American Shetland Horse Breed

From: Horse Breeds • Driving Horse Breeds List

American Shetland Horse
These small little equines are extremely tough as well as being quick thinkers and learners who are suitable as a children's riding pony and\or a driving pony. They come in four main categories Classic, Modern, Show and National.

Height

46 inches for the Classic Shetland
46 inches for the Modern Shetland
48 inches for the Show Pony
14.2 hh for the National show pony

Colour
Black, brown, grey, chestnut, colored and bay.

Conformation

The head is refined with a generous eye and alert mobile ears.
The neck is fairly long and slender which leads on to a prominent wither.
The back is strong and the hindquarters are round and well muscled.
The shoulder is sloping to allow for elegant and often flashy action.
The limbs are fairly long for the size of pony.

American Shetland Pony Club
In 1888 the American Shetland Pony Club was formed to preserve and enhance the breed and the qualities it possesses.

Uses

Showing
Driving
Riding
Jumping
Gymkhana
Dressage

History
The shetland pony was imported to America to work as a pit pony in the coal mines. The Shetland then had Welsh pony, Hackney, Arab, Thoroughbred and Harness show pony blood added to give it a much more refined look and action.

Funny Fact
Normally draught horses can pull half of their own bodyweight, whereas Shetland Ponies are known to be able to pull twice their own weight.

The American Shetland Pony Club
The society has information on clubs, breeders and events that are specific to this wonderfully versitile little equine.