The Shetland Pony originates from the Shetland Islands north of Scotland. This pony's ancestors have been around since before the arrival of the Celtic Pony; in which they eventually crossed with as well as ponies from Scandinavia. Their plentiful numbers on the islands suddenly changed in the 1800's when Parliament prohibited children from working in the mines. So, the Shetland Pony took their place due to their small, compact stature. They soon became high in demand for work in other mines. The ones that remained on the islands were used to carry peat with a special pack saddle called the Klibber. They are also favored for driving and first mounts for children. Shetland Ponies have been exported all over the world. In the U.S.A., lives a leaner version of the Shetland Pony.
The height ranges up to 10.2hh (42"). Their colors include all solid colors - including dilutes. They also exhibit all the KIT Mutation genes (Tobiano, Frame, Splash, and Roan). Their most exclusive color that only is present in their breed is Mushroom (pictured above). The base color for Mushroom is surprisingly Chestnut. It is also recessive, so in order to get one through breeding, both parents would have to be Mushrooms or carriers.
Breyerfest 2020 Online Auction model Lot #2 is a Traditional Glossy Silver Bay (does occur in breed) Tobiano Shetland Pony.
(***picture coming soon***)
Resources:
"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks
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