The Shetland pony is a very famous pony in Belgium and the Netherlands. Here is discussed what are the characteristics of the Shetland.
Origin
The Shetland pony, as its name implies, comes from the Shetland Islands in the far north of Scotland. Because they lived in harsh and cold climatic conditions and with very little food available, a small, hardy pony breed that actually resembled a large cold-blooded horse in miniature was created. exported and the breed keeps changing as they evolve in conformation as they are bred in different places; In this respect, the American shetland pony must certainly be mentioned, which has developed in such a way that it hardly resembles the original shetland. The rugged Shetland Islands don’t grow trees and the grasses that do exist have little nutritional value, so they have adapted to this and can survive on it. In an eighteenth-century book on horses, the Shetland is described as volt: “Both summer and winter ponies walk in the mountains; and if they cannot find enough food in winter, they die at low tide to sea. seaweed. Winter storms and food shortages put them in such a bad condition that they only regain their strength before the first half of June, but then they are also at their best “. Despite these hardships, Shetlanders usually live very long; at the age of 24 they are often still good riding ponies.
The Shetland is extremely strong in relation to its small height at the withers (90-106cm). There has been mention of a pony that could be lifted by a man and in turn could carry that same man back and forth for a distance of ten miles. In addition, a 91 centimeter pony is mentioned who carried a 76 kilo man over a distance of 64 kilometers in one day. The origin of the Shetland pony is unclear and opinions about this differ. Some think the animal originated in Scandinavia and crossed before the ice planes receded. Others, however, are convinced that the Shetland ponies crossed the English Channel before the British Isles separated from Europe. In any case, it is certain that they have lived on the islands north of Scotland for thousands of years. Archaeological finds that indicate their presence date back to 500 BC.
The Shetland has been used for centuries as a pack, harness, and riding pony. Native farmers used them to bring seaweed to their farmlands to fertilize them, and they were highly sought after as mounts and draft animals as well. They were mainly used in the coal mining industry because they were small and nimble to use in the narrow aisles. Thus the Shetland became a very famous pony.
Character and care
Shetland ponies are not always reliable. They can be dominant, independent and stubborn. That, coupled with their occasional tendency to bite, means that not every Shetland is suitable for children. However, if you find one with a pleasant character (and there are plenty of them!), You can have a good kids pony on it. As mentioned, Shetland ponies are extremely hardy; they therefore need little food and shelter. However, they must be regularly handled by a good blacksmith. Unfortunately, it is often very difficult to keep a shet at a healthy weight. Eating grass and other foods that are too rich for his constitution in combination with too little exercise can lead to laminitis, a hoof disease that causes lameness and can even be fatal. For a few years now, however, there has been food on the market that provides so little energy and protein that you can feed the ponies well. This prevents hunger and obesity and keeps the animals healthy.
Today’s Shetland pony
Although the ponies in the Shetland Islands are still used to some extent for their original work, Shetland ponies are nowadays for children’s ponies, mainly because of their small height at the withers. Despite this, some experts believe that because of the animals’ stocky physique, it can be difficult for children to properly keep their legs on the pony. Shetland ponies are also good harness ponies and are always big favorites at driving events and short races. Some people keep Shetland ponies as pets; they are also often seen as circus animals or as companions for lonely horses. Some racing stables keep a ‘stable Shetlander’ as company for their horses, because most Shetland ponies have a strong character and can control large, fit Thoroughbreds without physical violence. In addition, they usually have a calming effect on quickly excited horses.