THE SHETLAND PONY 



Julia M. Wade, Lafayette, Ind. 



Secretary-Treasurer, American Shetlanrl Pony Club 

 ORIGIN 



The origin of the " right Shetland " — as a Shetlander calls a 

 pure-bred — is iiiiknowii, but the story is told that sometime in 

 the sixteenth century some ships of the Spanish Armada went 

 ashore on the islands leaving some fine horses belonging to the 

 Admiral's Stud. This cross, it is claimed, gave to the Shetland 

 much of its beauty and fleetness. 



CirARACTERISTICR 



By nature the Shetland has a remarkably good temperment, 

 a fact probably due to conditions in his native home, where he is 

 often about, or even in, the house or hut of his owner; or running 

 about with the children or house dog. 



He is a good traveler, patient, gentle and sure-footed as he 

 travels up and down miles of hills, carrying half his own weight 

 or more. The year around he I'uus over the hills, living, in many 

 cases, only on heather and whatever grass he may find. Very 

 little hay or grain, if any, is fed during the long cold winters. 



The mares seldom breed oftener than every alternate year, but 

 are good breeders to an advanced age. 



A pure-bred Shetland should measure not more than 42 inches. 

 He has a symmetrical head, rather small and fine, wide between 

 eyes which are clear ; ears are short and erect. He has a well- 

 rounded barrel ; short level back, and deep chest ; muscular, flat- 

 boned legs, and carries a heavy foretop, mane and tail. 



IMPORTATIONS 



The first Shetlands imported for breeding purposes were 

 brought into the United States in the early eighties, and during 

 the succeeding ten years the little animals became so popular that 

 their owners organized a club for the purpose of improving 

 the breed. Since this American Shetland Pony Club was organ- 

 ized about five hundred owners and breeders have become mem- 

 bers, and over sixteen thousand ponies have been registered in 

 the recognized studbook of the club. 



[67] 



