If you choose an American Shetland pony, a very special pony awaits you. They are the ideal riding and carriage horses for children.
Above all, you will inspire you with your noble posture and the color of the fur.
Breed description
Shetland ponies are in themselves ideal companions for children. They are small, full of affection and devotion, they are sturdy and resilient.
Above all, they are one of the most docile and hard-working pony breeds of all. You can do a lot with a thoroughbred Shetland pony.
The American Shetland Pony is a refinement of the classic Shetland pony from the Scottish Shetland Islands. They are more elegant and expressive than their smaller ancestors.
The beautiful posture of the head, the short back with the high tail, and the color variations of the fur should be emphasized.
With the exception of Appaloosa and tiger spotting, all colors are allowed in the classic American Shetland pony.
A distinction is made between the Classic American Shetland Pony, the Modern American Shetland Pony, and the rather rare American Miniature Shetland Pony.
Size: 96 – 117 cm
Weight: 130-280 kg
Origin: USA
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Color: All colors are recognized. A tiger spotting is not allowed
Suitable as: Endurance, free time, show
Origin and breed history
The Classic American Shetland Pony has been bred in the United States since the late 19th century.
It was Robert Lilburn who imported 32 animals from the herd of the Marquese of Londonderry from the islands of Bressey and Noss, and bred the new American Shetland pony from selection.
He founded the breed with the stallions “Prince of Wales” (1891) and “King Larigo” (1907). Shetland ponies have been kept and bred on the Shetland Islands in the rough North Sea since time immemorial.
They traditionally served as small, robust and agile workhorses. The British later imported them and used them as pit animals in the English coal mines.
There is hardly a more motivated, friendlier and more robust pony than a Shettie. Robert Lilburn took advantage of the breed characteristics of the Shetland pony to breed a nobler and larger riding and carriage horse from the primitive breed.
In 1888 the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) was founded with the breeding stallion “Prince of Wales”, which is still in existence today. Since then, pure-blooded American Shetland ponies have been bred mainly in the USA and Germany.
The studbook for this pony breed has existed since 1888. All American Shetland ponies purchased today are traced back to this bloodline.
The Modern American Shetland Pony
By crossing with Hackney ponies, a new type has been bred since the 1960s. The Modern American Shetland Pony.
Compared to the Classic type, it has a slightly longer neck and is even more noble and elegant in its expression. They should also be a little fierier than the Classics.
This pony is often used as a driving and show pony. It was bred or crossed from the original strain within the ASCP.
This pony breed is hardly represented in Germany. As in the USA, the classic American Shetland pony is mainly bred here.
However, there are two lines with two different studbooks (ASPR). Another breed with Shetland ponies is the American Miniature Shetland.
It is a cross of Hackney ponies, Falabellas (Argentine miniature horses) and Shetland ponies. The size of this pony measures a maximum of 96 cm.
It is ideal for small children but is very rarely available for purchase in Germany.
The appearance of the American Shetland pony
The American Shetland pony is known as a light pony. It has a short back, is ‘raised’ and impresses with its elegant head with small ears and large, friendly-looking eyes.
In a thoroughbred pony, the neck is well set and provided with a thick mane. In the USA, the pony’s height may not exceed 10.7 hands, which is 109.2 cm.
American Shetland ponies up to a height of 111.8 cm are also allowed in Canada. The Modern American Shetland Pony can reach a height of up to 117 cm.
So it’s higher than the original. According to the German Breeders’ Association, the ideal height at the withers is 104 to 112 cm. The American Shetland ponies come in all colors.
Only tiger piebalds are not allowed. They are long-legged with firm, ‘dry’ joints (bones) and hard hooves.
In summary one can say about these Shetties: noble head position short neck (with the modern type it is longer) good withers well muscled long mane hair elegant and expressive
This pony was bred for riding, driving, and also for sport. The gaits are soft and expansive, with very good knee action.
The Modern American Shetland Pony particularly stands out due to its springy motion sequences and its expansive stride.
Temperament and essence
This pony breed is a sociable species that is well suited to children. You are docile and adaptable.
Their calm, gentle and stable character makes them ideal for riding and driving horses, even for small children.
They like to move around and are full of affection. In summary, one can say about the character of the American Shetland pony: gentle-natured, willing to learn, willing to perform
Husbandry and nutrition
Attitude
The American Shetland Pony can be kept outside most of the year.
In winter, however, it needs protection from adverse weather conditions. It is advisable to keep it in a stable if it is moved enough, i.e. ridden or driven.
Like all ponies, the American Shetland pony does not feel comfortable on its own. Shetties are used to herd association.
They also generally get on well with horses and donkeys. The main thing is that they are not alone in the stable or on the pasture.
Nutrition
In summer there is plenty of grass and herbs on a natural meadow. In winter, good, fragrant hay or straw is sufficient for feeding.
However, if you are involved in competitive sport in winter, or if you are ridden a lot or used as a carriage horse, additional concentrated feed is advisable.
When using dry food, care must always be taken to ensure that there is sufficient fresh water. A salt lick should also be present.
Education and care
Upbringing
Ponies are generally very docile. They do not need any special education. But of course the pony has to be broken in.
Hardly any pony is so suitable for beginners as a Shettie.
Maintenance
Every pony, of course, loves to be brushed and groomed regularly. There are also special mane combs for long hair.
Please always pay attention to hoof care, this is very important for ponies. Sometimes you kick yourself a little and the horn of the hooves can quickly become too long.
Of course, you also need good equipment such as a saddle and bridle for your pony.
Health and Typical Diseases
The American Shetland ponies are very robust and resistant due to their breed.
As long as good nutrition, plenty of exercises, and fresh air as well as regular hoof care are taken care of, your pony will do well with you.
Life expectancy
Generally, ponies live between 20 and 30 years of age.
However, there are also Shetties who have reached the proud age of up to 50 years. But these are rare exceptions.
Buy American Shetland Pony horse breed
An American Shetland Pony is relatively cheap to buy. The price for a perennial American Shetland pony is between $900 and $1,800.
On average, you can get a pony for around $900. It depends on the size and other factors. There are also award-winning stallions that cost a few thousand euros.
In addition, of course, there are the costs of transport, insurance, and purchases relating to the pony.
You can buy an American Shetland Poy directly from the breeder, via special online horse markets, or from private. There are some websites of breeders in Germany on the internet.
But always have the papers shown to you. In the meantime, it is the case that only pure-blooded American Shetland ponies are registered in the studbook of the ASPC in Morton / USA.
The ASPIR (American Shetland Pony International Registry) is available for ponies that do not have a 3-generation certificate.
If you would like more information, contact the Club for American Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses e.V., they can certainly advise you comprehensively.
Decision support
When you choose an American Shetland Pony, you will make a reliable friend and companion. It is the ideal family pony for riding, for equestrian sports, and for the carriage.
His gait is gentle and expansive. The American Shetland Pony is also a good choice for small children and beginners. Above all, you will make an impression with his beautiful posture.
The American Shetland Pony has a long, thick mane, a noble head posture, and a high tail, advantages that cannot be ignored.
In addition, it is not excessively expensive to buy or to keep. It is content with a meadow in summer and hay and straw in winter.
Are you still not quite sure? Also check out the articles about other types of pony, such as the Exmoor pony, Breton or Boulonnais.
Due to its breed, the American Shetland Pony is extremely robust, resilient, willing to learn and willing to perform. You should be aware, however, that ponies are not loners.
It doesn’t feel good on its own. You can either put your pony out on the pasture together with others, or you can buy a horse or pony as well. Unless you already own a horse, donkey or pony.
