American Shetland Pony

American Shetland ponies are a United States show and driving development from imported Shetland pony stock, later refined with influences such as Hackney and other light harness breeds. Compared with the old island pony, many American lines are taller, leggier, and more animated, with divisions that range from compact Classic and Foundation types to the sharper, high-stepping Modern show pony. They may appear in many coat colors and patterns, but the breed is best recognized by its small size, bright carriage, and ring presence.

People keep American Shetlands for youth showing, pleasure driving, in-hand classes, breeding programs, and companion roles where a smaller equine still needs real training and handling. Their size can make them economical to house, but they are still ponies, so turnout, hoof care, dental work, and careful feeding matter, especially for animals prone to easy weight gain. Buyers usually look closely at temperament, division type, movement, and registration fit rather than color alone.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grey, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White