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{{Short description|Scottish breed of traditional pony}} {{Short description|Scottish breed of traditional pony}}
{{pp-pc1|small=yes}} {{pp-pc1|small=yes}}
{{Multiple issues|
⚫ {{more citations needed|section|date=December 2018}}
{{Lead too short|date=June 2024}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2020}} {{Use British English|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox horse {{Infobox horse breed
|name=Shetland Pony | name = Shetland Pony
|image=Dusty Trail.jpg | image = File:289-o-Galant-SWE-71-SH-03.jpg
| image2 = File:BMW Polo Masters Megève - 20140126 - Démonstration de polo-poney 7.jpg
|image_caption=
|altname= Shetland | country = ], Scotland
⚫ | group1 = Shetland Pony Studbook Society
|country= ], ]
⚫ | std1 = https://www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.co.uk/about-the-breed/breed-standard/
⚫ |group1= Shetland Pony Studbook Society
⚫ | features = Intelligent, small size, sturdy build, thick coat, compact and strong
⚫ |std1= http://www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.co.uk
|group2 = American Shetland Pony Club
|std2 = http://www.shetlandminiature.com
⚫ |features = Intelligent, small size, sturdy build, thick coat, compact and strong
}} }}


The '''Shetland pony''' is a Scottish ] of ] originating in the ] in the north of ]. It may stand up to {{convert|107|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} at the ].{{r|spss}} It has a heavy ] and short legs, is strong for its size, and is used for ], ], and ] purposes. The '''Shetland pony''' or '''Sheltie''' is a Scottish ] of ] originating in the ] in the north of Scotland. It may stand up to {{convert|107|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} at the ].{{r|spss}} It has a heavy ] and short legs, is strong for its size, and is used for ], ], and ] purposes.


== History == == History ==
] ]
Shetland ponies originated in the ], located northeast of mainland ]. Small ]s have been kept in the Shetland Isles since the ]. People who lived on the islands probably later crossed the native stock with ponies imported by ] settlers. Shetland ponies also were probably influenced by the ], brought to the islands by settlers between 2000 and 1000 BCE.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hovens|first1=Hans|last2=Rijkers|first2=Toon|date=2013|title=On the origins of the Exmoor pony: did the wild horse survive in Britain?|url=https://www.exmoorpony.nl/pdf/Lutra_dec2013_Hovens_Rijkers_lowres.pdf|journal=Lutra|volume=56|issue=2|page=134|access-date=17 December 2017}}</ref> The harsh climate and scarce food developed the ponies into extremely hardy animals. Shetland ponies originated in the ], located northeast of mainland Scotland. Small horses have been kept in the Shetland Islands since the ]. People who lived on the islands probably later crossed the native stock with ponies imported by ] settlers. Shetland ponies were probably also influenced by the ], brought to the islands by settlers between 2000 and 1000 BCE.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hovens|first1=Hans|last2=Rijkers|first2=Toon|date=2013|title=On the origins of the Exmoor pony: did the wild horse survive in Britain?|url=https://www.exmoorpony.nl/pdf/Lutra_dec2013_Hovens_Rijkers_lowres.pdf|journal=Lutra|volume=56|issue=2|page=134|access-date=17 December 2017}}</ref> The harsh climate and scarce food developed the ponies into extremely hardy animals.


