Intro
A relatively new breed, the German Classic Pony or Deutsches Classic Pony is a riding pony that comes from Shetland blood. They are a German-bred blend of both British and American Shetland ponies.
Origins
By the end of the 19th century, Shetland ponies were imported into the US. Over the years, American breeders changed the breed enough to make it distinct from the original. Shetlands from the British Isles are small, squat animals, shaped by centuries of harsh climate and poor fodder. American counterparts became taller, had nicer movement and were more elegant in conformation. They have been registered separately in the US since 1888.
British Shetlands have been known in European countries for a long time and in the mid 19th century some American Shetland breeders paid a visit to Germany. The Germans were impressed with the characteristics of the types bred in the US and imported a stallion named Jiggs and some broodmares. Since 1965 they have grown in popularity and helped to enhance the strains of Shetland the Germans were breeding. They were known as Sporting Shetlands.
Developing a Type
Over the years, German breeding programs grew and began to develop their own specific type. For awhile the ponies were formally recognized as Shetlands by the Germans, however American bloodlines were now allowed full registration in Britain. It was proposed to call them German Part-bred Shetland, but the breeders weren’t having it. In the end they agreed on the Deutsches Classic-Pony in 2000, allowing the Germans to set breed guidelines. Today the DAD-IS lists them as critical and as of 2024 there were 348 registered.
Features
No taller than 11 hands
Physique
Small, noble head
Physical characteristics will vary, but the ideal is an elegant, handsomely proportioned animal
Modern:
Traditional Colors
All colors
Temperament
Kind and willing
Patient and intelligent
Use
Riding
Show
Driving
Helpful Links
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Deutsches Classic Pony – Ponyrassen in Deutschland