• In comparison to its size, this pony is one of the world's most powerful equines. It is capable of carrying a man over rough country and can work under heavy loads

• It is now popular and is bred all over Europe, Australiasia and the Americas

• This pony originated in the Shetland Islands, north east of Scotland in the UK. The bleak environment there has goverened its character and size - it can thrive in the harshest environements

• The ponies arrived in Shetland from Scandinavia around 10,000 years ago!

• In the 19th century, Shetlands were used extensively in the coal mines

• The Shetland pony can be seen is all colours except spotted

• Unlike bigger horses, measured in hands, the Shetland pony is measured by inches in height at the withers. The smallest of the British native breeds, maximum height reaches 42" with a minimum as small as 28" or so

• The head is sensible and intelligent which is medium sized. The face is rather dished, the ears are medium sized and the ears are small and mobile

• The coat is thick with a heavy mane and tail offering good protection against the local winter weather conditions

• The limbs are short and strong and the round, tough hooves are of hard blue horn