History of the Shetland Pony
Shetland ponies, one the UK’s native horse breeds, are those gorgeous tiny horses you see in pantomimes like Cinderella. They provide rides to children on farms and in zoos, and with their shaggy faces and stocky legs, are an ideal animal for children to share their first interaction with the equine world. In fact, a Shetland pony is perfect for children as they are usually kind-natured and brave – behaviour required when dealing with youngsters. Care needs to be taken, though, that the pony is not spoiled either by the children or their parents. As with many animals, it’s the human input that shapes a pony’s behaviour, and care needs to be taken with how a pony is treated. Also, as with many animals that are thought to be ‘intelligent’, this can be construed as being ’stubborn’. And a Shetland pony is considered ‘intelligent’. Facts to bear in mind when combining a Shetland and children; they appear to have a lot in common!
Believed to originate from the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland (although this is debated) the Shetland pony has to be smaller than 10.2 hands at the withers. Don’t let the height bother you – the Shetland pony is the most powerful for its size of all the horse and pony breeds. This makes it ideal for pulling loads, as it can lug an incredible two times its own body weight, compared to a draught horse, which can only pull half its weight. A Shetland is also great for (as mentioned above) children’s rides, and as a pet. It has been used on settlements on the Shetland Islands to plough fields and haul loads.
The Shetland pony was the first pony with its own organisation (the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society), formed in 1890, to encourage a strong breeding line. The first mention in writing of the pony was in 1603, although it is thought their origins go back as far as 8000BC when Scandinavia was connected to the islands. The environment of the Shetland Islands shaped the personality and appearance of the pony – hardy and hardworking, compact, muscled and thick-furred (Shetlands have a double coat for winter). Shetlands are usually black, different variations of brown or grey but rarely ‘Appaloosa’.
Interestingly, miniature Shetlands are used as guide horses, in the same way that guide dogs aid vision-impaired people. Their intuitive nature and intelligence makes for an ideal helping animal.
Shetlands have a multitude of uses, from children’s pony to show pony and work pony. Their bright personality and intellect means they are adaptable – but whatever their job, it’s guaranteed that they’ll bring more to your life than you can give them.
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