American Shetland

The American Shetland is primarily shown in various harness classes: four wheeled buggy harness classes, two wheeled Roadster or driving classes, and harness light sulky racing classes. It is also ridden in general children's show classes, hunter pony classes, breed classes, and in Western or English tack. The American Shetland has been purposely bred to be longer in the body and the leg than he true (Scottish) Shetland with some hot blood type about. It has horse rather than pony character, and more scope than the Shetland, but is not as hardy.

Shetland Ponies

Shetland ponies are much in demand as children's ponies and are active workers under saddle and harness. Shetland ponies stand about 10 hands high. The legs of a Shetland pony are short and strong.

   Here is a picture of a Shetland pony.

The Shetland Pony is a true cold climate equine, showing the rounded body, short legs, thick mane, forelock and tail hair. A wide neck, and relativity large head are all features that help retain body heat. The winter coat is very thick and water-resistant.

posted by Joanna