Shetland pony
Shetland Islands, Scotland | |
Traits | |
---|---|
Distinguishing features | Intelligent, small size, sturdy build, thick coat, compact and strong |
Breed standards | |
The Shetland pony is a Scottish
History
Shetland ponies originated in the
Shetland ponies were first used for pulling carts and for carrying peat,[3] coal and other items,[citation needed] and ploughing land.[4] Then, as the Industrial Revolution increased the need for coal in the mid-nineteenth century, thousands of Shetland ponies travelled to mainland Britain to be pit ponies, working underground hauling coal, often for their entire (frequently short) lives. Coal mines in the eastern United States also imported some of these animals. The last pony mine in the United States closed in 1971.[5]
The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society is the
A number of pony breeds derive from the traditional Shetland. These include the
Characteristics
This section needs additional citations for verification. (December 2018) |
The Shetland Pony is hardy and strong, in part because it developed in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands.[
It is not unusual for a Shetland pony to live more than 30 years.[citation needed]
Uses
Today, Shetlands are ridden by children and are shown by both children and adults at
Junior Harness Racing was founded in Queensland by a group of breeders to give young people aged 6–16 an opportunity to obtain a practical introduction to the harness racing industry. The children have the opportunity to drive Shetland ponies in harness under race conditions. No prize money is payable on pony races, although winners and place-getters receive medallions.[11]
Miniature Shetlands have been trained as
See also
- Shetland animal breeds
- List of domesticated Scottish breeds
- Mountain and moorland pony breeds
References
- ^ a b Breed Standard. The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society. Accessed July 2020.
- ^ Hovens, Hans; Rijkers, Toon (2013). "On the origins of the Exmoor pony: did the wild horse survive in Britain?" (PDF). Lutra. 56 (2): 134. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
- ^ Reid, C. "Women unloading peats from kishie". Shetland Museum and Archives. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ^ Storey, B (1958–1960). "Pony". Shetland Museum and Archives. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
- ^ The Last Pony Mine, a documentary film, Les Benedict, director, Steve Knudston, producer, 1972. Available on Youtube in 3 parts part 1part 2part 3
- ^ "Shetland Pony Stud Book Society". Shetland Pony Stud Book Society. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
- ISBN 0751301159.
- ^ How did the German Classic Pony come about. German Classic Pony Society. Archived 5 November 2013.
- ISBN 9781780647944.
- ISBN 9780691167206.
- ^ "Just Racing". Just Racing. Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
- ^ "Ponies to guide the blind". BBC News. 1 June 2003. Retrieved 16 December 2011.