The Shetland Pony is the smallest of Britan's native ponies, with a history that stretches back to the eighth century. It is believed that these ponies roamed the hills and moors of the remote islands to the north of Scotland before the time of the Norse invasions. They had to cope with the harsh environment, living on bad grass, hard, wet ground and in the continual path of the driving wind. The cold climate encouraged them to conserve body heat. The resulting pony had a short back, short legs, a thick neck and small ears. The big ponies starved, the fragile ones broke and only the small, quick, hardy and intelligent ones survived. The thick mane and tail and the thick furry coat were not accidents of nature, they are the Shetland Pony's insurance for survival.
The Shetland is better documented then most breeds. At least two thousand years ago there was a pony like the modern day Shetland living on the islands. Like the islanders, the pony mixed British with Viking to create the Shetland we know today. Most likely, it was a hybrid breed, such as a Highland or Fell/Dale, and a Scandinavian breed influenced by some Oriental bloodlines.
Shetlands were pack and saddle animals for most of their history. They were used for draught purposes only after roads were created so wheeled carts were practical. Many of them were used in the mines, not only beacuse of their strength and stability, but because they were small enough to travel into the narrowest shafts.
The Shetland Pony can carry more weight in relation to its size than any other horse or pony breed. They can be as small as 28 inches but are not more than 42 inches. The Shetland Pony Stud Book Soceity will not accept ponies larger than 42 inches high. It assures that breeders will not be tempted to breed big Welsh-like childrens ponies. They are commenly black, but can be any color except spotted. They are very nimble and kind ponies, but can also be willful, independent and stubborn.
Today, Shetlands can be found throughout the world. They are ridden, shown, driven, used in the circus and chosen as a favorite first pony. Despite a reputation for being rather stubborn at times, a well-trained and firmly handled Shetland makes great friend that can take part in many activities. It can accomplish much more than its tiny stature suggests.
