Shetland Pony

The Shetland pony is a Scottish breed of pony originating in the Shetland Isles in the north of Scotland.

It may stand up to 107 cm (42 in) at the withers. It has a heavy coat and short legs, is strong for its size, and is used for riding, driving, and pack purposes.

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Discover more about the Shetland Pony

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When to see

Although they can be seen year round, August is the month in which the local agricultural show takes place on Shetland and you can see the ponies strutting their stuff. 

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Where to see

Appearing to roam wild across Shetland, the ponies are, in fact, all owned and tended to by local crofters. Visitors will be able to spot Shetland ponies grazing on the hills and by the roadside. 

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Did you know?

Shetland ponies originated in the Shetland Isles, located northeast of mainland Scotland. Small horses have been kept in the Shetland Isles since the Bronze Age. People who lived on the islands probably later crossed the native stock with ponies imported by Norse settlers. Shetland ponies also were probably influenced by the Celtic pony, brought to the islands by settlers between 2000 and 1000 BCE.[2] The harsh climate and scarce food developed the ponies into extremely hardy animals.

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Related species

Highland Cow

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Although they can be seen year round, August is the month in which the local agricultural show takes place on Shetland and you can see the ponies strutting their stuff. 

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Appearing to roam wild across Shetland, the ponies are, in fact, all owned and tended to by local crofters. Visitors will be able to spot Shetland ponies grazing on the hills and by the roadside. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Shetland ponies originated in the Shetland Isles, located northeast of mainland Scotland. Small horses have been kept in the Shetland Isles since the Bronze Age. People who lived on the islands probably later crossed the native stock with ponies imported by Norse settlers. Shetland ponies also were probably influenced by the Celtic pony, brought to the islands by settlers between 2000 and 1000 BCE.[2] The harsh climate and scarce food developed the ponies into extremely hardy animals.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Highland Cow

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Although they can be seen year round, August is the month in which the local agricultural show takes place on Shetland and you can see the ponies strutting their stuff. 

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Appearing to roam wild across Shetland, the ponies are, in fact, all owned and tended to by local crofters. Visitors will be able to spot Shetland ponies grazing on the hills and by the roadside. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Shetland ponies originated in the Shetland Isles, located northeast of mainland Scotland. Small horses have been kept in the Shetland Isles since the Bronze Age. People who lived on the islands probably later crossed the native stock with ponies imported by Norse settlers. Shetland ponies also were probably influenced by the Celtic pony, brought to the islands by settlers between 2000 and 1000 BCE.[2] The harsh climate and scarce food developed the ponies into extremely hardy animals.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Highland Cow