Shetland ponies were first used for pulling ]s and for carrying ],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reid|first=C|title=Women unloading peats from kishie|url=https://photos.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/index.php?a=ViewItem&key=SXsiTiI6MTUsIlAiOnsidmFsdWUiOiJwb255IHBlYXQiLCJvcGVyYXRvciI6IjEiLCJmdXp6eVByZWZpeExlbmd0aCI6IjMiLCJmdXp6eU1pblNpbWlsYXJpdHkiOjAuNjUsIm1heFN1Z2dlc3Rpb25zIjoiNSIsImFsd2F5c1N1Z2dlc3QiOm51bGx9fQ&pg=1|access-date=2020-07-16|website=Shetland Museum and Archives}}</ref> ] and other items,{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} and ploughing land.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Storey|first=B|date=1958–1960|title=Pony|url=https://photos.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/index.php?a=ViewItem&key=SXsiTiI6ODUsIlAiOnsidmFsdWUiOiJwbG91Z2giLCJvcGVyYXRvciI6IjEiLCJmdXp6eVByZWZpeExlbmd0aCI6IjMiLCJmdXp6eU1pblNpbWlsYXJpdHkiOjAuNjUsIm1heFN1Z2dlc3Rpb25zIjoiNSIsImFsd2F5c1N1Z2dlc3QiOm51bGx9fQ&pg=48|access-date=2020-07-15|website=Shetland Museum and Archives}}</ref> Then, as the ] increased the need for coal in the mid-nineteenth century, thousands of Shetland ponies travelled to mainland Britain to be ], working underground hauling coal, often for their entire (often short) lives. Coal mines in the eastern United States also imported some of these animals. The last pony mine in the United States closed in 1971.<ref>''The Last Pony Mine'', a documentary film, Les Benedict, director, Steve Knudston, producer, 1972. Available on Youtube in 3 parts </ref> Shetland ponies were first used for pulling carts and for carrying ],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reid|first=C|title=Women unloading peats from kishie|url=https://photos.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/index.php?a=ViewItem&key=SXsiTiI6MTUsIlAiOnsidmFsdWUiOiJwb255IHBlYXQiLCJvcGVyYXRvciI6IjEiLCJmdXp6eVByZWZpeExlbmd0aCI6IjMiLCJmdXp6eU1pblNpbWlsYXJpdHkiOjAuNjUsIm1heFN1Z2dlc3Rpb25zIjoiNSIsImFsd2F5c1N1Z2dlc3QiOm51bGx9fQ&pg=1|access-date=2020-07-16|website=Shetland Museum and Archives}}</ref> seaweed,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Breed History |url=https://www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.co.uk/about-the-breed/breed-history/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Shetland Pony Stud Book Society |language=en-GB}}</ref> and ploughing land.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Storey|first=B|date=1958–1960|title=Pony|url=https://photos.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/index.php?a=ViewItem&key=SXsiTiI6ODUsIlAiOnsidmFsdWUiOiJwbG91Z2giLCJvcGVyYXRvciI6IjEiLCJmdXp6eVByZWZpeExlbmd0aCI6IjMiLCJmdXp6eU1pblNpbWlsYXJpdHkiOjAuNjUsIm1heFN1Z2dlc3Rpb25zIjoiNSIsImFsd2F5c1N1Z2dlc3QiOm51bGx9fQ&pg=48|access-date=2020-07-15|website=Shetland Museum and Archives}}</ref> Then, as the ] increased the need for coal in the mid-nineteenth century, thousands of Shetland ponies were taken to mainland Britain to be ], working underground hauling coal, often for their entire (frequently shortened) lives. Coal mines in the eastern United States also imported some of these animals. The last mine that used Shetland ponies in the United States closed in 1971.<ref>''The Last Pony Mine'', a documentary film, Les Benedict, director, Steve Knudston, producer, 1972. Available on Youtube in 3 parts </ref>


The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society is the ] for the traditional Shetland throughout the world.<ref name=SPSBS>{{cite web|url=http://www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.co.uk/ |title=Shetland Pony Stud Book Society |publisher=Shetland Pony Stud Book Society |access-date=16 December 2011}}</ref> It was started in 1890 to maintain purity and encourage high-quality animals.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} In 1957, the Shetland Islands Premium Stallion Scheme was formed to subsidise high-quality registered stallions to improve the breeding stock. In the United States, ponies may also be registered with the American Shetland Pony Club<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shetlandminiature.com/ |title=ASPC & AMHR Website |publisher=Shetlandminiature.com |access-date=16 December 2011}}</ref> and the Shetland Pony Society of North America.<ref>{{cite web|author=Laurie D. |url=http://www.shetlandponysociety.com/ |title=Shetland Pony Society of North America |publisher=Shetlandponysociety.com |date=1 June 2011 |access-date=16 December 2011}}</ref> The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society is the ] for the traditional Shetland throughout the world.<ref name=SPSBS>{{cite web|url=http://www.shetlandponystudbooksociety.co.uk/ |title=Shetland Pony Stud Book Society |publisher=Shetland Pony Stud Book Society |access-date=16 December 2011}}</ref> It was started in 1890 to maintain purity and encourage high-quality animals.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} In 1957, the Shetland Islands Premium Stallion Scheme was formed to subsidise high-quality registered stallions to improve the breeding stock.{{cn|date=March 2022}}


