Shetland Ponies are the smallest of the British breeds, and unlike
other pony breeds, do not increase in height when bred on more favorable land and
in a milder climate.
The early 1800s saw a demand for this breed from outside the
Shetland Islands (Scotland) where it developed initially this was mainly for circus
animals and children’s ponies. However, with the abolition of child labor in the
coal mines demand grew even further and large numbers of ponies were sent to England
for the mines. Buyers from the US had also become interested in the breed and large
consignments were shipped across the Atlantic.
In 1822 it was estimated there were 10,000 ponies on the Shetland
Islands but by the 1890s this figure was down to only 4000. Today on the Islands
there are approximately a thousand.
With the increased demand and popularity, several stud books
were established to breed ponies for use in the pits and for export. Interest grew,
and in 1890 the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society was formed.
Black is the foundation color but any color is acceptable. They
have a relatively strong head with a broad forehead, large kindly eyes, large open
nostrils and small neat ears. There should be a strong neck and muscular chest set
on a thickset body, with a relatively short back, strong sloping shoulders, and
strong muscular hindquarters. They should have good flat bones and muscular legs.
Shetland ponies have tremendous character and are not vicious
and ill-tempered as people are sometimes led to believe. If a Shetland Ponies are
treated sensibly, not teased or spoilt, they are a docile, wonderful pony for any
child and they makes a tremendous driving pony for adults.
Because of their small size, Shetland ponies are ideal for small
holdings, and they bring hours of enjoyment to their owners, whether they be a child’s
first pony or an adult’s show or harness animal.
Content Source: New Zealand Rare Breeds (
www.rarebreeds.co.nz )
About Shetland Pony Horses
