Shetland ponies are one of the most popular pony breeds in the world. They make for wonderful pets, companions, and riding ponies.
Their small size, incredible strength, and generous coat and mane have fascinated horse lovers for centuries. Today, they continue to be a favorite for children and adults all around the world.
Shetland ponies originate from the Shetland Isles in the north of Scotland. The Shetlands are located in the North Atlantic, 170 km from the Scottish mainland.
Shetland Ponies Originated in Scotland
Shetland ponies were used in domestic settings by the farmers on the Isles for hundreds of years. Starting in the 1840s, Great Britain introduced new laws banning women, girls, and boys from working in coal mines. The Shetland pony took over this lost labor
They Were Once Used as Mining Horses
The average height of Shetland ponies is about 40 inches or 102 centimeters. American Shetlands can stand up to 46 inches (117 centimeters).
Shetlands Are One of the Smallest Horse Breeds in the World