A number of pony breeds derive from the traditional Shetland. These include the ] and ] in the United States,{{r|edwards|page=243}} and the ] in Germany.{{r|classic}} A number of pony breeds derive from the traditional Shetland. These include the ] and ] in the United States,{{r|edwards|page=243}} and the ] in Germany.{{r|classic}}


== Characteristics == == Characteristics ==
⚫ {{more citations needed|section|date=December 2018}}
]'' (Swedish encyclopaedia), c. 1904–1926.]] ]'' (Swedish encyclopaedia), c. 1904–1926.]]
The Shetland Pony is hardy and strong, in part because it developed in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Isles.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} It has a small head, widely spaced eyes and small and alert ears. It has a short muscular neck, a compact stocky body, short strong legs and a shorter-than-normal ] in relation to its size. A short broad back and deep girth are universal characteristics, as is a springy stride. It has a long thick mane and tail, and a dense double winter coat to withstand harsh weather.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} It may be of any known ] other than ].{{r|spss|cabi|page2=502|elise|page3=34}} The Shetland Pony is hardy and strong, in part because it developed in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands.<ref name=":0" /> It has a small head, widely spaced eyes and small and alert ears. It has a short muscular neck, a compact stocky body, short strong legs and a shorter-than-normal ] in relation to its size. A short broad back and deep girth are universal characteristics, as is a springy stride. It has a long thick mane and tail, and a dense double winter coat to withstand harsh weather.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} It may be of any known ] other than ].{{r|spss|cabi|page2=502|elise|page3=34}}


It is not unusual for a Shetland pony to live more than 30 years.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} It is not unusual for a Shetland pony to live more than 30 years.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


==Uses== ==Uses==
] ]
] ]
Today, Shetlands are ridden by children and are shown by both children and adults at ]s in ] classes as well as for pleasure driving outside of the show ring. Shetlands are ridden by small children at horse shows, in riding schools and stables as well as for pleasure. They are seen working in commercial settings such as ]s or ]s to provide short rides for visitors. They are also seen at petting zoos and sometimes are used for ] purposes. In the United Kingdom, Shetlands are also featured in the Shetland Pony Grand National, galloping around a racecourse with young jockeys. A few Shetland ponies are still fulfil traditional working roles on the islands, and can be seen carrying ] (which is abundant and used as a fuel source in Shetland) cut from the hillsides in large saddlebags. Their strong physique and ability to cross a variety of difficult terrain types means they are still a viable choice for the job, even in an age of mechanised agriculture. Today, Shetlands are ridden by children and are shown by both children and adults at ]s in ] classes as well as for pleasure driving outside of the show ring. Shetlands are ridden by small children at horse shows, in riding schools and stables as well as for pleasure. They are seen working in commercial settings such as ]s or ]s to provide short rides for visitors. They are also seen at petting zoos and sometimes are used for ] purposes. In the United Kingdom, Shetlands are also featured in the Shetland Pony Grand National, galloping around a racecourse with young jockeys. A few Shetland ponies still fulfil traditional working roles on the islands, and can be seen carrying peat (which is abundant and used as a fuel source in Shetland) cut from the hillsides in large saddlebags. Their strong physique and ability to cross a variety of difficult terrain types means they are still a viable choice for the job, even in an age of mechanised agriculture.


