It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that the equestrian community bids farewell to a true stalwart, Charlie McQuattie, Past President of the Highland Pony Society (HPS) and owner of Strathmore Highland Ponies. Charlie peacefully departed this world on Friday, 19th January 2024, leaving behind a legacy marked by his unwavering dedication to the Highland Pony breed and his significant contributions to the equestrian community.
Charlie McQuattie’s lifelong passion for Highland Ponies was evident in every aspect of his involvement with Strathmore Highland Ponies and his tenure as President of the Highland Pony Society.
His commitment to the breed’s preservation, welfare, and promotion played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Highland Pony breeding in the region. Charlie McQuattie’s journey with Highland Ponies began early in life. Over the years, he became a respected figure not only for his expertise in breeding but also for his warmth, generosity, and genuine love for these magnificent creatures. Under his guidance, Strathmore Highland Ponies became synonymous with excellence, producing ponies known for their conformation, temperament, and adherence to breed standards.
As Past HPS President, Charlie McQuattie’s leadership was marked by a steadfast commitment to the society’s mission. He worked tirelessly to foster a sense of community among Highland Pony enthusiasts and to ensure the breed’s future through educational initiatives and outreach programs. The equestrian community mourns the loss of a true champion, and Charlie’s passing is felt deeply by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
His legacy extends beyond the stables and show rings; it lives on in the Highland Ponies he bred, the knowledge he shared, and the friendships he forged within the equestrian world.A service to celebrate Charlie McQuattie’s life will be held at Rescobie Church, Forfar, on Friday, 26th January 2024, at 10:45 am. Following the service, an interment will take place at Dunnichen Cemetery at 11:30 am, with a gathering at The Royal Hotel in Forfar afterward.
As we gather to bid farewell to this remarkable individual, let us remember Charlie McQuattie for his contributions to the Highland Pony community, his passion for the equestrian world, and the kindness he extended to all who shared his love for these magnificent animals.
May Charlie McQuattie rest in peace, surrounded by the gentle spirits of the Highland Ponies he held so dear. The hoofprints he left on our hearts will forever be a testament to his enduring legacy.
