The sturdy, strong breed is ideal for working on the heather moors, and the Atholl ponies were used to carry the culled stags and hinds off the hill, along with the bird bag on grouse shooting days. Until the 1950’s, the Highlands of Atholl were used solely for these purposes.

The late 10th Duke of Atholl recognised a need for spring & summer employment for the ponies, and this came in the form of Pony Trekking, which was introduced during the 1950’s. Trekking the ponies during the late spring & summer months keeps them fit and handled, also offering our visitors a chance to explore this magnificent Estate on the back of a pure bred native pony.

Atholl Highland Ponies are kept to a true traditional hill type pony, meaning they are stronger and hardier than some more ‘modern’, finer boned ponies. The ponies are therefore very versatile, and during the year carry stags, grouse panniers, experienced horsemen and novice riders, and also excel in the show ring.

The bloodlines of the Atholl herd have been traced back to the 1860’s, and just like their predecessors of hundreds of years before them, the present herd is one the late Dukes would be proud of.