Horse breeds / Virginia Highlander
Horse breed
Virginia Highlander
The Virginia Highlander is a rare American breed developed in the mountains of southwestern Virginia and nearby Appalachian regions, where hardy, sure-footed horses were needed for farm work, transport and riding on rough, steep ground. Its foundation stock is generally traced to horses bred in the Appalachians from Spanish and other colonial-era lines, and the breed was refined into a practical, all-around working animal. Breeders have worked to preserve it as a distinct type.
Highlanders are known for a calm, willing temperament and a comfortable, steady gait that suits trail riding and long days in the saddle. Many are friendly and tolerant, which makes them a reasonable choice for capable beginners who want a sensible horse rather than a flashy one. They tend to be patient with children and forgiving of mistakes, though individuals vary and good handling still matters.
Day to day, a Highlander does best with regular work, daily turnout and the company of other horses. They are sturdy and adapt well to varied conditions, but they need consistent routines, hoof care and attention to their weight, since an idle horse with easy access to rich feed can gain condition quickly.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, families
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 56–62 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 50 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | United States |
Watch its weight closely, because Highlanders can gain condition quickly on rich pasture and need regular exercise to stay healthy.
Living with a Virginia Highlander
Exercise
Most Highlanders need regular riding or in-hand work several times a week, with daily turnout to keep them moving. Around 45 to 60 minutes of work is typical for a healthy adult in regular use. Too little exercise can lead to weight gain, boredom and behavior issues.
Grooming
The Highlander has a dense coat that thickens in winter and sheds out in spring. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and dirt. Mane and tail are typically kept natural and tidy with gentle detangling. Pick out hooves daily and schedule regular farrier visits, and clip only if the horse is worki
At home
Highlanders adapt well to pasture living and handle cold and wet weather well thanks to their hardy build and thick winter coat. Give them a shelter from wind and rain, and turnout for most of the day when possible. They do best in a herd, and turnout alone can lead to stress. Most are easy keepers, so good quality forage and a measured grain ration are usually enough.
Training
Highlanders are generally willing and quick to learn when training is calm, consistent and fair. They are well suited to trail riding, pleasure riding and light western or English work, and many move comfortably in a relaxed, ground-covering way. A green Highlander usually needs patience and steady progression rather than rushed sessions. Expect a sensible learner rather than a fast or highly sensitive one.
Health
Breed-specific health information for the Virginia Highlander is limited, so owners should watch for the general conditions common in easy-keeping horses. Metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and laminitis are worth discussing with a vet, especially with weight gain. Ask your veterinarian about a suitable vaccin
- Laminitis
- Insulin resistance
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Virginia Highlander
Forage and water, adult
17–28 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 992–1213 lb, and 10–18 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,150–$5,350
Hay about $1,971, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Virginia Highlander is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Virginia Highlander
Shelters and breed rescues list Virginia Highlanders and Virginia Highlander mixes every week. Search adoptable Virginia Highlanders on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Virginia Highlander right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, sensible trail horse
- Yes if you ride regularly and enjoy relaxed hacking
- Yes if you have pasture space and can keep a herd
- Think twice if you want a fast, highly reactive horse
- Think twice if you cannot manage feed for an easy keeper
Questions owners ask
Is the Virginia Highlander good for beginners?
Often yes. Highlanders tend to be calm and steady, which suits capable beginners, though good instruction and a well-matched horse matter most.
How tall is a Virginia Highlander?
They typically stand around 14 to 15.5 hands, or roughly 142 to 157 centimetres at the withers, though individual horses vary.
How long do Virginia Highlanders live?
With good care, a Highlander commonly lives into its mid-twenties or thirties, similar to many other horse breeds.
What are Virginia Highlanders used for?
They are mainly used for trail riding, pleasure riding and light all-around work, valued for their steady gait and sure footing.
Are Virginia Highlanders easy keepers?
Many are, so you will need to manage their feed and exercise carefully to prevent weight gain and related health problems.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.