 A Shetland pony with its thick winter coat  A Shetland with the winter coat beginning to shed
Shetland ponies, also known as shelts, are small (about one meter from the ground to wither) but strong for their size. Ancient equids had lived in Shetland since the Bronze Age, and later breeders crossed them with ponies imported by Norse invaders. The islanders domesticated the resulting Shetland ponies.
Mainland Britain at the time of the Industrial Revolution imported many Shetland ponies to work in coal mines. United States mid-west coal mines also imported some of these animals.
Shetland Ponies
Shetland Ponies originate from the Shetland Islands - North East of Scotland and the Orkney Islands.
The ancient ponies' roots are unknown, though it is believed that they are related to the ancient
Scandinavian ponies from when the islands were joined with Scandinavia (up until 8000BC).
Despite standing less than 42 inches (10.2hh) they are hardy and strong and can survive in rain,
strong wind, snow, and very cold temperatures. They are possibly the strongest breed relative to
their size.
Although Shetlands are mainly childrens' ponies now, they were commonly used as farm ponies and pit ponies
until late 20th Century. They have a friendly and gentle nature and are very sociable, making good
mounts for younger jockeys.
Shetlands and other miniatuare ponies are measured in inches rather than hands. A three year old
Shetland should not exceed 40 inches and a four year old (normally fully or almost fully grown at
this point) should not exceed 42 inches.
In appearance, Shetlands have a small, sometimes convex head, wide spaced eyes and small, alert ears.
Short, muscular neck and a short back with defined withers. They have a deep girth. They have short,
strong legs and a shorter than normal cannon bone (lower leg) in relation to their size. They have long silky manes and tails and a thick winter coat to withstand harsh weather. They can be almost every colour, including Skewbald and Piebald, but are mainly black, chestnut, bay, brown and grey. They should not be spotted or appaloosa.
Shetland ponies are found worldwide, though mainly in the UK and North America. The USA though have produced a larger, less stocky breed called the American Shetland.
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