BRITAIN'S native ponies are currently going through a purple patch, as people recognise their hardiness, versatility, sure footed good nature and robustness.

Not just for children, many adults are appreciating the bigger framed native ponies – like Highlands – and realise they can be just as good, if not better than an expensive 'skitterish' warmbloods, and best of all they are buying British.

Robert Davidson – known as Bob to his friends – from Carse of Trowan Farm, near Crieff in Perthshire, has been involved with Highland ponies all his life. His mother, Mitchell Davidson, who started the Trowan-prefix, also bred Thoroughbred cross Highland part-breds before concentrating on Highland ponies. Robert began the Carse Stud, but when his mother died, he took on the Trowan name, although he still has two ponies of Carse breeding.

During the 1970s at the Royal Highland Show, Robert's mother won the in-hand championship and reserve with Trowan June and Trowan Bluebell in 1970s, something that Robert has tried to achieve since then.

Last year at the Highland Show, Robert achieved his lifetime ambition to win the Highland pony in-hand championship. However, not only did Trowan Madonna win on the opening day, the following day Madonna's full sibling, Moulin, won the ridden championship, partnered by Rose Macpherson – a unique achievement, as never has a breeder at the Highland Show won both titles in the same year with full siblings. Robert was delighted to win the in-hand title with Madonna, a brood-mare with a foal at foot. She has produced three colts, and Robert is keen for a filly to keep the line going as Madonna is 'too precious.'

However it's not just in-hand ponies Robert breeds, it's ridden ponies and their performance under saddle that they are ultimately best known for.

"The youngsters are shown in-hand for education, we're trying to show that if you breed good enough ponies they can do both. But ultimately they are bred to perform, a good Highland can compete at top level – too many are big, fat field ornaments," said Robert.

Towan Mayfair was one of the first ponies Robert had in ridden classes, Jill Cousens produced the mare and she qualified for Olympia, being best of breed, with Chris Macmillan. In fact Robert has had five ponies qualified for Olympia over the years.

Rose Macpherson first became involved with the Trowan ponies aged 13, after buying six-year-old Trowan Callan from Alison Christie. Callan excelled in working hunter pony classes, qualifying for HOYS for five consecutive years, where he was placed every time.

Moulin, ridden by Rose, has lately proved the best advert for the Trowan-bred ponies, winning almost everything he could. The striking yellow dun was champion gelding at the Highland as a three-year-old and then 'Mouli' went to Rose's yard to be produced and hasn't returned to Robert's home!

Mouli has won the Highland Show ridden championship three times, being overall champion ridden mountain and moorland pony twice, and was best of breed at Olympia, and qualified for the Horse of the Year Show twice. This year he has been lightly shown – at the breed show at Strathallan Castle, Mouli won the dressage, the ridden HOYS qualifier and was overall ridden supreme. Then at Blair, Mouli was silver medal champion, gold medal champion, Baileys open champion and silver medal champion against the novice champion – a unique achievement. Earlier this month at the Horse of the Year Show, Mouli and Rose were seventh.

Moulin's father Ruaridh of Mendick is by Kincardine Ben McDhui and is out of a Trowan Hallmark mare bred by Mary McCall-Smith. However, Ruaridh took grass sickness and battled for his life at the Dick Vet School for 11 weeks before coming home. His first foal after recovering is aptly named Miracle, and has been kept as a stallion.

However, not every colt Robert breeds is kept entire. "I'm very critical when deciding which to keep as stallions – they have a better life as a gelding. People have asked why Moulin was gelded but at the time I didn't think he was good enough to keep as a stallion and would have a better chance to prove himself as a ridden gelding," explains Robert.

"Each pony is treated as an individual as to how it's managed. We try to match them to the person they'd suit, I'm quite selective, they are performance ponies and its good for the breed for them to be out competing."

Currently there are around 30 ponies, which are split between Robert, Rose and Mary's homes.

"The Trowan ponies are very intelligent and willing, this makes them suitable for performance and sparkle when they show," points out Rose.

This year Rose has a four-year-old to break, Madonna's first foal, by the HOYS and Royal International champion Dunedin Marksman. Named Midas, Rose describes him as "Mouli but in miniature" and is looking forward to breaking him. There's also two three-year-olds and a two-year-old that have the makings of nice riding ponies coming through.

When selecting which mares to breed Robert is in no rush to breed too early, prefering to wait until the mares are fully mature. "The mares must have a good riding shoulder, with a good depth and slope," explains Robert, who has grandaughters of Trowan June to keep the Highland Show champion line going.

"They must have a pony head, short, broad between the eyes and not too long, small ears and a kind intelligent head. It's important they have good movement, they need to be straight, free, athletic and light on their feet. They need to have the conformation to make good riding ponies and be of the Highland pony breed type. Correct conformation and type is just as important for carrying deer, driving or riding to ensure the ponies are well balanced, functional and stay sound.

"Highland ponies are versatile, their size makes them an allrounder suitable for lots of different people. They have a nice range of colours which makes them quite unique," adds Robert.

Before choosing a stallion Robert is adament they must be even more correct, with presence as well a good temperament.

"Brood-mares must be correct with a kind eye, size is not imporatnt and you don't always breed to size. Temperament is the most likely trait to be passed on and they must be trainable, rideable and willing.

"In the future I want to keep on breeding Highlands suitable for top level showing and as performance ponies. A Highland that is good enough to show should have the ability to go on under saddle, too many are bred for in-hand showing and a good Highland should be able to turn its hoof to any job," points out Robert.

"Trowan ponies have their own stamp – and it's a hobby that's a tribute to my later mother."

A quietw man, Robert keeps himself to himself, however he enjoys his ponies, although he is just as happy watching them graze in the fields at home as at competitions.

"I've been going to the Highland Show for over 50 years and the only year I haven't shown was when my mother was judging – I just go for a good time and to win a rosette is a bonus!"