The Shetland horse or pony dates back to the Shetland Islands off of Scotland with accounts of this small breed of horses roaming the hills as early as the 700s. Because of their relative strength Shetland ponies were used to pull carts that were filled with peat, coal and materials. They were also used to plow the fields. During the Industrial Revolution when there was an increased need for coal in the 19th century, thousands of Shetland ponies were shipped to the mainland to work in mines. These pit ponies worked underground hauling coal. Needless to say, those working in mines often did not live very long, although generally the breed may live into its 30s.
Shetlands came to the United States in the early 1800s. They were registered here by the American Shetland Pony Club in 1888. Since that time the American Shetland pony evolved from the classic horse as it was bred to be a more elegant pony but still just as sturdy.
The maximum height of a Shetland pony is 46 inches. Besides their small size, they are reliable and sturdy, two more traits that make these loveable ponies ideal as a starter pony for a child.
Besides being used for children's riding ponies, Shetland ponies have many other uses. They are often shown by both children and adults at horse shows in harness driving. They are ridden by small children at carnivals, fairs, horse shows and other events. They are found in petting zoos and also used for therapeutic horseback riding. They are even raced in Great Britain during the Shetland Pony Grand National, complete with young jockey galloping along the racecourse. Miniature Shetlands have also been used as guide horses in much the same way that dogs are used.
In addition to the Classic American Shetland Pony, the American Shetland Pony Club recognizes other varieties of Shetland ponies. One of these is the Modern Shetland Pony, which has the hardiness of the Classic pony with a more refined form and a more spirited temperament that is a bonus when showing this pony. These ponies are good jumpers and have excellent carriage.
Another pony recognized by this club is the American Show Pony. They are similar to the Modern Shetland Pony, but they are larger, enabling older children to continue to ride a Shetland. One of its parents must a Shetland pony, but the other can be a larger pony or small horse.
Shetlands came to the United States in the early 1800s. They were registered here by the American Shetland Pony Club in 1888. Since that time the American Shetland pony evolved from the classic horse as it was bred to be a more elegant pony but still just as sturdy.
The maximum height of a Shetland pony is 46 inches. Besides their small size, they are reliable and sturdy, two more traits that make these loveable ponies ideal as a starter pony for a child.
Besides being used for children's riding ponies, Shetland ponies have many other uses. They are often shown by both children and adults at horse shows in harness driving. They are ridden by small children at carnivals, fairs, horse shows and other events. They are found in petting zoos and also used for therapeutic horseback riding. They are even raced in Great Britain during the Shetland Pony Grand National, complete with young jockey galloping along the racecourse. Miniature Shetlands have also been used as guide horses in much the same way that dogs are used.
In addition to the Classic American Shetland Pony, the American Shetland Pony Club recognizes other varieties of Shetland ponies. One of these is the Modern Shetland Pony, which has the hardiness of the Classic pony with a more refined form and a more spirited temperament that is a bonus when showing this pony. These ponies are good jumpers and have excellent carriage.
Another pony recognized by this club is the American Show Pony. They are similar to the Modern Shetland Pony, but they are larger, enabling older children to continue to ride a Shetland. One of its parents must a Shetland pony, but the other can be a larger pony or small horse.