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Days in Horse Country – The Shetland Pony
The most
famous of all children’s mounts is the Shetland Pony, that diminutive equine who
is responsible for giving most kids their first ride.
The Shetland pony got its start on the Shetland Isles, off the coast of Scotland. Breed aficionados say the Shetland first appeared on these islands at least 2,000 years ago, maybe earlier. Their hardy nature is a direct result of having survived for so long in a difficult environment, where the weather is cold and food hard to come by.
Today, Shetland ponies are seen all over the world. They come in two types: a heavier-boned draft-type pony and a lighter pony for riding. Their primary job is as a children’s mount, but they are also popular in the show ring and for carriage driving.
Shetland ponies stand around 11 hands high and come in a wide variety of colours. They usually have profuse manes and tails, and they get quite fuzzy in the winter months, perhaps a throwback to their centuries spent on the cold Shetland Isles.
Michael