JANUARY 1997 BACK ISSUE
Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 1/1/97; 10:00:00 AM.
The American Shetland Pony Today
A Real Equine Treasure...
The Shetland Pony could be considered one of the most popular pony breeds in the United States today by the breed's presence in the show ring, its honor as a "pet" or children's pony, its use as a working pony and success in the sale ring.
However, many folks in the equine world and general public don't know anything about the Shetland Pony, other than the picture of the wooly, ill-tempered Shetland often found in story books. They are missing out on the simply wonderful world of the American Shetland Pony of today!
Registered Sheltands in the United States are governed by the American Shetland Pony Club in Peoria, Illinois, which has registered more than 150,000 ponies and thousands of individuals and families as members.
The Shetland Pony is very versatile and can fit well into a show ring or the back yard as a pet. There are two kinds or types of true Shetland's, the Classic and the Modern.
The Classic American Shetland Pony
The Classic American Shetland carries the classic beauty of a time honored breed. No Shetland should exceed 46" and most Classics fall well below this maximum. With time they have become more refined than their stocky ancestors in the Shetland Islands. They have substance, muscle and bone, but not coarse. A certain amount of refinement about the ears, throatlatch, neck and prominent eyes all contribute to its beauty. They come in many colors, solid or mixed. By nature, they are known to be docile and gentle and because of their personalities, these elegant ponies are extremely versatile. They are used as a child's pet to ride or drive, as working ponies in teams and in the show ring. Shown in hand, driven in pleasure, hitch and carriage. In obstacle, jumping and under saddle in pleasure, rein or parade classes. They are ridden by children in lead line and for them in costume classes. The Classic Shetland Pony can become a Life Long friend to children and adults and for all their reasons they are presently growing in popularity and will continue to flourish as more people find out about this versatile and beautiful breed.
The Modern American Shetland
The Modern American Shetland is more refined and animated than the Classic pony. The Modern combines the historic handiness of the Classic with a small outcross of an animated and superiorly refined pony breed, such as the Hackney Pony, to achieve such refinement and action. They are long-necked and fine-boned and have a distinct, spirited personality that lends itself well to the show ring. Modern Shetland's come in any color, solid or mixed, are neat and well-made and should not be bigger than 46". Modern's are shown in two height divisions, under 43" and 43" to 46". They are shown in breeding/ halter classes, in performance classes which include roadster, fine harness and pleasure driving. They should have good conformation, high, easy action, airy and freely coordinated on all four corners of the pony. A good headset, superb carriage and high action most often define a great Modern Pony. The spirited Modern show pony is well-suited for a professional horseman, but if well-trained, can also do well for the amateur lady and youth exhibitors. Given their desire to please and perform, Moderns also make ideal pleasure, endurance or show carriage driving ponies. This is a show persons pony and, although, Moderns may require the extra care of a show horse, they are to many people worth such maintenance with their high-stepping action. They bring energy, style and pizzazz to the show ring.
Lastly, Shetland Ponies are usually found in our memories as short, hairy "Thelwellian" little critters. Whatever your thoughts of the Shetland Pony good or bad, look into him again, because he is truly a loving freind for every member of the family! The aging horse persons who look to a future of leaving their large equines behind them because of physical deficiencies need not leave their equine friends because the beautiful Classic and Modern Shetland Pony is here to make all the members of the family happy again, from Grandpa to Grandma, to the grandkids. The Shetland Pony is Great! They are available now at affordable prices. Shetland breeders - owners are here to help and support your family to learn more about the fascinating world of the American Shetland Pony. Breeders are listed in this publication or you can contact the American Shetland Pony Club, 6748 N. Frostwood Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615. 309-691-9661.
