History of the Shetland
The Shetland has inhabited the Shetland Islands off of Northern Scotland for over two thousand years, although the exact origins of the breed are unclear. The harsh conditions in Shetland Isles have developed the pony into what is widely regarded as a particularly hardy variety of horse. Shetland Ponies were traditionally used as pit ponies and also used for pulling carts of peat. Due to isolation on the Shetland Islands there has been very little change to the Shetland breed in its long history.
Shetland Height
Shetlands are always measured in inches and never referred to by hands, with a miniature Shetland being a maximum height of 34 inches and a standard 42 inches.
General Appearance of the Shetland
The Shetland pony has a small broad head, sloping shoulders, short back and legs, full mane and tail. Shetland ponies are commonly black, bay, brown, chestnut grey, including piebald and skewbald. Shetland's can not be spotted.
Shetland Temperament
The Shetland pony is known for being headstrong, cheeky and independent, but gentle, sociable and generally good tempered at the same time.
Uses for the Shetland
The Shetland pony is able to carry considerable weight for it size but is mainly used a children riding horse. Shetland ponies also make an excellent driving pony.
