A short broad back and deep girth are universal characteristics, as is a springy stride. It has a long thick mane and tail, and a dense double winter coat to withstand harsh weather. It may be of any known horse coat colour other than spotted. It is not unusual for a Shetland pony to live more than 30 years.

Originating in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, the breed is adapted to the islands’ harsh climate and scant food supply. Shetlands were used as pack horses and in about 1850 were taken to England to work in the coal mines.

Resilient and strong, Shetland ponies were used to pull carts and plow farmland, among other jobs. During the Industrial Revolution, they were sent down into mines to help haul coal. They also become popular companions for children, thanks to their gentle disposition and size.

Shetland Islands

Are Shetland ponies good pets? Yes, Shetland ponies can be good for children and make good outdoor pets, as long as you remember that they are horses, look after them correctly and meet their needs. Shetland ponies are very little and cute, and can be the perfect small child’s pony.

While ponies might demonstrate some aggressive behavior when wanting to assert their dominance or when they’re feeling threatened, they aren’t dangerous. In most cases, they demonstrate their aggressiveness through nipping. While this might be a shock, it won’t cause any severe harm.

The funny thing about shetlands is that they tend to only really bite the people who let them.

Adults can and do ride ponies, even shetlands.

The Shetland Pony is one of the most popular horse breeds, especially for children. Its gentle disposition makes it an ideal choice for young children who wish to have an equine companion and who are new to being around horses.

Keeping a Shetland pony is fairly similar to any other horse or pony—they require shelter, fresh water, forage, and possibly a concentrate for any vitamins or minerals they may be missing in their diet. What is a Shetland Pony?

20-25 years.

Typically, children up to the age of 12 ride 12.2hh ponies, at age 12 to 16 years they ride 14.2hh ponies, and then from 16 and up they move onto horses. If your child isn’t the tallest or strongest rider, there’s the middle size of 13.2hh to consider too.

Here are the breeds we think are among the best for kids:

• American Quarter Horse.
• Arabian.
• Miniature Horse.
• Morgan.
• Pony of the Americas.
• Shetland Pony.
• Welsh Pony.
• Grade Horse.

Older kids and young adults can care for a horse, to a bigger or lesser degree depending on their age. Depending on maturity, I would say that around 8 or 10 they can start basic care. The main issue here is you need to make the commitment to go and take care of the horse every day, or at least most days.

At Shetland Pony Club the minimum age you can ride a Shetland pony is 2 years and 6 months old. Children can keep riding the larger Standards Shetland ponies until they are about 12 years old. So, there is a decade of fun in Shetland ponies for children from age 2½ to 12 years old.

The general weight bearing limit for equines is around 20% of the horse’s body weight. Shetland ponies weigh between 200-500 pounds, so a large Shetland shouldn’t have a rider heavier than 100 pounds, saddle included. They’re only able to carry a child or a small, slim adult, like a jockey.

The age at which your child starts riding can vary, depending on the child’s size and maturity. Generally, however, most instructors require children to be at least seven years old before accepting them into a lesson program.

Most Shetland ponies weigh between 180 and 200 kilos (400 to 450 lbs) as mentioned above, and so the maximum weight they can carry by the rule of thumb is between 36 and 40 kilograms (80 to 90 lbs). For its size, the Shetland is the strongest of all horse and pony breeds.

Is There a Weight Limit for Riding Horses? Though there is no set weight limit, few horses can safely carry more than 300 pounds. Some riding facilities will set weight limits to ensure the safety of the horses and riders.

Many equestrians follow the 20% rule of thumb. They believe that a horse or pony can safely carry up to 20% of his body weight. A mule (which is a particularly strong cross between a horse and a donkey) is often used as a pack animal, and is well-suited for carrying heavy loads.