The Shetland Pony is thought to be the oldest breed of horse in Britain. Named after the islands where it originated, it is currently one of the most popular ponies in the world. The Shetland Pony, which is named after the islands off the northern coast of Scotland, is mostly barren and has a harsh climate. The Shetland Pony lived in the open for many centuries, protected from the elements only by this thick hair, long mane, and forelocks. The Shetland Islanders domesticated the ponies to do useful work for them, such as hauling seaweed up from the shore to the fields to the cottages for use as fuel. They also hauled seaweed up from the shore to the fields to be used as fertilizer.
Appearance
The Shetland is probably the strongest equine relative to its size, yet even the stallions are gentle and docile. The body of the British Shetland is full with short, muscular legs. It has substantial mane, forelock, and tail. Coloring varies by the season. Many colors are seen in this breed, the most common being black and dark brown. Shetlands are now mostly pets, but compete in weight-pulling events, are shown in halter classes, and put to small vehicles for driving. It stands on an average of 9.3 hands, and does not exceed 10.2 hands.
Origin
The Shetland Pony’s ultimate origin goes back to Equids, larger than the modern breed, which lived in the Shetland Islands as early as the Bronze Age. When Norsemen invaded the islands, they brought ponies with them which were ancestors of the modern Dole Pony. These ponies crossed with native stock which created the Shetland Pony similar to that known today.
The Shetland Pony, or “Pony of the Coal Pits,” is thought to be the strongest horse in existence in relation to its size. As a result, when the British coal mining industry developed significantly in the 1800s, Shetlands were imported in large quantities to haul coal cars in the “pits.” Many of these ponies were born, raised, and died in the mines; some even never left the mines. Later, many Shetlands were exported to America where they worked in coal mines until mechanization rendered them inefficient by the middle of the 1900s. In the coal-rich Mid-West of the United States, Shetlands are still common and participate in weight-pulling competitions at county fairs, much like heavy draft horses.
Historical Use
These ponies were essential to farming, transportation, and other businesses, and their existence in the Shetland Isles was largely dependent on them.
Shetland Ponies lived their whole lives in stony, wind-swept areas of island moorland with scant pasture. Their short limbs, plump coats, and diminutive stature all assisted in maintaining body heat.
The hair from manes and tails was utilized as raw material for fishing nets and lines by the people of Shetland. Shetland civilization was based on fishing, and in the past, it was illegal to clip the mane or tail of another man’s pony.
The little ponies traversed the rugged island landscape while pulling carts and carrying peat. Farmers relied on Shetland Ponies’ pulling prowess to clear fields because the island could not support larger breeds.
Demand for Shetland Ponies throughout Europe and North America increased after the industrial revolution. The breed’s small stature was ideal for working underground as pit ponies in the narrow shafts of coal mines, where many Shetlands worked until the mid-20th century.
Their worldwide popularity allowed Shetland bloodlines to influence the development of several other small horse breeds, including the Miniature Horse.
Temperament
Because of their reputation for cheekiness, some horse owners may find Shetland Ponies adorable, while others may find them more difficult to handle. Those fearless spirits were probably favored in the ancient Shetland Isles horses.
Although the breed is often amiable and well-mannered, some Shetland Ponies can be strong-willed and opinionated. These little ponies are beloved by many Shetland owners because of their bold, witty, and clever personalities.
Although shetlands are too small for larger riders, young children frequently ride them. Although these ponies are great for families, owners should make sure that younger riders receive professional instruction on how to handle ponies.
Older Shetland owners often enjoy these ponies as companion animals for themselves and other horses. Shetlands are also excellent carriage ponies and can easily pull adults in harness driving disciplines.
Similar to Miniature Horses, some Shetlands are trained to work as guide horses or therapy animals.
Health Concern
When kept in residential environments, Shetland Ponies are more susceptible to health problems due to certain genetic characteristics that once helped the breed flourish in their native Scotland. These tiny ponies require cautious care in order to maintain their health and avoid metabolic disorders.
