Highland Pony is Rehomed Horse of the Year

A Highland pony who lives on the shores of Loch Ness has won the World Horse Welfare’s Rehomed Horse of the Year competition.

Laid back

Major was signed over to charity in 2006 after he was found on an abandoned farm in Islay, off the west coast of Scotland. He was taken to a rescue and rehoming centre at Belwade Farm in Aboyne where he was rehabilitated.

That same year, he was rehomed with Janis Clark from Kilmore in Drumnadrochit. The pair enjoy hacking around Loch Ness, and even going into the water.

“Major likes nothing better than splashing throughLochNesswaters, especially on a hot day,” said Janis. “He’s a real laid back character who really takes this characteristic to the extreme.

“On occasions members of the public have reported that a horse is lying dead in the outside school on the yard. Major likes to lie on the school floor fast asleep!”

Good friend

It was his laid-back temperament that saw him selected to escort a 90-year-old lady taking part in a sponsored ride last year, to mark the launch of Highland Equine and Riding Therapy.

In addition, he has helped raise money for Riding for the Disabled when he took part in the worldwide non-stop riding lesson.

Major has also enjoyed showing success, winning the Working Pony Championship at the Black Isle Show and Reserve Overall Champion at the North of Scotland Highland Pony Show.

“We’ve also dabbled in Trec – but really he’s just a buddy, just a really good friend,” said Janis.