Highland is, unsurprisingly, the true home of the Highland pony — the breed takes its name from this region, and crofting communities across the area have bred them as genuine working animals for generations, used for carrying deer, hill work and general estate use as much as riding. A Highland pony bought here often comes with a family's direct, working knowledge of its temperament and capability.
This is a vast, sparsely populated region, and parts of it — particularly the west coast and the islands within Highland council's boundary — involve real remoteness and sometimes ferry crossings as part of a normal journey. Build proper time and, if needed, ferry timetables into any viewing plan. Ponies from crofting backgrounds are typically exceptionally hardy and sensible, having grown up around real hill terrain, weather and livestock.