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| Country of origin | Shetland Islands, Scotland |
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| Traits | |
| Distinguishing features | Intelligent, small size, sturdy build, thick coat, compact and strong |
| Breed standards | |
TheShetland pony orSheltie is a Scottishbreed ofpony originating in theShetland Islands in the north of Scotland. It may stand up to 107 cm (42 in) at thewithers.[1] It has a heavycoat and short legs, is strong for its size, and is used forriding,driving, andpack purposes.
Shetland ponies originated in theShetland Islands, located northeast of mainland Scotland. Small horses have been kept in the Shetland Islands since theBronze Age. People who lived on the islands probably later crossed the native stock with ponies imported byNorse settlers. Shetland ponies were probably also influenced by theCeltic pony, brought to the islands by settlers between 2000 and 1000 BC.[2] The harsh climate and scarce food developed the ponies into extremely hardy animals.
Shetland ponies were first used for pulling carts and for carryingpeat,[3] seaweed,[4] and ploughing land.[5] Then, as theIndustrial Revolution increased the need for coal in the mid-nineteenth century, thousands of Shetland ponies were taken to mainland Britain to bepit ponies, working underground hauling coal, often for their entire (frequently shortened) lives. Coal mines in the eastern United States also imported some of these animals. The last mine that used Shetland ponies in the United States closed in 1971.[6]
The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society is thebreed society for the traditional Shetland throughout the world.[7] It was started in 1890 to maintain purity and encourage high-quality animals.[citation needed] In 1957, the Shetland Islands Premium Stallion Scheme was formed to subsidise high-quality registered stallions to improve the breeding stock.[citation needed]
A number of pony breeds derive from the traditional Shetland. These include theAmerican Shetland Pony andPony of the Americas in the United States,[8]: 243 and theDeutsches Classic Pony in Germany.[9]
The Shetland Pony is hardy and strong, in part because it developed in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands.[4] 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-normalcannon-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.[citation needed] It may be of any knownhorse coat colour other thanspotted.[1][10]: 502 [11]: 34
It is not unusual for a Shetland pony to live more than 30 years.[citation needed]
Today, Shetlands are ridden by children and are shown by both children and adults athorse shows inharness 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 asfairs orcarnivals to provide short rides for visitors. They are also seen at petting zoos and sometimes are used fortherapeutic 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 inQueensland 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.[12]
Miniature Shetlands have been trained asguide horses to take the same role asguide dogs.[13] This task is also performed by otherminiature horse breeds.
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