The winter coat consists of a layer of strong, badger-like hair over a soft, dense undercoat, which enables this breed of pony to live out in all types of weather.

A reasonable length of neck goes from the withers with a good sloping shoulder, and well-placed forearms are desired.

Ponies are to have a well-balanced and compact body with a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, powerful quarters with a well-developed thigh, strong gaskin, and clean, flat hocks.

[2] They also may be grey, seal brown, black, and occasionally bay or a shade of liver chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail.

Stallions with white markings other than a small star are not eligible for licensing by the Highland Pony Society.

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.

Although some are still bred for their substance and stamina, the trend is to breed for a pony more suited for riding and driving.