Shetland Pony Breeds

The shetland pony is a breed of domestic miniature equines that are known for their thick long mane and tail.

Shetland pony breeds. Common colors include gray bay black chestnut roan dun and brown but you can also find this breed in skewbald and piebald as well. The shetland pony is a scottish breed of pony originating in the shetland isles in the north of scotland. They are a very strong breed used for riding driving and pack purposes. The classic american category the classic american shetland pony s ancestry dates back to the shetland islands and the importations to america in the 1800 s.

Shetlands were used as pack horses and in about 1850 were taken to england to work in the coal mines. Shetland ponies have heavy coats and short legs and are considered quite intelligent. Originating in the shetland islands scotland the breed is adapted to the islands harsh climate and scant food supply. Shetlands range in size from about 710 to 1070 mm an official maximum height at the withers 1200 mm for american shetlands.

Shetland ponies are popular for children because of their diminutive size durability and fun personalities. The shetland pony likely came from scandinavia as long as 10 000 years ago prior to the recession of the ice fields and the breed still possesses the large nasal cavities which allow air to warm before entering the lungs a trait common in equines of northern latitudes. Breed history small ponies have existed in the shetland isles for over 2000 years and probably much longer. So a shetland will still need supervision and training from an adult.

1 it has a heavy coat and short legs is strong for its size and is used for riding driving and pack purposes. The shetland islands lying off the northern coast of scotland are mostly. The shetland pony comes in every equine color aside from spotted and black is the foundation color. Many shetland ponies also feature irregular white and dark patches.

Various excavations on the islands have revealed the bones of small ponies that existed during the bronze age and it is thought that ponies have been in domestic use there since this time. Currently there are separate breeds within the club the classic the modern the american show and the national show pony. Where it has been selectively breed now for over 100 years. Shetland pony breed of horse popular as a child s pet and mount.

Perhaps the oldest breed of horse in britain is the shetland pony. Native to the shetland isles of scotland this popular pet is the smallest of all the pony breeds now found in many other countries. Named after the islands where it originated it is now one of the most popular ponies in the world. It may stand up to 107 cm 42 in at the withers.

The little shetland is probably so shaggy because it was conditioned by its environment.