The Shetland pony or Sheltie is a Scottish breed of pony originating in the Shetland Islands in the north of Scotland. It may stand up to at the withers. It has a heavy coat and short legs, is strong for its size, and is used for riding horse, driving horse, and pack animal purposes.
History
Shetland ponies originated in the
Shetland Isles, located northeast of mainland Scotland. Small horses have been kept in the Shetland Islands since the
Bronze Age. People who lived on the islands probably later crossed the native stock with ponies imported by
Norsemen settlers. Shetland ponies were probably also influenced by the
Celtic pony, brought to the islands by settlers between 2000 and 1000 BC.
The harsh climate and scarce food developed the ponies into extremely hardy animals.
Shetland ponies were first used for pulling carts and for carrying peat,[ The Last Pony Mine, a documentary film, Les Benedict, director, Steve Knudston, producer, 1972. Available on Youtube in 3 parts part 1 part 2 part 3]
The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society is the breed society for the traditional Shetland throughout the world.
A number of pony breeds derive from the traditional Shetland. These include the American Shetland Pony and Pony of the Americas in the United States, and the Deutsches Classic Pony in Germany.
Characteristics
The Shetland Pony is hardy and strong, in part because it developed in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands.
It has a small head, widely spaced eyes and small and alert ears. It has a short muscular neck, a compact stocky body, short strong legs and a shorter-than-normal
cannon-bone in relation to its size. A short broad back and deep girth are universal characteristics, as is a springy stride. It has a long thick mane and tail, and a dense double winter coat to withstand harsh weather. It may be of any known horse coat colour other than
Leopard complex.
It is not unusual for a Shetland pony to live more than 30 years.
Uses
Today, Shetlands are ridden by children and are shown by both children and adults at
in harness driving classes as well as for pleasure driving outside of the show ring. Shetlands are ridden by small children at horse shows, in riding schools and stables as well as for pleasure. They are seen working in commercial settings such as
or carnivals to provide short rides for visitors. They are also seen at petting zoos and sometimes are used for therapeutic horseback riding purposes. In the United Kingdom, Shetlands are also featured in the Shetland Pony Grand National, galloping around a racecourse with young jockeys. A few Shetland ponies still fulfil traditional working roles on the islands, and can be seen carrying peat (which is abundant and used as a fuel source in Shetland) cut from the hillsides in large saddlebags. Their strong physique and ability to cross a variety of difficult terrain types means they are still a viable choice for the job, even in an age of mechanised agriculture.
Junior Harness Racing was founded in Queensland by a group of breeders to give young people aged 6–16 an opportunity to obtain a practical introduction to the harness racing industry. The children have the opportunity to drive Shetland ponies in harness under race conditions. No prize money is payable on pony races, although winners and place-getters receive medallions.
Miniature Shetlands have been trained as to take the same role as guide dogs.
See also
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American Shetland Pony
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Shetland animal breeds
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List of domesticated Scottish breeds
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Mountain and moorland pony breeds
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Pony ride
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