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The Shetland pony is a Scottish pony who is the
ultimate multum in parvo of the equine race with a strength out of all proportion to its diminutive size. The average height is
40 inches at the withers, Shetlands by tradition being measured in
inches instead of hands. The foundation color is black but bays,
browns, chestnuts, and part-colored individuals are also
found.
Because of the isolation of its geographical
position, the Shetland is probably the purest of the native breeds,
and it is the scarcity of forage on the islands that has ensured the
maintenance of its exceptionally small size. Its origins are not
entirely clear, but it is thought that the ponies may have come over
from Scandinavia before the Bronze Age. The earliest traces of the
ponies on the islands of Shetland and Orkney are dated as being part
of that period, which was more then 2500 years ago.
On the Islands the Shetlands were used on the
farms for plowing, general farm work and as pack animals to haul
seaweed and peat. In the 1840's, when legislation prohibited the use
of women and children to pull the coal cars in the mines, Shetlands
were supplied in large numbers to the Durham coalfields, which led
to the production of a miniature draft-type animal.
The type and character was fixed and reestablishes
largely through the agency of the Londonderry Stud in Bressay,
Scotland, in about 1870. Most of the present-day quality stock can
be traced to the famous Londonderry sires, in particular Jack and
his sons, Lord of Isles (exported to America) and Laird of Noss and
Odin.
The Shetland is independent and intelligent and,
properly treated, makes a good mount for young children and a useful
harness pony. In general it does not cross satisfactorily.
Nonetheless it is the base of the American Shetland, the Pony of
Americas - the result of a Shetland stallion bred to an Appaloosa
mare - and the pygmy pony, the Falabella.
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