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American Shetland




In 1888, the American Shetland Pony Club was formed and now has two studbooks: Division A and Division B. Division A is to register pure Shetlands , and Division B is open to any pony with one parent from Division A and the other either Hackney Pony , Welsh , or Harness show pony.

The American Shetland is extremely versatile, ideal for harness work, although excellent children's ponies. They can be seen Show Jumping , showing Western or English, performing Dressage , competing in gymkhana or racing in harness.


BREED CHARACTERISTICS

The ponies are full of character, and resemble a Hackney in build and stance with a Shetland's endurance, hardiness, and luxurious mane and tail.

The ponies have intelligent and fine heads, often long and not the typical pony-shape. They have muscular, arched necks carried similarly as a Hackney. The breed tends to be long and narrow through the back, with broad and muscular hindquarters and high withers. The shoulder has good slope, allowing for their extravagant action. They are generally long in the leg, with long cannons, and have the Hackney stance with hind legs stretched out behind them.

Any color is accepted. The ponies may stand up to 11.2 hands high.