Shetland

A chestnut-colored horse with a blonde mane standing on a rocky, moss-covered beach shoreline with water and mountains in the distance, under a cloudy sky.
A brown horse with a blonde mane walking along the shoreline of a large body of water, with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.
Group of five ponies standing on a rocky shoreline near water with green hills and cloudy sky in the background.
Front view of a brown horse with a long blonde mane covering its eyes, standing against a neutral background.
A white and brown pinto horse standing on a grassy field over a rock with hills in the background.
Close-up of a black horse with a thick, unkempt mane against a white background.
A black pony standing on green grass with yellow flowers, in front of stone walls, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A black and white pony standing in shallow water with mossy rocks, carrying a saddle and black netting on its back, in a grassy landscape with a cloudy sky.
A woman walking on moss-covered rocks along the shoreline with two small black horses, each carrying packs and bags, on a cloudy day near a body of water with green rolling hills in the background.

This breed was developed in the Shetland Isles and as a crofters pony. They are extremely strong for their size - in fact they are the strongest horse in relation to their size - they can pull nearly twice their own weight!

More information: https://www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.co.uk/about-the-breed/pony-today/

Small ponies have existed in the Shetland Isles for over 2000 years and probably much longer. Various excavations on the islands have revealed the bones of small ponies that existed during the Bronze Age and it is thought that ponies have been in domestic use there since this time.

https://www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.co.uk/about-the-breed/breed-history/

The breed standard is provided by the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society who register all pure-bred Shetland ponies.

https://www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.co.uk/about-the-breed/breed-standard/

The welfare of Shetland Ponies throughout the UK is a prime concern. Unfortunately, due to their small size and cuteness these ponies often fall in to the hands of those with little or no knowledge of ponies. Owning a pony can give great pleasure but there is also a big responsibility involved with the care and well-being of the pony. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires that every pony has:

  • A suitable environment to live in

  • A healthy diet

  • Is able to behave normally

  • Has appropriate company

  • Is protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease