462 



BRITISH AND IRISH HORSES. 



Gaelic word, gearran, and in olden times meant a strong 

 horse or sturdy hack. It is now applied only to worth- 

 less horses or ponies. 



The Shetland Pony (Figs. 282, 321, and 479) 

 has its home in the Shetland Islands, which are to the 

 north-east of Scotland, and are about 360 geographical 



Phoio by] [C. Reid, Wishaw. 



Fig. 477. — Mr. John Gilmour's Clydesdale mare, Moss Rose. 



miles distant from the Arctic circle. It usually stands 

 from 9 hands to 10.2, which is the limit of height, according 

 to the Shetland Pony Stud Book. The Sheltie appears to 

 have been smaller formerly than he is now, for Youatt, 

 writing seventy years ago, says that this pony " is very 

 diminutive ; sometimes not more than seven hands and 

 a half in height, and rarely exceeding nine and a half. . . . 

 These ponies possess immense strength for their size ; will 

 fatten upon almost anything ; and are prefectly docile. 



