Shetland pony

From ArticleWorld

A Shetland pony is small, but strong for its size. It is also referred to as a shelt.

History

The Shetland pony comes from the Shetland and Orkney Islands that are north east of Scotland. The ancient roots are not known but many people believe that they are related to the Scandinavian ponies from when the islands were joined with Scandinavia. It is believed that they were also influenced by the Celtic Pony.

These ponies are extremely hardy, mostly because of the harsh climate and scarce food during their evolution on the islands.

Once trained, they were used to carry peat and to plough. When children were banned from working in coalmines in the mid-19th century, these ponies were moved to Britain to work underground hauling coals. United States coalmines also imported some of these ponies.

In 1890, the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society was formed in order to maintain purity and to encourage the breeding of high-quality ponies. In 1956 a way to subsidize high-quality stallions and ultimately improve the breeding stock was established: the Shetland Islands Premium Stallion Scheme.

These ponies today are outstanding mounts for young children.

Characteristics

Shetland ponies are traditionally hardy and strong since they evolved in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands. Today they survive well in rain, snow and harsh climate temperatures. Relative to their sizes, they are considered one of the strongest and toughest breeds of pony in the world.

They can be almost any color but are typically bay, black, brown, chestnut and grey. They may not be spotted in color.

Shetland ponies have small heads, a dished face and wide spaced eyes. They are typically good-tempered and very intelligence. Some may be headstrong if not well trained.