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Shetland Pony
Equus ferus caballus
The tough little pony of the Scottish isles — tiny, immensely strong and thickly coated against the cold.
How to spot it
A very small, stocky pony standing up to about 107 cm (and no taller than 117 cm) at the withers — measured in centimetres, not hands. It has a short, strong back, short legs, a thick double coat and a heavy mane and tail. All colours occur.
Temperament
Clever, bold and full of character — endearing but strong-willed, so it needs firm, consistent handling or it quickly learns to get its own way.
What it's bred for
Bred on the Shetland Isles for crofting and later for hauling coal in mines; pound for pound one of the strongest of all horses. Today a children's riding and driving pony and a show favourite.
Care & upkeep
Extraordinarily hardy and thrifty — it can founder on rich grass that would barely feed a bigger horse, so grazing must be strictly limited.
Health & lifespan
A long-lived pony, routinely 30 years or more. The big risks are obesity, laminitis and the hormonal disorder PPID (Cushing's) in old age.
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