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British Shetland Pony

Country of Origin: England

British Shetland Pony

Intro

Strongest pony breed for their size, the Shetland and can pull twice its own body weight. The Shetland blood is found worldwide, but the British Shetland retains more of the original characteristics of the breed and are heavier than their American counterparts.

British Shetland Pony

Origins

This breed comes from the Shetland Isles NE of Scotland and their roots are unknown but they are thought to have originally come from ponies of Scandinavia. Small ponies have inhabited these islands since the Bronze Age. They were domesticated and later crossed with animals imported by Norse settlers.

The Shetland is also thought to have been influenced by Celtic ponies brought to the islands between 2000 and 1000 B.C.

Inhospitable climate and difficult forage creates an animal that is incredibly strong for its small size. Initially they were used for agriculture and later they were used as pit ponies in coal mines.

The Shetland Pony Stud Book Society of the UK was established in 1890 to preserve and document the breed.

Features

Average height from 28″ to a maximum height of 42″

Physique

Head is small and with sometimes dished profile
Short, muscular neck
Stocky body with broad back
Short, strong legs
Mane and tail grows long and thick in the winter

Traditional Colors

All colors – Do not carry appaloosa or champagne genes

Temperament

Even-tempered and intelligent

British Shetland Pony

Use

Riding pony
Driving pony
Pack pony
Performing pony
Therapy animals
Guide horses

Shetland Pony Products

Helpful Links

*All links open in a new window
Shetland Pony Stud Book Society
The Shetland Pony
New Zealand Shetland Pony Breeders Society

Where to Buy

Shetland Pony
Broad Springs Shetlands
Sharptor Shetlands

British Shetland Pony Studs

Halstock Shetlands
Shetland Pony
Sharptor Shetlands

Video

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Country of Origin: England | Colors:
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