Virginia Highlander
The Virginia Highlander is a modern American gaited horse developed in Virginia from selected riding and pony-type stock. It is usually a small horse rather than a tall saddle breed, but it was bred to carry adult riders comfortably. A natural four-beat ambling gait is central to the type, giving a smooth trail ride without the height or intensity of some larger gaited breeds. Compact bodies, good feet, and a calm, people-oriented disposition are commonly valued by breeders.
Most Virginia Highlanders are kept as trail, family, and pleasure horses, where steadiness matters as much as animation. Buyers should see the horse move freely and under saddle, because gait quality can vary and is not proven by size or color. The breed's small population makes knowledgeable breeding choices important, especially for avoiding a narrow gene pool while keeping the smooth gait and practical temperament. Routine conditioning, careful saddle fit, and consistent farrier work help these compact horses stay comfortable in regular use.
Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grey, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White
