Canadian Shetland Breed Standards

Registered Shetland ponies have been raised and trained in Canada for more than a century. The original Canadian registry is derived from ponies imported from Great Britain. The origins of the breed are lost in time, but it is known that they were the primary pack and saddle animal of the Shetland Islands. The harsh environment of these islands brought about the sturdy animal we have today. In recent times they have been referred to as “pit ponies” but their history in the mines is very recent. Only after 1847 were they employed to replace children in British mines.

REGISTERED SHETLAND PONIES

To be recognized as a purebred any “Shetland Pony” must be registered with the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation and must meet current breed standards. Its Sire and Dam must be recorded in the Canadian Pony Stud Book. If from an imported animal, that registry must be recognized by the Canadian Pony Society and must show at least four successive generations of registry on both sire and dam side. Ponies registered with Section B of the American Shetland Pony Club Stud Book are not eligible for registry. Canadian Shetlands must be between 28 and 44 inches in height.

BREED STANDARDS FOR CANADIAN SHETLAND PONIES

Height must be between 28 and 44 inches at the wither

Ponies can be any colour except spotted including but not limited to black, chestnut, grey, bay , dun, blue roan, piebald (black and white) or skewbald (any color and white)

Head is of medium size with a slightly dished face and a strong, well shaped muzzle. Ears are medium and the eye is large and kindly

Coat is thick with a heavy mane and tail

Legs are strong with active action and long stride

Preferred ponies are slightly lighter boned with a free moving action