American Shetland Pony

Intro

Through selective imports and good breeding practices, the American Shetland pony has made a name for itself in North America as a smart, handsome and versatile pony.

Origins

The original Shetland Ponies come from the Shetland Isles northeast of Scotland, where they have roamed since the Bronze Age. The breed was brought to the east coast of American during the late 19th century for use in coal mines. Appreciated for their great strength, good nature and versatility, the new world began breeding them in earnest.

American Changes

The formation of the American Shetland Pony Club in 1888 started a localized selective breeding process, mainly centered in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. Shetlands were crossed with Hackney ponies, Welsh ponies and Harness Show ponies.

Within 50 years two distinct branches of the American Shetland emerged, Division A (12.5% or less non-Shetland blood) and Division B (12.5% or more non-Shetland blood).

American Shetland Types

As with many breeds brought to the Americas, landing on a new continent split the course of their future. Breeders in different areas and disciplines required different types of animals. The American Shetland Pony Club recognizes four different types of ponies in their registry.

Modern
The tallest type of the breed, the modern type has a high set head and tail, with fancy high-stepping action.

Pleasure
Similar in conformation to the Modern type, but their action is more subdued.

Classic
Perhaps the most common type, Classic Shetlands share the refined conformation of their counterparts without any flashy action.

Foundation
Foundation Shetlands remain closer to their British roots, they do not have any Hackney influence (for four generations) and must be under 42″ tall.