Horse
Pronunciation:
Ver'-jin-yah Hie'-land-er
Breed Description:
The Virginia highlander breed of horse is a small, compact horse with an unusual but natural four beat trot or amble. Their excellent temperament and the smooth natural pace makes them popular as trail horses and as a riding horse for children. Their intelligence and athleticism also make them popular for mounted games, showing and eventing. They come in most solid colors. The Virginia Highlander is one of the rarest breeds of horse, with only about 50 officially recognized and registered horses.
Temperament:
The Virginia Highlander breed of horse has a spirited temperament, but is highly intelligent and very trainable.
Height:
The Virginia Highlander breed of horse stands between 13 and no more than 15 hands.
Weight:
The Virginia Highlander breed of horse weighs 500 to 800 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Virginia Highlander breed of horse has no particular health issues.
Living Conditions:
The Virginia Highlander breed of horse is hardy and can be kept outdoors except in very inclement weather.
Exercise:
The Virginia Highlander breed of horse is lively and enjoys regular work.
Life Expectancy:
The Virginia Highlander breed of horse lives into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The Virginia Highlander breed of horse is usually kept with a natural appearance.
Origin:
The Virginia Highlander breed of horse originated only in the 1960s, and is one of the newest American breeds, All Highlanders can trace their ancestry to a mare that was a cross between ad Arabian and a Tennessee Walker, owned by William M. Pugh of Smyth County, Virginia. this mare produced a colt by a Welsh Pony stallion, which exhibited the unusual four beat trot that has come to characterize the breed. The colt was named Pogo because of this singlefoot gait. Pogo's descendants have been crossed with more Welsh Ponies, Hackneys, Morgans and other American gaited breeds to preserve and enhance the singlefooting gait. The breed was officially recognized in the 1990s, and a stud book was established beginning with two foundation stallions, Shadow of the Ridge and Red Cloud. Some ponies used for the breeding program have been donated to Virginia State Parks and now run wild under a wild pony management program. 