Go behind the scenes at The Queen’s Highland pony stud at Balmoral

This line up of ponies (from the left: Balmoral Pageant, Blamoral Beacon, Sunblush of Gaick, Blamoral Serene and Balmoral Brave) are oblivious to their paddock's backdrop — and the owner that might be enjoying watching them graze...

The team have prepared the haynets for when the ponies come off the hill, having dropped the deer off to the larder area

The office is a hub of activity for the admin that needs to be done for the Highlands, all of which are bred to work on the estate as a priority

There are only a few stables on the farm steading, which are rarely used — instead there is a covered tying-up area where the ponies are prepared for their work

The working ponies wear a specifically designed deer saddle while working out on the hill

The team is led by Sylvia Ormiston, the estate stud manager, who has had the job here for 10 years

Sylvia shares a moment with the foal Balmoral Bonnie

The stud may be the domain of The Queen, but it is kitted out with all the necessary modern facilities for a slick-running operation

On the day of H&H's visit the main stable block is a hive of activity with ponies and ghillies preparing for a day out on the hill

The working tack room for the hill ponies is packed with kit. The deer saddle is based on a pre-World War One pack saddle which is hinged at the wither and cantle to allow it to fit a variety of ponies

Balmoral Ulleam (William) is tacked up with the deer saddle

Jordan Headspeath with Balmoral Lossie and Balmoral Bonnie