Junior Harness Racing was founded in ] by a group of breeders to give young people aged 6–16 an opportunity to obtain a practical introduction to the harness racing industry. The children have the opportunity to drive Shetland ponies in harness under race conditions. No prize money is payable on pony races, although winners and place-getters receive medallions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.justracing.com.au/harness.php?catid=4 |title=Just Racing |publisher=Just Racing |access-date=16 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120035222/http://www.justracing.com.au/harness.php?catid=4 |archive-date=20 January 2012 }}</ref> Junior Harness Racing was founded in ] by a group of breeders to give young people aged 6–16 an opportunity to obtain a practical introduction to the harness racing industry. The children have the opportunity to drive Shetland ponies in harness under race conditions. No prize money is payable on pony races, although winners and place-getters receive medallions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.justracing.com.au/harness.php?catid=4 |title=Just Racing |publisher=Just Racing |access-date=16 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120035222/http://www.justracing.com.au/harness.php?catid=4 |archive-date=20 January 2012 }}</ref>
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==See also== ==See also==
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
* ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
⚫ {{Commons category}}
⚫ {{Reflist|45em|refs=


⚫ {{Reflist|refs=
⚫ <ref name=cabi>Valerie Porter, Lawrence Alderson, Stephen J.G. Hall, D. Phillip Sponenberg (2016). (sixth edition). Wallingford: CABI. {{ISBN|9781780647944}}.</ref>

⚫ <ref name=cabi>{{Cite book |first1=Valerie |last1=Porter |first2=Lawrence |last2=Alderson |first3=Stephen J.G. |last3=Hall |first4=D. Phillip |last4=Sponenberg |year=2016 |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Mason_s_World_Encyclopedia_of_Livestock/2UEJDAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA502 |page=502 |title=Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding |edition=Sixth |publisher=] |isbn=9781780647944 |quote=}} </ref>


<ref name=classic>. German Classic Pony Society. Archived 5 November 2013.</ref> <ref name=classic>. German Classic Pony Society. Archived 5 November 2013.</ref>
Line 59: Line 61:
<ref name=edwards>Elwyn Hartley Edwards (1994). ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse''. London; New York; Stuttgart; Moscow: Dorling Kindersley. {{ISBN|0751301159}}.</ref> <ref name=edwards>Elwyn Hartley Edwards (1994). ''The Encyclopedia of the Horse''. London; New York; Stuttgart; Moscow: Dorling Kindersley. {{ISBN|0751301159}}.</ref>


<ref name=elise>Élise Rousseau, Yann Le Bris, Teresa Lavender Fagan (2017). . Princeton: Princeton University Press. {{ISBN|9780691167206}}.</ref> <ref name=elise>Élise Rousseau, Yann Le Bris, Teresa Lavender Fagan (2017). . Princeton: Princeton University Press. {{ISBN|9780691167206}}.</ref>


<ref name=spss>. The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society. Accessed July 2020.</ref> <ref name=spss>. The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society. Accessed July 2020.</ref>


}} }}

== External links ==
⚫ {{Commons category}}
*


{{British horses}} {{British horses}}
{{Scottish animal breeds}}
{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


Latest revision as of 06:05, 18 December 2024

Scottish breed of traditional pony

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Shetland Pony
Country of originShetland Islands, Scotland
Traits
Distinguishing featuresIntelligent, small size, sturdy build, thick coat, compact and strong
Breed standards

The Shetland pony or Sheltie is a Scottish breed of pony originating in the Shetland Islands in the north of Scotland. It may stand up to 107 cm (42 in) at the withers. It has a heavy coat and short legs, is strong for its size, and is used for riding, driving, and pack purposes.

History

Two women of the Shetland Isles with ponies: photograph taken about 1900

Shetland ponies originated in the Shetland Islands, located northeast of mainland Scotland. Small horses have been kept in the Shetland Islands since the Bronze Age. People who lived on the islands probably later crossed the native stock with ponies imported by Norse settlers. Shetland ponies were probably also influenced by the Celtic pony, brought to the islands by settlers between 2000 and 1000 BCE. The harsh climate and scarce food developed the ponies into extremely hardy animals.

Shetland ponies were first used for pulling carts and for carrying peat, seaweed, and ploughing land. Then, as the Industrial Revolution increased the need for coal in the mid-nineteenth century, thousands of Shetland ponies were taken to mainland Britain to be pit ponies, working underground hauling coal, often for their entire (frequently shortened) lives. Coal mines in the eastern United States also imported some of these animals. The last mine that used Shetland ponies in the United States closed in 1971.

