Shetland pony - History of the Shetland, Breed characteristics

The strongest of all breeds of horse (can pull twice its own weight), developed on the Scottish Shetland and Orkney Is; height, 9 hands/0·9 m/3 ft; stocky, with short legs; long mane and tail; also known as Sheltie or Shelty. The taller and more slender American Shetland pony was developed in the USA from Shetland stock.

Shetland pony horses are small (on average up to 42 inches (10.2 hh, 107 cm) to the withers) but strong for their size. Ancient equids had lived in Shetland since the Bronze Age, and later breeders crossed them with ponies imported by Norse settlers. The islanders domesticated the resulting Shetland ponies. Shetland ponies are a very strong breed, used both for riding and pack purposes, and noted for being able pull considerable weight.

History of the Shetland

The Shetland Pony originated from the Shetland Islands - North East of Scotland. The ancient ponies' roots are unknown, though it is believed that they are related to the ancient Scandinavian ponies from when the islands were joined with Scandinavia (up until 8000 BC). Then, in the mid-19th century, when laws were passed prohibiting children from working in coal mines, thousands of Shetlands travelled to Mainland Britain to be 'pit ponies,' working underground their whole lives hauling coal.

The Shetland Pony Stud Book Society was started in 1890 to maintain purity and encourage high-quality animals.

Today, Shetlands are used as children's ponies and are also featured in the Shetland Pony Grand National, galloping around the course with their young jockeys.

Breed characteristics

There are two main registries for Shetland ponies, the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society (SPSBS) based in UK, and the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) based in the USA. Shetland ponies registered with the SPSB cannot be taller than 42" at maturity. There is now another blossoming registry for Shetland Ponies in America, the Shetland Pony Society of North America which has been formed to honor the traditional Shetland Pony of island type.

Shetland Ponies are hardy and strong due to the fact that the breed evolved in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands.

In America, a more refined Shetland Pony has been bred over the past 150 years and has become popular as a harness pony. These American Shetland Ponies often have long thin "hooky" neck, a more refined body, and longer legs. However, the compact "classic" type of Shetland is still more prevalent in overall numbers in the USA, though such ponies are not always registered.

Shetland Ponies are generally gentle, good-tempered (though they can be snappy), and very intelligent by nature.

Shetland ponies are found worldwide, though mainly in the UK and North America. In general, UK ponies tend to preserve more of the original characteristics of the breed and are often stockier than their American cousins. Many, but not all, of the American Shetland Ponies are crossbred to Hackney Ponies resulting not in a true Shetland Pony but in the so-called "American Shetland."