30 Animal Husbandry 
38. The Shetland pony. — This, the smallest of all ponies, is 
in many respects the most important. In England and other 
countries, this breed has been used extensively in the coal mines, 
while in America it is practically restricted to the use of children, 
for which it has no equal. The native home of this breed, the 
Shetland Islands, is situated to the north of Scotland, from which 
it is separated by about two hundred miles of very rough and 
dangerous sea. The climate is cold and the forage scant. 
Fic. 14. — Shetland ponies. 
In general form the Shetland pony resembles a diminutive 
draft horse. The best specimens are compact in build, having 
small head and ears, short muscular neck, full chest, deep body, 
broad back, heavy muscular quarters, and short legs. The temper 
is very mild and the disposition cannot be improved upon (Fig. 14). 
39. Welsh pony compared with the Shetland. — The former is 
the larger and more upstanding. The general conformation of 
the Welsh pony resembles that of the light type, in fact, Thorough- 
bred and Arabian horses have been used in the improvement of 
the breed. The Welsh pony, because of its more active tempera- 
ment, is not so desirable for children’s uses as the Shetland. 
40. Arabian and Hackney ponies. — The history and descrip- 
tion of these ponies are similar to those of the Arab and Hackney 
