The RBST invites you to join a Marketing Versatility Webinar. Our native ponies and horses can turn their hooves to almost anything! This webinar aims to showcase their wide range of talents and attributes and outlines how breeders and keepers can promote the versatility of their animals to potential owners, breeders and the wider world. Initial results of the Equine conservation project, coupled with results from our versatility survey featuring speakers from different disciplines and breeds, combine to show how these amazing, adaptable equines can be promoted. When: Thursday 7th September 2023 Time: 7pm Where: Online (Further details and a link will be sent to you once you have registered.)…

The Council of The Highland Pony Society are delighted to announce that Sheila Keron has been appointed as the new Society Secretary.   Many of you may already know Sheila as she has had a long association with the breed. She has a wealth of experience, having done similar roles in the past, and we hope you will join us in welcoming Sheila as the new face of the Highland Pony Society.

The Society are taking the publicity stand to Blair Castle and are looking for willing members to take a turn on the stand over the course of the 4 days. It is a great opportunity for you to share you passion and enthusiasm with like-minded people or to promote our breed to those who don't already know much about Highland Ponies. We will have our HPS merchandise available, along with display boards and leaflets. If you have a couple of hours free over the four days of Blair (24th - 27th August 2023), please email to let us know what date and time you could cover. Once we have…

Anne Ballantyne - Burnside Highland Ponies   We have been asked by Anne's family to share the sad news that Anne passed away peacefully on Wednesday 9th August. Her funeral service will be held at Parkgrove Crematorium, Friockheim, Angus on Monday 21st August 2023 at 2.30pm. Our thoughts are with Anne's family at this sad time.

VACANCY DETAILS Closing date for applications: 16 August 2023 Location: Garbh Allt House, Maidenplain Place, Aberuthven, Perthshire PH3 1EL Part Time: 30 hours per week (Preferred core hours Monday - Friday 10-4 - negotiable) Salary: Negotiable (dependant on experience) Benefits: 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)   The Highland Pony Society is looking for an enthusiastic, proactive individual who is able to work independently and as part of a team, and who will uphold the high standards of the Society.   Purpose The Secretary reports to The Highland Pony Society Council and is responsible for the day to day running and administration of the Society.   Essential Skills Good…

Notice has just been received from Eilidh that, due to health issues, she wishes to step down from the position as Secretary of the Highland Pony Society and she will finish work on Friday 4 August 2023. Please be patient with us during this transitional period. Details will be posted on the job vacancy as soon as possible. We would like to wish Eilidh all the very best and thank her for all she has done for the Society in her time with us.

John's son, Hamish, has stated: "Due to the geographical spread and advancing years of many of Dad's, friends we have received requests for his service to be available online. Anyone who is unable to attend but would like to take part can use this link: https://www.williampurves.co.uk/webcast/PEB55586   password: yellow730   . The funeral takes place on Thursday 3rd August at 1:30pm.  The webcast will be available for a week or two following the service. Once again the family would like to thank everyone for the lovely messages, letters and flowers that just keep coming. They really are very much appreciated."

Confirmation has just been received that John Dykes' funeral will be held on Thursday 3rd August. A private cremation, will be followed by a memorial service in Peebles Old Parish Church at 1:30pm at which all who would like to attend will be very welcome.   EDIT: It has been confirmed that there will be a livestream in place for the Memorial Service for those wanting to attend remotely. For details, please email

Dear Members and Friends of the Highland Pony Society After our recent, wonderful Breed Show, Sylvia Ormiston informed me that members of the Society have very generously collected a donation for me as I retire from my role as Secretary. I am so very grateful to all who contributed to this. We have recently planned a fruit and vegetable garden and I know that a greenhouse will make all the difference to our efforts. This sum will go towards it and, thanks to you, we’re now off to the Garden Centre! In addition, the Council have granted me Honorary Membership which will help me keep abreast of all the activities…

Dear HPS Councillors and Presidents - Past and Present To say I was overwhelmed to receive my presentation in the main ring after the In Hand Highland Pony Championship would be an understatement! This engraved medal is very special and will be proudly displayed in our house for ever. I opened the accompanying envelope that evening and was stunned by its content. A week’s stay in Garbh Allt Shiel with our family is beyond my wildest dreams! I have worked with about 50 Councillors and 11 different Presidents over the years and I have felt valued every single day. I am so very grateful for this gift and, as well…