Every child wants a pony, and that’s one wish that may or may never come true.
If, as a child, you learned to ride a horse, there’s a good chance that you started learning on the back of a Shetland mix or a Shetland pony.
Although diminutive, the Shetland ponies are gentle, energetic, intelligent, and somewhat wily.
We cannot argue the cute factor, but don’t let that deceive you.
These ponies are hardy little fellows capable of outworking the biggest draft horse.
- Weight: 400 to 450 pounds
- Height: 28 inches (7 hands) to 46 inches (11.5 hands)
- Body Type: Compact; broad head; short legs; thick neck; lush mane and tail
- Life Expectancy: At least 30 years
History and Origins
The Shetland pony’s origin is unclear as it has been lost to time.
History has it that as many as 4,000 years ago, ponies were roaming up and down the rugged Shetland Islands close to Scotland.
The Celtic pony possibly figured into the breed and potential crosses with the Norse settler’s ponies.
Strong and Resilient, Shetland ponies were used to plow farmland and pull carts, among other duties.
During the Industrial Revolution, these ponies were sent down into coal mines to help haul coal.
Thanks to their compact size and gentle disposition, they quickly became popular companions for kids.
In 1890, The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society was formed to register and keep track of this pony breed.
The American Shetland Pony Club was also there to register ponies in the United States.
Size
All registered Shetland ponies are no more than 10.5 hands (42 inches) at the withers. For ponies in the United States, you can find the American Shetland Pony Club allowing ponies of up to 11.5 hands (46 inches).
The weight of a Shetland pony greatly depends on its height. However, it is generally around 400 to 450 pounds.
Breeding and Uses
Shetland ponies quickly developed into very hardy creatures in their homeland’s hot and harsh climate, with rugged terrain and scarce food.
They have thick coats that help them cope with frigid winters and broad bodies that make them agile and exceptionally strong.
In the United States of America, breeders have refined the ponies to be somewhat leaner with slim and long legs.
These American Shetlands are quite agile, with a longer stride than the traditional Shetland pony.
They have been extensively used to pull plows, buggies, and carts. In the 1800s and 1900s, the ponies were known for working in coal mines in the United States and Britain.
Today, Shetland ponies are used for pulling carts, pleasure driving, and wagons; many are used as pets and are kids’ companions in horse shows. In addition, there are still wild herds of ponies on the Shetland Islands.
Colors and Markings
Shetlands come in almost every equine color, including pinto combinations (this means patches of white and other colors). However, registered Shetlands cannot feature leopard spots just like the Appaloosa.
The most famous horse coat colors include chestnut, black, gray, roan, bay, brown, dun, palomino, dunno, buckskin, cream, and champagne—with various leg and face markings.
Characteristics
It is believed that pound for pound, a healthy Shetland pony can easily pull more weight than the huge Clydesdale.
Besides the crazy strength in their tiny bodies, Shetland ponies also are known to have a long lifespan, with many living longer than 30 years. And, of course, these horses are highly recognizable for their very short stature.
Many other small pony breeds have Shetland ponies in their background, including miniature horses, American and national show ponies, and Falabella miniature horses.
Diet and Nutrition
It is far more difficult to underfeed a Shetland pony than to overfeed one. Because the pony breed evolved in harsh conditions and had to search for nutrition independently, Shetlands can do well on very little food.
Rarely does a Shetland pony need concentrates or grains, which can lead to obesity. It is also important that you give them good quality grass hay.
Common Health and Behavior Problems
The good thing about Shetland ponies is that they generally don’t have lots of health issues. However, their size can make them easily susceptible to heart conditions and laminitis.
Laminitis is an emergency in ponies where their hoof becomes inflamed and is usually very painful. There are several causes of laminitis, including overeating grass or grain.
In terms of behavior, everyone who knows a Shetland pony will tell you that they are typically gentle but gentle. But let’s not dismiss the fact that they can be somewhat uncooperative and headstrong, especially if they are untrained.
Grooming
Shetland ponies have evolved to grow very thick, soft winter coats. Usually, these ponies are the first to “coat up” in the fall and the last to shed winter coats in the spring. They have coarse outer hair and an undercoat as soft as silk.
Like horses, ponies require standard equine grooming, which involves regular washing, brushing, and combing. And you should check their hooves daily for any dirt, debris, or injuries.
Pros
- Good with children
- Hardy and strong
- Intelligent
Cons
- Sometimes stubborn
- Prone to laminitis
Champion and Celebrity Shetland Ponies
Because of the Shetland pony’s longevity, several people claim it is the world’s oldest pony. For example, a pony called Twiglet died at 50 in 2017.
These ponies also spend their time on TV screens. In a 1976 Disney film titled “The Littlest Horse Thieves,” three kids plot to steal ponies from a mine just after discovering that the ponies are on the verge of being killed because the mine is mechanized.
This story goes along with the real-life history of the Shetlands in mines.
Is the Shetland Pony Right for You?
The Shetland ponies are Even-tempered and good for riders and owners of all experience levels, including children and aged people, though they can be stubborn and require consistent training. Because they’re so hardy and relatively independent, they’re typically easy to care for.
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