The Shetland pony is only as tall as a child, yet it has the strength of an ox and is one of the most intelligent horse breeds today. It is regarded as a national symbol of Scotland.
Shetland ponies originate from the Shetland Islands, located in present-day eastern Scotland. Compared to other horse breeds, Shetland ponies are quite small, with an average height ranging from 75 cm to 107 cm.
Despite their small size, they are considered one of the most intelligent horse breeds. Although they appear petite, they are exceptionally strong. Because of this, they have been historically used for pulling carts, carrying peat, coal, and other goods, and even plowing fields as a substitute for oxen.
Shetland ponies are easily distinguished from other horse breeds due to their thick, long, and beautiful coats. In the mid-19th century, thousands of Shetland ponies were transported to England to work in coal mines, where they pulled loads of coal underground.
Today, Shetland ponies are commonly used in children’s equestrian training centers. They are also featured in pony racing events designed specifically for young riders.
Additionally, some Shetland ponies are kept in zoos to entertain visitors. In major European cities and shopping centers, they even serve as a means of transportation for tourists.
Due to their intelligence, Shetland ponies can undergo specialized training, much like service dogs. Compared to other horse breeds of similar size, Shetlands are significantly stronger. The ponies selected for training fall under the management of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Shetland ponies have thick, long manes and a dense coat, similar to a winter jacket, which helps them withstand harsh weather conditions. Their coats come in a variety of colors, including black, chestnut, gray, palomino, pinto, cremello, silver, and even a rare white-pink shade.
A remarkable event once occurred when a Shetland pony in Wales adopted an orphaned lamb. A witness saw the young lamb nursing from a female Shetland pony on a hill. This unusual relationship was observed for about a week during a horseback ride up Hay Bluff in the Black Mountains. It appeared that the pony had taken in the lamb as its own, allowing it to nurse.
The mare, a Shetland pony, already had a foal of her own, making its adoption of the lamb even more surprising. She even stood guard as her foal and the lamb slept beside each other. The lamb mimicked the nursing behavior of the pony’s own offspring. However, while their bond flourished, intervention became necessary when it was noticed that neither the foal nor the lamb was getting enough milk. The Shetland mare was unable to provide sufficient nourishment for both. As a result, neither of her “children” was thriving.
