Highland ponies are a big part of the Scottish Game Fair and they are firmly interwoven into the history of Scotland and fieldsports.

Often called ‘garrons’ the Highland pony is a real workhorse. Tough, strong and resilient. Queen Elizabeth II was a fan of the breed and brought it back into prominence.

The word garron comes from the Scottish gaelic gearran meaning small horse or pony. It is used in both Scotland and Ireland.

The Highland Pony was originally used to bring deer down from the hills and to take goods to market. Today, on certain estates, the garron is still used to carry deer down from the hills on stalking trips. They are specially trained for this work and a special deer saddle is used. Well-trained horses will stand stock still whilst the load is being attached and will often stop if it slips, alerting the keeper that something is amiss.

Garrons are hardy and meet harsh conditions without flinching. They have thick winter coats, wide hooves, are sure-footed and strong. As well as being used for stalking, they worked ploughing fields and hauling timber.

With the arrival of the tractor and combustion engine, garrons were less often used on farms. However the breed is so versatile it has survived. They have a sound temperament, are athletic and companionable, so poular for riding, trekking as well as accompanying keepers and stalkers up on the hills.

In Memorabilia Domestica, published in 1899, author Donald Sage writes: “I had procured from a friend, Mr Gordon of Breacachadh, a Highland pony, very strong and sure-footed. Having been bred in that district, the animal could find his way through the most sequestered and intricate morasses to his stall, or to the house of his owner, whether by day or by night.”