Preserving a legacy: Highland & Hill ponies take centre stage at the Scottish Game Fair
Highland ponies, native to Scotland and on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s vulnerable list, are going to be showcasing their hardiness and strength at this year’s Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair. As the largest mountain and moorland pony breed in Scotland, these animals are uniquely suited to the rugged landscapes Scotland has to offer, making them trusted and versatile working animals.
Known for their thick, weather-resistant coats and sturdy build, these hill ponies have the unique ability to navigate challenging terrain, from steep hills to boggy moorland, and the strength and power to carry equipment, and assist with deer extraction. The breed is extremely clever and patient, trained by specialists to get them used to long days out on the estates where they work with ghillies.
These gracious Highland & Hill ponies can be admired in the Main Arena demonstrations at this year’s Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair, which spotlights the fantastic estates across the UK who work passionately to keep this field sports community going. Responsible gamekeeping and landscape conservation are the core reasons estates use working hill ponies, who have a significant low-grade impact on the hills, and are a much more sustainable option in comparison to heavy, fueled machinery.
The ponies can be discovered at this year’s Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, which is returning to the stunning grounds of Scone Palace this July (4-6).
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.scottishfair.com.
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair (4 – 6 July 2025) is organised by Stable Events and set in the beautiful grounds of historic Scone Palace, Perthshire.
First held in 1989, the largest and longest-running game fair in Scotland attracts over 32,000 visitors across three days and is an important fundraiser for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), a charity that conducts vital research into Scotland’s most vulnerable species such as capercaillie and salmon.
Stable Events also organise The Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire and the National Shooting Show in Yorkshire and the LAPADA Fair, a showcase for the arts and antiques sector, held in Mayfair, London and have recently acquired DogFest.
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