Wiki » Horses » Breeds » Shetland Pony

The Shetland pony is a small shaggy pony native to the Scottish Shetland Islands. Here they have been used as a pack and draught pony for centuries. The British studbook was established in 1957.

It is a small pony with short sturdy legs, a hollow back and a strong neck. They also have, especially in winter, a thick coat and thick mane and tail. They have small ears with large nostrils and eyes. The Shetlander can be divided into four categories. The mini size with a height up to 86 cm. The small size, height 87 to 92 cm, the middle size, height 93 to 98 cm and the large size with a height of 99 to 107 cm. Larger Shetlanders also occur, but are not admitted to the studbook.

They are clever and often mischievous ponies. It is important not to put them on too green pastures or overfeed them because, as they come from rocky islands, they get fat quickly. They are popular as children's ponies because of their small size. But they are not automatically well-behaved ponies. A good upbringing is important. They are also popular for driving and freedom dressage.

• Obedience: 7 points
  
• Agility: 13 points
  
• Stamina: 25 points
  
• Speed: 25 points
  
• Strength: 30 points

Click here to go to the breed statistics.

These are the genes available among the Shetland ponies.

• Basic (black/ chestnut)
  
• Agouti
  
• Grey
  
• Rose
  
• Fleabitten
  
• Flaxen
  
• Liver
  
• Cream
  
• Dun
  
• Silver
  
• Mushroom
  
• Kit: tobiano, sabino, roan, dominant white
  
• Splash
  
• Rabicano

Patterns are shown here on the most common colour of the breed, but can occur on any colour.

Mane lengths are shown here on the most common colour of the breed.

This breed was designed by Mitnait.