Genetic Disease
Skeletal atavism in Shetlands is a genetic disorder marked by crooked legs and improper bone formation. Research has discovered the genes causing this condition. With this sickness, most owners put their Shetlands to sleep.
The tibia and fibula or the radius and ulna split during development due to sleketal atavism. The two bones in an adult horse are fused together. Shetlands who are affected are born with splayed, twisted legs that make it difficult for them to move properly.
The genes that cause dwarfism can also be found in Shetland Ponies. The illness inhibits the growth of bones, but not that of soft tissues or organs. The health and well-being of Shetlands who are dwarfed are severely impacted by bone abnormalities and organ issues.
Dwarf Shetlands often have abnormally short legs and necks, retracted tendons, club feet, joint deviations, undershot jaws, humped backs, upturned noses, and scoliosis. However, some Shetlands carry a copy of the dwarfism gene without displaying dwarf characteristics.
A homozygous mutant genotype of the ACAN gene causes the dwarfism phenotype. Research suggests the mutation has persisted in Shetland populations due to positive selection of the reduced stature associated with heterozygous carriers of the gene mutation.
Heath Challenges
Small pony breeds, such as Shetlands, are more susceptible to liver problems than larger breeds. Modifications in lipid metabolism in these ponies can result in hyperlipemia, a potentially dangerous metabolic disorder, and impaired liver function. Hyperlipemia syndrome is characterized by the excessive release of triglycerides during nutritional stress (e.g., starvation, underfeeding, pregnancy). Hyperlipidemia, on the other hand, is defined as abnormally high blood levels of lipids (fats) and is closely linked to physiological stress in obese Shetland Ponies. If hyperlipidemia syndrome develops, it can lead to clinical signs like depression, lethargy, and inappetence).
This condition is fatal without rapid intervention, so owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if hyperlipemia is suspected.
Shetland Ponies are also susceptible to pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), formerly known as equine Cushing’s disease. This endocrine disorder primarily affects older Shetlands, and is frequently associated with insulin resistance and laminitis.
PPID diagnosis in Shetland ponies is sometimes missed as owners can mistake the abnormally long hair coat that characterizes the disease for the Shetland’s normal thick coat.
Laminitis is a significant concern for all Shetland Ponies, and not just equines with PPID. Research shows that Shetlands and other cold-blooded breeds with heights under 149 cm (58 inches) have a higher incidence of laminitis than other horse breeds.
Shetlands and other ponies of short stature have been shown to be genetically predisposed to hyperinsulinemia and metabolic syndrome which explains their easy weight gain and laminitis risk.
Care and Management
Appropriate care and management can help lower the risk of common health problems in Shetlands.
To ensure the well-being of your Shetland Pony, provide quality basic horse care and regular veterinary check-ups with annual vaccinations, deworming, and dental exams.
Your daily care routine should include regular grooming to keep your Shetland’s thick mane, tail, and coat clean and prevent skin problems. These ponies also need frequent farrier care from a qualified professional.
Light exercise during daily turnout supports fitness, bone and joint health, and weight management in Shetlands. Freedom of movement and social contact in group turnout also reduces stress and prevents behavioral issues, including stereotypies.
Shetland owners should inspect their pony’s housing and fencing to ensure they are suitable for these small-sized equines. While Shetlands can safely live with larger breeds when introduced appropriately, they have a greater risk of injury in group turnout with bigger horses.
Weight control
Shetland Ponies are notoriously easy keepers. These cold-blooded equines gain weight quickly due to their efficient metabolism, which allowed them to survive on sparse island vegetation.
However, domesticated Shetlands maintained on commercial feeds and rich pastures often struggle with obesity and equine metabolic syndrome.
Feeding programs for Shetland Ponies should prioritize the inclusion of fiber-rich forage while minimizing dietary starch and sugar to control calorie intake. Shetland owners should also regularly monitor their pony’s body condition score to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
If your Shetland becomes over-conditioned, consider implementing some or all of the following measures to promote safe weight loss:
• Provide appropriately selected hay in a slow feeder or hay net
• Replace some of your pony’s forage with straw or chaff
• Turn your pony out with a grazing muzzle
• Soak your pony’s forage to reduce sugar content
• Turn your pony out on a dry lot and restrict grass turnout
• Practice pasture-management strategies
Straw needs to be closely inspected for mold before feeding. Straw containing grain in seed heads should not be fed. While straw often has lower calorie content (7–10%) than low ESC and carbohydrate hay, it is often lacking in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Due of its low fermentability, “hay belly” may result.
