Visit to the Queen’s Highland Ponies at Balmoral

by Shetland Pony Club | Jun 1, 2022

In this special episode for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we are going to look at a trip I took to the Queen’s private estate at Balmoral to see her Highland Ponies!

Highland Ponies are native to the Highlands of Scotland, they like Shetlands but bigger. The Queen breeds them on her estate in Balmoral. I spent a day with the Stud Manager and we had lots of jobs to do.

• First we had to give the ponies some hay
• Then we had to fed the stallions, male ponies, a special feed

We drove around the Balmoral Estate; can you see what other animals I saw?

We then visited the mothers with their foals, they were adorable! Highland ponies are quite rare, so the Stud plays an important role in protecting them. The mothers’ give the foals milk to drink and then they learn to eat hay and grass. As the foals grow up, they are used for:

• Riding
• Transporting things around the hilly estate

It was such a special treat to see all the wonderful Highland Ponies. Thank you to HM The Queen for taking excellent care of her native breeds.

Watch the video to find out more: Visit to the Queen’s Highland Ponies at Balmoral

Booking update:

Starter Rides – back on for 3 year olds! 45 minutes long and are specially designed as first riding experiences for children. £45/ child. Availability from July

Own a Pony Experiences – are two hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old. £65/ child. Saturday 4th June 9am-11am

Shetland Pony Parties – back on for 3 year olds! Amazing pony parties for children aged 3 -10 years old. Use of a private facility with 6 ponies, creating magical memories for your child’s birthday. One and a half hours – £650 for 10 children. Extra riding children (up to 18), £25 each. Availability from July

Summer pony camp days and weeks – enjoy the whole day with your favourite Shetland pony. Learn to ride him, look after him and enjoy being with him all day long. 9:30am – 4pm, Summer holidays only. Age 5+. £135/day or £540/ week. Filling up fast!

Shetland Pony Walking is the perfect way for older children, teenagers and grown-ups to enjoy Shetland ponies in the lovely Surrey countryside. Come and spend time, enjoying and leading your very own Shetland pony. £45/ person. Saturday 30th July 2:15pm, Saturday 17th September