The most popular type of pony in the United
States today is the Classic Shetland. This popularity is shown in many
sale rings where the Shetland commands top prices, more than any other
breed or type of pony.
The maximum height for a registered Shetland
is 46 inches (11.2 hands).
In the Shetlands there are two types, the
Classic and the Modern. The Classic should look like a
little Arabian, with a diamond shaped dished head, large eyes, small
muzzle, long slender neck, good level top line, long hip, high set tail,
straight legs, well proportioned and with a well muscled substantial
body. The Modern Shetland was made by crossing the Classic Shetland
with the Hackney Pony. Today, many Shetlands have so much Hackney
in them that they are no longer suitable for children, due to the fact
that the Hackney is a much higher strung animal. The registry for Shetlands
is the American Shetland Pony Club founded in 1888, and whose purpose
is to guard the purity of stock and maintain a reliabl e record of pedigrees
and transfers. The registry recognizes the Classic Shetland as Division
A, and the Modern Shetland as Division B. This is as stated on their
registrations.
The Shetland Pony is born gentle because
they have been brought up with children and dogs in their Native Shetland
Islands for more than one thousand years. No doubt this has something
to do with their good nature. The Classic Shetland comes into the world
curious, inquisitive, and with a kind disposition.
The origin of the Classic Shetland is unknown.
They have been in the Shetland Islands as far back as anyone has knowledge
of that region. But, it is believed that they trace back to the small
pony stock, which is also found on the nearby countries of Scandinavia,
Ireland, and Wales.
Some people believe that sometime in the
sixteenth century, some of the ships of the Spanish Armada went ashore
on the Shetland Islands, while carrying the Admiral's Stud of Arabs.
This cross, it is said, gave the Classic Shetl ands their beauty and
fleetness. The islands where the the Shetlands get their name are about
200 miles north of Scotland. The rough and rocky land found there is
barren and unproductive, except for Heather and Salt Grass. By having
to live under such harsh conditions, only the toughest survived.
The "Survival of the Fittest" so to
say, is what made the Classic Shetland what it is today. Renowned for
their long life, sound feet and legs, and a wonderful endurance. This
along with their small size, made the Class ic Shetland ideal for working
in mines.
There are many uses for the Classic Shetlands
including the show ring, where they are shown Halter and Hitched Classes
as well as Pleasure, Formal Driving, and Roadster. They are also
naturally used as children's pets, a nd enjoyed by the whole family.
At the present time, the Classic American
Shetland is making a very strong comeback as a using, pleasure, and
show pony. The number of registered Classic Shetlands has declined over
the years as a result of the crossing with Ha ckney Ponies, and the
neglegence with owners not keeping registrations current. Thus making
the Classic Shetland a vanishing breed. This results in a low supply,
high demand situation, which causes prices to escalate.
The traits of the Classic Shetlands: Beauty,
Wonderful Disposition, and Rarity, make them a valuable and enjoyable
asset to all. The Classic Shetland will always be a commodity which
commands top prices. We offer competitive show prospects in yearlings
and weanlings from our many National Champions as Georgetown's Mr. Foxy,
Town and Countyr's Kit Cat who is also a Hall of Fame Pony. You will
find our prices are very reasonable and we do offer payment plans.
For current availability, please contact us below
