Last week Julie and I were happily reunited for a holiday in Scotland, partly to celebrate her birthday and partly the end of her degree. Like a typical New Forest pony, she has been tenacious, steadfast and dedicated, and once her dissertation is finished, that will be the very end of seven years of really hard work.
For a treat, I set up a secret meeting with Scottish stalwart Ruaridh Ormiston and his sister, Sylvia. Both are keen breeders of Highland Ponies, a tradition that goes back many years in their ancestry. Sylvia also ran the Balmoral Stud for the late Queen, which has sadly been closed down, for over 30 years. I can't imagine how upset -and cross - she must have been when the axe fell.
We first met up with Ruaridh at the Burgie Bash, where he was demonstrating with his ponies and racing his little dog. Even then, Julie hadn't entirely cottoned-on to what we were up to.
Two days later we drove to Kingussie where we met up with Ruaridh and his team and then all became clear.
These delightful ponies haven't been driving very long but we trusted Ruaridh when he told us that they were trustworth and well-trained. This was borne out as we passed huge timber lorries going across narrow bridges and the ponies didn't bat an eye-lid.
We were a little more sceptical as we drove into a large field with a big herd of Highland ponies loose in it! They were a beautiful sight to see even when they were giddy with excitement, streaming out behind us, or crowding around the trap kissing the driving ponies.
The bull was not impressed...
After a drive through the river, Julie took over the reins, and we learned a lot more about the Highland Clearances, the Jacobites and the Battle of Colloden which all took place hereabouts; Ruaridh is a passionate advocate for the Highlands.
Our tour did not stop there, Sylvia kindly fed us egg mayonnaise sandwiches and then took us to see the two stallions that she bought from the Balmoral Stud when she left. Although chalk and cheese, they both have wonderful temperaments and are beautiful examples of their breed. Their pedigrees can be found on All Pedigrees, and their details on the Highland Pony Breed Society website if you are looking for the perfect husband for your Highland Pony. AI is also available. Personally, I could have taken them both hime but as they were originally born into Sylvia's arms, I can't see her letting them go!
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