Shetland ponies is one of the most popular pony breeds in the world. Shetland pony breed originated in the Island of Scotland and brought to England in the 17th Century. The horse was initially used as a pack animal and in coal mines. Later the horse was shifted to the United States of America and bred for the children and kids.
Important Information on Shetland Pony
Shetland pony is gentle and even-tempered pony horse breed which is suitable for pet and kids. The breed is hardy and can tolerate extreme weather. The breed is also considered one of the smallest horse breeds. The horse requires very little care and management and love longer than many horse breeds. Many horse lovers are searching for complete information on this excellent pony breed. I shall discuss the most critical information for you.
1. History and Origin of Shetland Pony
Shetland pony originated in the Isles of Shetland of Scotland. The was also found in the Bronze Age on this island. The horse was brought to the United Kingdom mainland in 1850 during the age of the Industrial Revolution. The horse was initially used in coal mines area as pack animals or as pit ponies. The pony was brought to the United States in the 19th Century and bred for riding ponies. Several pony breeds of the world developed from this breed are Pony of the Americas, American Shetland Pony, Dutches Classic Pony in Germany.
2. Physical Characteristics
Shetland pony is a hardy and healthy pony breed. The breed is developed in a harsh climate in the Isles of Scotland. The head is small; eyes are widely spaced, little and alert ears. The neck is short and robust, and the back is healthy and balanced, the legs are short and robust. The mane and tail have thick hairs, and the body is covered with thick and dense hairs to protect from the harsh environment.
3. Height and Weight
Shetland Ponies are one of the smallest horse breeds in the world. The average height of the pony is 40 inches (100 cm). The maximum size of the pony was found 118 cm ( 47 inches). The average weight of the pony is around 400-500 pounds (180-230 kgs). The pony lives more protracted than many horse breeds, and the lifespan is more than 30 years.
4. Color and Markings
Shetland ponies found almost all horses’ colors. Shetland’s most common colors are bay, black, brown, chestnut, grey, palomino, roan, buckskin, cream, dun, and champagne. The spotted like Appaloosa is not allowed for the registry of the breed. A variety of face and leg markings are found in the breed.
5. The Behavior of the Horse
The pony is generally gentle and well-behaved. The pony is friendly, easily trainable, and lovely. The horse must be adequately trained at an early age. If the pony is not correctly trained, it can be uncooperative and headstrong.
6. Care and Management
The pony requires regular care and grooming like other horses and ponies. The special requires in the spring when the winter hairs start shedding. The pony needs regular combing, brushing, bathing in summer, and grooming. You must check hooves daily for dirt, or crack, or any injury.
7. Diet and Nutrition
The pony requires regular feed and nutrition like other horses and ponies. The pony is small in size and tends to be overfed if they got any chance. You must provide an optimum quantity of feed. They live on grass, hay, grains, and nutrition supplements.
8. Health Issues of Shetland Pony
The pony is small, and due to its size, it tries to take more feed than required. Overfeeding is a common health problem of the pony breed. The pony is suffering from heart problems, laminitis, and hoof problems. Laminitis is the result of overfeeding.
9. Special Features of Shetland Pony
Shetland ponies are one of the smallest horse breeds among the horses and ponies. The unique and interesting features of the Pony breed are:
- They are the most miniature pony breeds like Falabella.
- Shetland pony lives for more than 30 years.
- They are hardy and robust pony breeds.
- They can pull weight more than Clydesdale horse.
- They are highly recognizable for kids and beginners.
- Shetland ponies are found in almost all horses’ colors.
- Wild horses of Shetland ponies are still found in the Shetland Isles of Scotland.
- They were widely used in the coal mines of England.
10. Uses of Shetland Pony
The Shetland pony is small, but they are used in varieties of purposes. The standard and versatile uses of the pony are:
- Riding for kids and children.
- Harness Driving.
- Pack animals.
- Shetland ponies are riding for pleasure.
- They are used for therapeutic horse riding.
- Galloping with young jockeys in Grand National in the UK.
- Used as guide animals like guide dogs.
- They are used to develop a few Miniature horse breeds.
- Used in agriculture to cultivate the land and to transport peats from hills.
- They are used for pulling carts in the coal mining areas.
Are Shetland ponies good pets?
Shetland ponies are even-tempered, well-behaved small horse breed that will give you pleasure. You can keep the pony in a small stable with minimum care and management. The versatile uses of the pony can provide you with joy, comfort, and companionship. You can buy a pony for $500 to $1500.
Final Talk on Shetland Pony
Shetland ponies are versatile pony breeds. They are suitable for kids, as companion animals, and for many other purposes. If you adopt a horse as a pet, this breed is perfect. The pony requires very little space and care. This pony is an ideal playing animal for your kids and young children. In my article, I have discussed most of the points about the breed. I think this will serve you to know about the species. The above article helps you; please share it with your friends through social media.
