The Shetland Pony originated off the northeastern coast of Scotland on the wet and rugged Shetland Islands.
It is believed that the ponies are descendants of a Tundra Pony that was found in Britain during the Ice Age.
The Shetland pony was originally used as pack animal for the crofters of the region and later as pit ponies in the mines of mainland Great Britain.
Though they aren’t very plentiful in the islands anymore, their popularity has led to extensive breeding throughout the world.
Today Shetland Ponies are very popular with children, and are often the best choice for a child learning to ride.
They are quiet small and sturdy, yielding thick coats and long manes and tails indicative of their hash origin.
The most popular color is black, but Shetland ponies come in a variety of different solid colors. The Shetland pony stands between 9.3 and 10.2 hands.
(photo: mrpattersonsir)