THE HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN SHETLAND PONY
The Shetland Pony by Johnny Robb
Many professional and amateur competitors have stories to tell of the first Shetland Pony of their childhood, but most often the ponies they describe bear little resemblance to the refined, athletic American Shetland Ponies that are gaining renewed popularity today. In fact, today's American Shetland Pony might be considered one of the most misunderstood breeds in existence. This is especially ironic since they are also one of the country's oldest breeds. By following these diminutive little equines back to their roots we may be able to debunk some of the myths and set the record straight on the American Shetland Pony once and for all.
In the 1800's, the hardy, stout Shetland Ponies of the British Isles were used extensively as service ponies to tout children to school over the rough island terrain and as pack animals. These strong, compact Shetland Ponies were imported to America in the late 1800's and became the pit pony of choice. That is, they were used to haul carts of coal from deep within mines. They became known for their incredible strength in relation to their size. These fuzzy little titans were also cute and soon captured American's fascination as riding ponies and pets.
In 1888, the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) was formed to preserve the bloodlines of the Shetland Pony while improving and refining the breed. Early breeders set out to refine the ponies and make them more useful while retaining the best characteristics of the breed
The American Shetland Pony Club has registered over 150,000 ponies and today recognizes three distinct types of Shetland Ponies; the Classic Shetland, the Foundation Shetland and the Modern Shetland Pony.
The Foundation Shetland is the smallest in height, up to 42 inches, or 10.2 hands, and most closely resembles the Shetland of the Scottish Isles. Even so, the refined Foundation Shetlands found in the show ring and top breeding farms in the United States today bare little resemblance to the roly-poly fur balls depicted in Thelwell cartoons.
Classic Shetland Ponies can be a little taller, up to 46 inches, or 11.2 hands, and characteristically display even more refinement than the more compact Foundation Shetland. They have been selectively bred for 10 years, and the result is a sturdy pony with appealing conformation. Like Foundation Shetlands, Classic Shetlands are the perfect size starter pony for children. From their early history of pulling ore carts in coal mines, Classic Shetlands have retained an innate driving ability, and their popularity as a driving pony for children and adults alike is ever growing. Classic Shetlands can be found being driven along a country lane or holding their own in highly competitive carriage driving events. The versatile Classic Shetland Pony can be found in almost every equine role--from children's lead line and short stirrup competitions, to school ponies to driving teams with four or more ponies in-hand.
The Modern Shetland Ponies combine the beauty and hardiness of the Classic Shetland and the excitement and animation of a Hackney Pony. The result is elegance in motion. This sophisticated pony with its extreme action and spirited personality is at home in the show ring. Modern Shetland Ponies are shown in two height categories, under 43 inches at the withers and 43-46 inches at the withers. They excel in performance classes including roadster, fine harness and modern pleasure driving.
A well-trained Modern Shetland also makes a responsive mount for a child and can be used for everything from gymkhana to the popular pony jumper division. Modern Shetlands are a thrill to watch and even more exciting to own and compete.
*Read this article in its entirety in the September 2005 issue of the EQUESTRIAN (excerpts from the article are printed here with permission). Thank you Johnny Robb (Director of Marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club and The American Miniature Horse Registry).
