All four horses were Highland Ponies.; each pony was around 14 hands. The color of these four varied from mouse dun, cream dun, bay, and black. The two duns had the characteristic dorsal eel stripe and zebra stripes on the forelegs though all four had feathering near the fetlock. I knew from research that these ponies were sure footed, had a calm and steady temperament, were a good and comfortable ride, friendly and reliable, strong and hardy, and probably descendents from the same ponies that created the Norwegian Fjord Ponies.
The boys had given us their pack horses. I was given Iwan's mouse dun while Nicky was given Rhett's cream dun. After moving packs around and much muttering from Rhett, we were ready to head south to Inverarnie. As Iwan was helping me up onto my steed I asked, "So what's her name?"
"What," he replied.
"What is the pony's name? You do name them don't you?"
"Ah her name is Nessie. Fiercely loyal once she gets to know you, but she can be a little moody around new people. Seeing as she hasn't tried to bite you or throw you I think you'll be fine, lassie."
"Typical mare. What about your pony," I asked as Iwan adjusted my stirrup straps and girth.
Mounting his black pony he replied, "He's name is Drostan. Fiercely loyal as well, but a little calmer since he's a gelding."
Turning his pony towards the south Iwan urged his pony to a brisk walk. I followed behind with Nicky right beside me and then Rhett followed at the rear.
"Now you two Sassenachs behave," Rhett stated, "No funny business."
"Aye aye Captain," Nicky replied with a smile and a mock salute.
"So what's your pony's name," I asked Nicky curious if it had a cliché name as well.
"Leana and the bay gelding is Guaire."
"What really? Mine's Nessie. Pretty cliché right? I mean he came up with Drostan for his gelding but the mare gets Nessie."
"Hush Sassenach. There is a reason she is named that," murmured Rhett.
"Oh and what is that," I asked.
Rhett looked ahead towards Iwan, "None of your bloody business."
"Thought you would say that."
We fell into silence after that and the rain continued to fall.