The Shetland Pony – Breed Profile
The Shetland Pony is one of the oldest pony breeds in the world and impresses with its versatility and hardiness. Originally from the rugged Shetland Islands in Scotland, this pony has made a name for itself worldwide.
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The Shetland pony is one of the oldest pony breeds in the world and impresses with its versatility and hardiness. Originally from the rugged Shetland Islands in Scotland, this pony has made a name for itself worldwide.
Fact sheet: Shetland Pony
Height: 90–107 cm
Weight: 150–200 kg
Life expectancy: 25–30 years
Coat colours: All colour variations are possible, from black and bay to piebalds/skewbalds and greys
Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, hardy, and headstrong
Origin: Shetland Islands, Scotland
Use: Children’s pony, driving pony, leisure and therapy pony
Special features: Exceptional resilience and adaptability to harsh, sparse climates
Origins and History: The Ponies of Shetland
The Shetland pony originated on the rough, windy Shetland Islands in the far north of Scotland. This isolated and barren environment shaped the breed over centuries. Ponies have lived on the islands for more than 2,000 years. They had to cope with limited forage and survive extreme weather conditions, which made them one of the hardiest horse breeds in the world.
The islanders initially used the ponies as work animals for farming and for transporting heavy loads such as peat. Later, in the 19th century, Shetland ponies were also used as pit ponies in British coal mines, where their small size and tremendous pulling power were in high demand. Today, they are especially popular as children’s and leisure ponies and are also valued in breeding.
Characteristics of the Shetland Pony
Physical traits: strength in a compact package
The Shetland Pony may be small, but it is powerfully built and perfectly adapted to challenging conditions.
- Conformation: Compact, muscular, and sturdy. These ponies have a broad chest, a short back, and strong legs. This build gives them impressive pulling power, allowing them to move loads that often weigh twice as much as they do.
- Head: Noticeably large, with a broad forehead, big, expressive eyes, and small, mobile ears. The head gives the pony a curious and friendly look.
- Coat: Especially dense and weatherproof. In winter, the coat grows longer and provides reliable protection against cold and wet conditions; in summer it becomes shorter but remains tough enough to withstand sun and insects.
Temperament: friendly, intelligent, and headstrong
- Intelligence and eagerness to learn: Shetland Ponies are extremely smart and curious. They learn quickly and are therefore ideal partners for groundwork or training. However, their intelligence also comes with a streak of stubbornness—they like to test boundaries.
- Friendly and social: Shetland Ponies are known for their friendly manner with people and their patience, especially with children.
- Independent and hardy: They are confident and not easily rattled, which makes them ideal leisure ponies. Their independence does, however, require consistent and clear leadership.
Housing and Care of the Shetland Pony
Exercise: why even small ponies need plenty of space
Even though Shetland Ponies are small, they need enough room to move. A spacious pasture or a large turnout area is essential to help them burn off energy and stay fit. Regular exercise not only supports a Shetland Pony’s health, but also helps prevent behavioural problems caused by boredom.
The right stable: protection and comfort
Building a stable for a Shetland Pony requires planning: it should be dry, well ventilated, and free from draughts. Open stables are ideal, as they encourage the ponies’ natural urge to move while providing shelter from the elements. Even though the Shetland Pony is used to harsh weather, it still needs a warm place to retreat.
Feeding: watch out for excess weight
The Shetland Pony’s thrifty nature means it can get by on relatively little feed. A diet that is too rich can quickly lead to obesity, which is why hay and grazing should be the main components of their diet. Concentrates are usually unnecessary and should only be given in exceptional cases.
Care: hooves, coat, and teeth
- Hoof care: The Shetland Pony’s tough hooves need to be checked regularly and trimmed by a farrier.
- Coat care: Especially in winter, the dense coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and to keep the skin healthy.
- Dental care: Regular check-ups are important, as dental problems are common in ponies.
Uses of Shetlands (“Shettys”)
The Shetland Pony is a true all-rounder. Here are some of the most common ways they are used:
- Children’s pony: Perfect for young children gaining their first riding experience.
- Driving pony: Thanks to their tremendous pulling power, Shetland Ponies can easily pull small carriages.
- Therapy pony: Their friendly, patient nature makes them ideal for working with children or people with special needs.
- Leisure partner: Whether groundwork, walks, or short rides—Shetland Ponies are versatile companions.
Shetty Races: ready, set, go!
In Shetty races, small ponies and their young riders or handlers race against each other. These competitions often take place at events or riding shows and are especially popular with children. The races are not only great fun, but also help build trust between pony and rider or handler.
Shetland Pony Breeding
Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society (SPSBS)
The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society is the oldest breeding organisation for Shetland Ponies, founded in 1890 in Great Britain. Its aim is to keep the breed pure and to promote the typical characteristics of the Shetland Pony. The SPSBS regulates breeding, maintains the official stud book, and organises events and shows to present the breed.
American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC)
The American Shetland Pony Club was founded in 1888 and is one of the oldest breeding organisations in the United States. The ASPC not only aims to preserve the breed’s original qualities, but also supports the further development of the Shetland Pony in America. The club runs numerous breeding programmes and organises competitions and shows for Shetland Ponies in the USA.
German Shetland Pony Breeding Association (DSZ)
The German Shetland Pony Breeding Association represents breeders and owners in Germany. It oversees breeding, maintains the German stud book, and is actively involved in organising exhibitions and competitions. The association’s goal is to promote breeding in Germany and ensure the high quality of Shetland Ponies.
Shetland Pony Breeders Society of Australia (SPBSA)
In Australia, Shetland Pony breeding is supported by the Shetland Pony Breeders Society of Australia. This organisation promotes the breeding and registration of the breed on the continent. It organises shows and competitions and advocates for the recognition of Shetland Ponies in Australia.
New Zealand Shetland Pony Breeders Society (NZSPBS)
New Zealand also has its own organisation dedicated to promoting Shetland Ponies: the New Zealand Shetland Pony Breeders Society. It supports breeders, maintains the national stud book, and regularly organises events to showcase the breed in New Zealand.
Shetland Ponies: The Most Important Questions and Answers
How tall does a Shetland Pony get?
Shetland Ponies reach a height of up to 107 cm at the withers. Mini Shetland Ponies, on the other hand, only reach a height of up to 87 cm.
How much does a Shetland Pony weigh?
A Shetland Pony weighs on average between 150 and 200 kg. Mini Shetlands are lighter and weigh around 80 to 100 kg.
How much does a Shetland Pony cost?
The cost of a Shetland Pony varies widely. Depending on breeding, pedigree, and training, prices can range from €500 to €3,000.
Can you ride a Shetland Pony?
Shetland Ponies are ideal for children up to around 6 years old who are light enough to ride them. Adults should not ride the pony, as it is too small to carry their weight.
How long do Shetland Ponies live?
Shetland Ponies have an average life expectancy of 25 to 30 years, and some live even longer.
How much space does a Shetland Pony need?
A Shetland Pony should have at least 0.5 to 1 hectare of pasture available so it has enough room to move and forage.
Can you keep a Shetland Pony on its own?
No. Shetland Ponies are very social animals and should not be kept alone. They need at least one other pony or horse for company.