well-proportioned, strong, muscular body with a fine, short-sized head; expressive eyes that are set wide; slightly concave or flat profile; large nostrils, flared jaw, well-set neck, short back, angular shoulders; powerful hips, short cannon bones, well-developed gaskins, strong and hard hooves.
They come in various coat colors, including roan, chestnut, black, gray, and the occasional white.
The breed is known for its good temperament, natural single-foot gait, and smooth gaits. The single-foot gait, sometimes referred to as a paso largo gait, is a four-beat ambling gait that is faster than a walk but slower than a trot. It is very comfortable for both the horse and the rider because there is no bouncing or jarring. The Virginia Highlander can also perform other gaits, such as the walk, trot, canter, rack, running walk, and fox trot.
Uses and Benefits
The Virginia Highlander is a versatile and adaptable horse that can be used for various purposes, such as trail riding, pleasure riding, driving, showing, and therapy. The breed is suitable for riders of all ages and levels of experience because of its gentle nature, smooth gaits, and good conformation. The breed is also easy to care for and has no known breed-specific health issues. The Virginia Highlander is a great choice for anyone who wants a horse that is small but mighty, gentle but spirited, and smooth but fast. It is a horse that can do it all and make you happy along the way.
As you can see, the Virginia Highlander horse breed is a remarkable breed that has a lot to offer to its owners. It is a small but sturdy horse with a calm personality and a natural gait that makes it comfortable to ride. It is also a versatile and adaptable horse that can be used for various activities and occasions. If you are looking for a horse that is easy to train, handle, and maintain, you might want to consider the Virginia Highlander as your next equine partner.
Interesting Facts about Virginia Highlanders
Unfortunately this breed is relatively new and rare, so they are not very well-known outside of certain circles. However, here are some interesting facts about the breed’s history and development:
- The breed was inspired by a chestnut stallion named Pogo, who was a cross between an Arabian/Tennessee Walker and a Welsh pony.
- The breed was developed by William Pugh, a breeder from Virginia who wanted to create a small riding horse for beginners, women, and children.
- The breed was named after Pugh’s home state and the Scottish Highlands where some of his ancestors came from.
- The breed was released into the Grayson Highlands State Park in 1975 by the U.S. Forest Service to control the growth of brush along the mountain meadows.
- The breed is monitored and managed by the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association, which holds an annual auction of excess colts to support the remaining herd and local fire departments.
In Summary
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Virginia Highlander horse breed in this article. We think this breed is one of the newest and most exciting additions to the equine world, and it has a lot to offer to its owners. It is a small but sturdy horse with a calm personality and a natural gait that makes it comfortable to ride. It is also a versatile and adaptable horse that can be used for various activities and occasions.
If you are looking for a horse that is easy to train, handle, and maintain, you might want to consider the Virginia Highlander as your next equine partner. Have you ever seen or ridden a Virginia Highlander horse? What are your thoughts on this breed? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with your friends who love horses as much as you do. Thank you for reading and happy riding!
Q: What is a Virginia Highlander horse?
A: A Virginia Highlander is a small breed of horse with a four-beat ambling gait that stands between 13 to 14 hands high. It comes in various coat colors, including roan, chestnut, black, gray, and the occasional white. The breed is known for its good temperament, natural single foot gait, and well-proportioned body.
Q: How was the Virginia Highlander horse breed developed?
A: The breed was developed in the 1960s by William Pugh, a Virginia-based breeder who wanted to create a small riding horse for beginners, women, and children. He was inspired by a chestnut stallion named Pogo, who was a cross between an Arabian/Tennessee Walker and a Welsh pony. He crossed Pogo and his offspring with other breeds, such as Morgans, Tennessee Walkers, Arabians, American Saddlebreds, Hackney and Welsh ponies. He selected the horses that met his criteria for conformation, disposition, and gaited ability.
Q: What are some of the uses and benefits of owning a Virginia Highlander horse?
A: The Virginia Highlander is a versatile and adaptable horse that can be used for various purposes, such as trail riding, pleasure riding, driving, showing, and therapy. The breed is suitable for riders of all ages and levels of experience because of its gentle nature, smooth gaits, and good conformation. The breed is also easy to care for and has no known breed-specific health issues.
Q: How many Virginia Highlander horses are there in the world?
A: The Virginia Highlander is a relatively new and rare breed of horse. The foundation stock consisted of two stallions and twenty mares, and by June 2004, there were more than 130 registered Virginia Highlanders. The number may have increased since then, but it is still a small population compared to other breeds.
Q: Where can I see or buy a Virginia Highlander horse?
A: The Virginia Highlander Horse Association is the official organization that promotes and registers the breed, they may be a great point of contact to find a reputable breeder. You can also see some of the Virginia Highlanders at the Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia, where they roam freely in the mountain meadows.
