also often present. Foal coat colours often change and many ponies change colour gradually as they grow older. Others show a slight seasonal change in colour between winter and summer coats. "Broken" colours such as pinto are not allowed. The Highland Pony Society actively discourages white markings of any description other than a small white star. Stallions with white markings other than a small star are not eligible for licensing by the Highland Pony Society. No white markings (other than a small star) nor white legs or white hooves are acceptable in the show ring. History Tracing the history of the breed presents difficulties. In the earliest period of development of the domesticated breed, the two types were the small and light pony of the Western Isles, and the larger and heavier mainland-bred type. The larger animals were commonly called garrons, though the term is considered incorrect. Both types have integrated now, thus generally less distinction exists between the types within the Highland Pony breed. However, the phenotype of the smaller type survives in the rare Eriskay Pony. In the 16th century, French and Spanish horses, including the Percheron, were taken to the Scottish Highlands. In the 19th century, a Hackney type and the Fell Pony and Dales Pony were added. The breed was originally bred to work on the small farms of Scotland, hauling timber and game, as well as ploughing. They are still used for such work, but are usually enjoyed as all-round ponies, good for jumping and trekking, due to their quietness, stamina, and ability to carry weight. An estimated 5500 Highland Ponies remain in the world today, with most in Europe. Although some are still bred for their substance and stamina, the trend is to breed for a pony more suited for riding and driving. The breed is also commonly crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce good eventing horses. Despite increasing popularity, the breed is still categorised as category 4, "at risk", by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. See also Mountain and moorland pony breeds Garron References External links Highland Pony Society Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club NPS - National Pony Society Newtonmore Riding Centre Website Highland Ponies Australia Horse breeds originating in Scotland Horse breeds Animal breeds on the RBST Watchlist