Merkisayre Dion the Shetland pony. Shetland ponies are an ancient breed, with remains of small ponies being found on the Shetland Isles dating to 2000 years ago! The remoteness of Shetland meant that very few horses were imported which has kept the breed pure. The lack of available fodder (especially in the winter) made these ponies extremely hardy, strong, and resilient - it also possibly accounts for their small stature (which would need less energy than a larger animal). Like a lot of the UK breeds, they can turn to seaweed in times of scarce food - in fact all the Scottish pony breeds often lunge at the chance to forage seaweed. Shetland ponies an important part of life on these islands and the crofts people lived and worked on. From transporting fertilisers like seaweed and peat, ploughing, and transporting people. They have legendary strength and are the strongest horse breed relative to its size - they can pull nearly twice their own weight!
Shetland ponies also became very in demand as pit ponies - in fact many of the best Shetlands were exported to the mainland and there was a risk that the best stock may be lost to the islands if it carried on. Some of these ponies were reimported to Shetland to keep the breed quality high. Today the Shetland pony is immensely popular all around the world. The Royal family have a great fondness for them that started with Queen Victoria. Perhaps the success in popularity of the Shetland pony is the great love and pride many people in Shetland have for them. I have never travelled to a place where a breed originated to see so much merchandise and physical ponies in fields. In my opinion this is how we should see all of our breeds - a part of our heritage that should be celebrated and preserved. - Ruth on the Hoof
