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| HISTORY of the SHETLAND PONY The Shetland Pony is one of the oldest breeds of ponies. Its existence dates back some 2000 years to its native Shetland Islands, north of Scotland. The harsh climate and scarce vegetation of the islands helped make the pony the thrifty, hardy animals we still know today. These early Shetlands stood on average less than 40" at the withers and were solidly built. They were used for packing peat in the Islands and as riding mounts for adults. Their characteristic heavy bodies, carried close to the ground, coupled with the fact that they can pull loads equal to their own weight, made the Shetland the ideal "pit pony" for hauling coal carts in British mines. Shetlands served as pit ponies until as recently as the 1970s. In the 1800s breeders began exporting ponies to the United States. The American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) was founded in 1888, making it one of the oldest equine registeries in the US. Since then fewer than 159,000 ponies have been registered, with about 1,000 registrations annually in recent years. While grade or part-bred Shetlands are easy to find, their pure, registered counterparts whose lineage traces back to the Shetland Islands are indeed more rare. TODAY Since the Shetland's introduction into the US, breeders have selectively bred for a more refined, showier type pony than the original, draftier Island type. Today's American Shetlands are of two major types, the Modern and the Classic. The Modern is a very stylish high-stepping pony that is well suited to roadster and fine harness competition. The Classic, on the other hand, looks like the American Shetlands of the 1950s. They are refined, well-proportioned ponies of medium build with natural knee and hock action. They are versatile ponies that excel in pleasure driving and all aspects of children's riding, including games, jumping, pleasure and trail riding. Other uses include packing, lawn mowing and pets. Classics whose pedigrees are certified pure Shetland for four generations can also have a Foundation seal on their registration papers. Nearly all ponies raised at Cherry-Hill are Foundation certified. REQUIREMENTS of ASPC REGISTERED SHETLANDS Height: 46" and under at withers Colors: all, except Appaloosa Pedigree: both sire and dam must be ASPC registered Foundation Shetland: pedigree certified pure Shetland for 4 generations © text by Traci Durrell-Khalife |