The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society is the breed society for the traditional Shetland throughout the world. It was started in 1890 to maintain purity and encourage high-quality animals. In 1957, the Shetland Islands Premium Stallion Scheme was formed to subsidise high-quality registered stallions to improve the breeding stock.

A number of pony breeds derive from the traditional Shetland. These include the American Shetland Pony and Pony of the Americas in the United States, and the Deutsches Classic Pony in Germany.

Characteristics

A classic image of an ideal Shetland pony, Nordisk familjebok (Swedish encyclopaedia), c. 1904–1926.

The Shetland Pony is hardy and strong, in part because it developed in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands. It has a small head, widely spaced eyes and small and alert ears. It has a short muscular neck, a compact stocky body, short strong legs and a shorter-than-normal cannon-bone in relation to its size. A short broad back and deep girth are universal characteristics, as is a springy stride. It has a long thick mane and tail, and a dense double winter coat to withstand harsh weather. It may be of any known horse coat colour other than spotted.

It is not unusual for a Shetland pony to live more than 30 years.

Uses

Shetlands being driven from a cart
Shetland pony "Grand National" in the UK

Today, Shetlands are ridden by children and are shown by both children and adults at horse shows in harness driving classes as well as for pleasure driving outside of the show ring. Shetlands are ridden by small children at horse shows, in riding schools and stables as well as for pleasure. They are seen working in commercial settings such as fairs or carnivals to provide short rides for visitors. They are also seen at petting zoos and sometimes are used for therapeutic horseback riding purposes. In the United Kingdom, Shetlands are also featured in the Shetland Pony Grand National, galloping around a racecourse with young jockeys. A few Shetland ponies still fulfil traditional working roles on the islands, and can be seen carrying peat (which is abundant and used as a fuel source in Shetland) cut from the hillsides in large saddlebags. Their strong physique and ability to cross a variety of difficult terrain types means they are still a viable choice for the job, even in an age of mechanised agriculture.

Junior Harness Racing was founded in Queensland by a group of breeders to give young people aged 6–16 an opportunity to obtain a practical introduction to the harness racing industry. The children have the opportunity to drive Shetland ponies in harness under race conditions. No prize money is payable on pony races, although winners and place-getters receive medallions.

Miniature Shetlands have been trained as guide horses to take the same role as guide dogs. This task is also performed by other miniature horse breeds.

See also

References

  1. ^ Breed Standard. The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society. Accessed July 2020.
  2. Hovens, Hans; Rijkers, Toon (2013). "On the origins of the Exmoor pony: did the wild horse survive in Britain?" (PDF). Lutra. 56 (2): 134. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  3. Reid, C. "Women unloading peats from kishie". Shetland Museum and Archives. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  4. ^ "Breed History". Shetland Pony Stud Book Society. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  5. Storey, B (1958–1960). "Pony". Shetland Museum and Archives. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  6. The Last Pony Mine, a documentary film, Les Benedict, director, Steve Knudston, producer, 1972. Available on Youtube in 3 parts part 1part 2part 3
  7. "Shetland Pony Stud Book Society". Shetland Pony Stud Book Society. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  8. Elwyn Hartley Edwards (1994). The Encyclopedia of the Horse. London; New York; Stuttgart; Moscow: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0751301159.
  9. How did the German Classic Pony come about. German Classic Pony Society. Archived 5 November 2013.
  10. Porter, Valerie; Alderson, Lawrence; Hall, Stephen J.G.; Sponenberg, D. Phillip (2016). Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding (Sixth ed.). CAB International. p. 502. ISBN 9781780647944.
  11. Élise Rousseau, Yann Le Bris, Teresa Lavender Fagan (2017). Horses of the World. Princeton: Princeton University Press. ISBN 9780691167206.
  12. "Just Racing". Just Racing. Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  13. "Ponies to guide the blind". BBC News. 1 June 2003. Retrieved 16 December 2011.

External links

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