Showcase | The Shetland Pony | The Smallest UK Native Breed
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This renowned native breed hails from the Shetland Islands, which are located north east of Scotland. For centuries small ponies have been kept on the islands and it is widely believed that this native stock was bred with ponies that the Norse settlers brought over. Additionally, the Celts would have taken to the islands the Celtic pony and this combination of breeding has resulted in the modern day Shetland
They are tough, hardy animals having adapted to a harsh environment with scarce food supplies. This has resulted in their distinguishing features such as their sturdy build, thick coats and their strength. They are the strongest of all horse and pony breeds and can pull twice their own weight, and many despite their small size can carry up to 9 stone
Originally they were used for pulling carts to transport peat and coal along with other farm work such as ploughing. Thousands were moved to mainland Britain to be used for coal mining where they would haul coal underground
They also have royal connections as the first ever pony ridden by the present Queen was a Shetland Pony called ‘Peggy’ a present from her grandfather, King George V
Shetland Pony Uses
Children’s riding ponies
Showing
Driving
Racing (There is a Shetland Pony Grand National)
Guide animals (same role as guide dogs)
Companions
Shetland Pony Characteristics
Maximum height of 10.2 hands
Small & sturdy build
Short broad back
Small heads
Small alert ears
Thick coat
Long thick mane & tail
Compact & strong
Intelligent
Most colours excluding Appaloosa
The Shetland Pony Stud Book Society
An organisation started in 1890 to encourage high standards of breeding along with the ‘Shetland Islands Premium Stallion Scheme Stock’ has helped to maintain quality stock of this intelligent and often gentle breed
Shetland ponies are prone to laminitis if they are allowed too much non- structural carbohydrate, (in very simple terms – too much sugar in grass) so their feed quantify and type needs to be carefully monitored
This is a gorgeous book with new or used copies available | Just click the book link
Probably The Worse Shetland Pony Joke In The World
A man walks up to a shetland pony and asks:
“do you have a sore throat?”
The pony replies:
“no I’m just a little horse”
and did you know that the smallest Shetland pony in the Uk is a tiny mare called ‘Lucy’ who comes in at just 19.5″ high, that is small even by Shetland standards
Please share your Shetland Pony – Join Our Gallery and Upload Their Photo Here
New addition today, handsome 4 year old gelding called ‘Rugpit Midnight Dancer’ what a great name for a Shetland
how did wild shetlands end up on the welsh border at Hay Bluff? anyone know?
welcome to Kai and Katie – the two latest adds to the showcase…
calling all Shetland owners – still lots of room in the showcase for your favourite Shetland pony photos, its always nice to know their name too which you can add into the description box so please share your pictures with our website visitors, breeders are also welcome.
Helaina , the more the merrier…thanks
most of the pics are mine fronllan shetland pony stud i do have more if u want them
Thanks for the Shetland pictures…they are just lovely…20 this morning
keep them coming but don't forget to put their name in the description box otherwise no-one knows who they are.
lovely little ponies…our first family pony was a Shetland called Willie and he was a menace but adorable…and lived until he was 33.
American Shetlands and minis very welcome too….:)
if you want to include your Shetland, click the showcase link above, it takes seconds to add your photo…:)
Please share your Shetland Pony – Join Our Gallery and Upload Their Photo…