Modify your pony’s diet gradually, and pay close attention to any changes in how your pony behaves when eating. Since inappetence is frequently an indication of hyperlipidemia un Shetlands, changes in appetite should be looked into as soon as possible by a veterinarian.
Sample diet
The following sample diet is intended for a mature 180 kg / 400 lb Shetland Pony with normal body condition at maintenance (not exercising).
*These values are estimated based on NRC requirements and average forage values. For a more precise assessment, analyze your forage and submit your pony’s diet for evaluation.
Forage should provide the foundation of your Shetland Pony’s diet. Free-choice forage supports natural grazing behaviors in horses and ponies, reducing the risk of digestive issues, stereotypical behaviors, dental problems and gastric ulcers.
However, free-choice access to hay can provide too many calories and lead to weight gain. In this sample diet, straw is added to dilute the hay while allowing maximal forage intake.
Although forage typically supplies enough energy for Shetland ponies, hay-only diets are usually deficient in several key nutrients, including:
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Copper
• Selenium (in certain regions)
• Sodium
• Iodine
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin A
Nutritional deficiencies can result in weakened immune function, poor coat condition, hoof problems, and reduced energy levels. To avoid this, feed a vitamin and mineral balancer that helps fill these gaps.
Mad Barn’s Omneity is a vitamin and mineral supplement formulated to provide balanced nutrition for all horses. Omneity is made with low NSC ingredients and contains no fillers or added sugars, making it ideal for Shetland Ponies who need help to maintain a healthy body weight.
To provide additional metabolic support for Shetlands with insulin resistance or PPID, feed Mad Barn’s AminoTrace+ instead of Omneity. AminoTrace+ has enhanced levels of key micronutrients and provides the ultimate nutrition for hoof quality, coat health, metabolic function and antioxidant defenses.
Fresh water and free-choice plain loose salt should also be available to your Shetland at all times to promote hydration and gut motility. Most diets for horses and ponies are low in sodium. Adding salt to your Shetland’s daily ration can help meet sodium requirements and support hydration.
Hay Selection
The average Shetland Pony weighs between 400 – 450 pounds (180 – 205 kg), less than half the weight of a typical full-size horse. This means they need a lot less hay to meet their daily forage requirement.
According to nutritionists, horses and ponies should consume approximately 2% of their body weight in forage on a daily basis. This means that a 400 lb (180 kg) Shetland needs about 8 lb (3.6 kg) of hay per day.
Mature grass hay is the best option for limiting calories while providing enough fiber to support digestive function. Learn more in our guide on Choosing the Right Hay for your Horse.
Ponies on pasture are known to consume significantly more grass relative to their body weight than larger horses.
Studies have found they can consume their total daily energy needs within three hours of grazing and over a 24-hour period they can consume almost 5% of their body weight in dry matter from pasture.
Therefore, ponies with unlimited pasture access will quickly become overweight. One study found increased insulin concentrations in insulin-resistant Shetlands after just four hours of grazing.
If turning your pony out on pasture, use a grazing muzzle to decrease grass intake by up to 80%. Dry lots with low-starch and low-sugar hay provided in a slow feeder are ideal for maximizing turnout time while preventing weight gain in Shetlands.
Nutritional supplement
Providing your Shetland pony with balanced amounts of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, should be your top consideration when creating a diet plan. If your pony has specific health needs or performance goals, you can think about adding additional nutritional supplements to the diet after it has been balanced.
Owners of Shetland Ponies frequently choose MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) as an activity supplement. By supporting the homeostatic control of inflammation, it contributes to the preservation of healthy joints and connective tissue. MSM has shown promise in supporting equine muscles and reducing arthritic discomfort.