The Shetland Pony

The Shetland Pony is an ancient breed of pony that originated from the Shetland Island, a chain of island off the northeast coast of Scotland. It is believed, that the Shetland Pony is related to ancient Scandinavian ponies as the islands were once connected to Scandinavia up until 8000BC. Between 2000 and 1000BC, the Celts brought the Celtic Pony to the island, which may have influenced the Shetland Pony as well.

The environment on the Shetland Islands was very, harsh and wind driven and the food supply was scarce. These conditions aided in developing the Shetland Ponies into very hardy and strong animals. They are one of the toughest pony breeds in the world.

Shetland Ponies were first used for plowing the land, transportation for children going to and from school, hauling a wagon and carrying heavy loads. In the mid 1800s, child labor was banned in the British coalmines and new workers were needed. Large numbers of Shetland Ponies were brought from the islands to work in the mines as 'Pit Ponies.' The work was hard, dangerous and underground, often resulting in a short life span.

The Shetland Pony was also brought to the United States in the mid 1800s, and Americans immediately fell in love with them. Records indicate that in 1885, Eli Elliot had brought over 60 ponies from the island to the United States. These ponies were crossbred with the Hackney Pony, Welch Pony, Harness Show Pony, small Arabians and small Thoroughbreds.

In 1888, the American Shetland Pony Club was organized, its purpose, to preserve the bloodline while, improving the breed. The American Shetland Pony Club recognizes two types of Shetland Ponies, the Classic Shetland Pony and the Modern Shetland Pony.

Shetland Ponies can range in size from a small 28 inches, to a medium 42 inches at the withers. They have short, muscular legs, a thick, long main and tail, and a warm, heavy double coat, for harsh weather. Shetland Ponies can be found in many colors, from bay and black, dun and roan, pinto, black, chestnut, roan, bay, silver, dapple, dun, palomino, cremello, gray and brown.

They are very intelligent, hard working, quick learners and loyal. With a great temperament and overall gentleness, Shetland Ponies are great for kids.

Shetland Ponies have a long lifespan, often living more than 30 years. Heart problems may occur because of their small size, which could lead to an early death. Nutrition is also a biggie and laminitis can easily develop if their feed type and amount is not kept a close eye on.