Shetland Pony

Native to the Shetland Islands off Scotland, the Shetland pony's roots are unknown, although they are an ancient breed. They probably have strong ties to the ancient ponies from Scandinavia and may have reached the Shetland Isles before the lands were separated by water in approximately 8,000 B.C. They would have been influenced by the Celtic pony, taken to Scotland by the Celts in the second and third centuries A.D. The Shetland pony's one of the oldest surviving breeds and has probably not changed dramatically in appearance.

Possibly the strongest of all breeds in relation to its size, the Shetland pony was commonly used for all farm tasks, as well as working extensively in the mines as pit ponies. They would have been used in all areas of the early crofter's lives and were commonly used for transporting peat for fuel, which was incredibly heavy. Due to its harsh living conditions, the Shetland is extremely hardy, resistant to difficult climatic conditions, with an extremely waterproof winter coat. They are very surefooted, have excellent eyesight, and are very long lived.

Shetland ponies are found worldwide, most notably in America, which has bred a larger, flashier Shetland known as the American Shetland. The American Shetland is most commonly used for showing and carriage driving and has some Hackney pony infusions in the bloodline. The English Shetland pony is now generally used as a children's pony and as a pet, due to its diminutive size. They are very good for children, but must not be spoilt or they will develop a difficult temperament. They are measured in inches or centimeters rather than in hands and a Shetland at three years old should not exceed 40 inches, while at 4 years and over they can be up 42 inches.

In appearance, they have a small attractive head with wide spacing between the eyes. The ears are small and alert, and the neck is short and muscular. The back is short with well-defined withers, deep through the girth, and with well-sprung ribs. The legs are short and strong, being long through the forearm and short in the cannon. They have copious mane and tail growth and exceptionally thick winter coats. They can be any color including skewbald and piebald, but should net be spotted.

Shetland Pony : Start Page : Forum : Links : Photos: Classifieds : News : Books