The Shetland pony originated on the cluster of Scottish islands located off the East coast of Norway, known as the Shetland Islands. These hardy, sturdy ponies were first introduced to the United States in the 1800s and have since been selectively bred for refinement resulting in a sturdy but elegant show pony. Today there are four types of American Shetland ponies recognized by the breed’s registry here in the United States. All Shetlands, regardless of type, average approximately 9.3 hands (or 39 inches), but must never exceed 11.2 hands (or 46 inches) in height, and they can be found in any color. Shetland ponies are well-suited to the performance demands of pony hunters, carriage driving, modern fine harness, and roadster driving.
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Recognized National Affiliate Association
Learn more about the American Shetland pony by visiting the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) at www.shetlandminiature.com. The ASPC was established in 1888 to govern the burgeoning interest in Shetlands in the U.S. The club's founders wanted to establish the purity of the stock and to maintain a reliable record of pedigrees and transfers for the American Shetland pony. Today, the ASPC is the oldest small equine registry in existence and one of the oldest equine governing bodies in the United States.