The American Shetland
Unlike the Traditional Shetland Pony that many Australians are familiar with The American Shetland
Pony are far more refined, elegant and athletic in style.
This breed's ancestry dates back to the Shetland Isles. Brought to the United States in the 1800's, the
original pony's were selectively bred and crossed with bloodlines of the Hackney pony, Arabian and
a small amount of Thoroughbred blood to produce this rather distinct conformation.
They typically have a long slender neck , high wither, refined body with a narrow back, strong
muscular hindquarter and a well sloped shoulder allowing for extravagant movement.
In 1888, The American Shetland Pony Club was formed to preserve the bloodlines of the popular
Shetland Pony.
The American Shetland Pony Club recognizes two distinct types of Shetland Ponies -
1.The Classic Shetland Pony- an elegant pony that commonly reflects the beauty and style of the
Arabian Horse and Welsh Pony with a pretty head, short, sharp, erect ears, prominent eyes, a refined
throat latch and neck with a body that has substance and muscle carried by a super fine bone
structure making them far from coarse.
They have an animated and alert disposition, and free flowing ground covering movement.
2. The Modern Shetland Pony - are result of crossing the classic shetland and the hackney pony.
This cross-produced a long shapely neck and fine boned sophisticated pony with extreme,
high-stepping action and a spirited personality that lends itself well to the show ring.
A good headset, superb carriage and high action most often define a great Modern Shetland
performance pony.
They are best known for their high action and excel in performance divisions.
Height Standards -
Both the Classic and Modern Shetland have a height limit of 46"
The Modern Shetland are shown in two height categories - Under 43" and 43" to 46"
The Classic Shetland has one category of up to 46" but most fall well below this maximum, making
them a more compatible choice to cross with the Miniature Horse.
Pony are far more refined, elegant and athletic in style.
This breed's ancestry dates back to the Shetland Isles. Brought to the United States in the 1800's, the
original pony's were selectively bred and crossed with bloodlines of the Hackney pony, Arabian and
a small amount of Thoroughbred blood to produce this rather distinct conformation.
They typically have a long slender neck , high wither, refined body with a narrow back, strong
muscular hindquarter and a well sloped shoulder allowing for extravagant movement.
In 1888, The American Shetland Pony Club was formed to preserve the bloodlines of the popular
Shetland Pony.
The American Shetland Pony Club recognizes two distinct types of Shetland Ponies -
1.The Classic Shetland Pony- an elegant pony that commonly reflects the beauty and style of the
Arabian Horse and Welsh Pony with a pretty head, short, sharp, erect ears, prominent eyes, a refined
throat latch and neck with a body that has substance and muscle carried by a super fine bone
structure making them far from coarse.
They have an animated and alert disposition, and free flowing ground covering movement.
2. The Modern Shetland Pony - are result of crossing the classic shetland and the hackney pony.
This cross-produced a long shapely neck and fine boned sophisticated pony with extreme,
high-stepping action and a spirited personality that lends itself well to the show ring.
A good headset, superb carriage and high action most often define a great Modern Shetland
performance pony.
They are best known for their high action and excel in performance divisions.
Height Standards -
Both the Classic and Modern Shetland have a height limit of 46"
The Modern Shetland are shown in two height categories - Under 43" and 43" to 46"
The Classic Shetland has one category of up to 46" but most fall well below this maximum, making
them a more compatible choice to cross with the Miniature Horse.
- More Information on Buckeye WCF Classical Double Take -
Double Take is a Classical American Shetland.
Like many Classic shetland's he shows the beautiful traits of the Arabian horse found in his heritage.
With a his stunning exotic head, long well defined neck, super fine bone structure and movement
that takes your breath away.
Because he stands at only 36" tall he is Registered in a number of society's -
ASPC - American Shetland Pony Society
AMHR - American Miniature Horse Registry (this was the original miniature horse registry for the
USA and Like our MHAA, they have two height category's -
A grade (up to 34") and B grade (up to 38").
MHAA - Miniature Horse Association of Australia (small horse)
IMHR - Independent Miniature Horse Registry (small horse).
Double Take is not eligible for registration in the AMHA as they only allow horses up to 34" tall.
Like many Classic shetland's he shows the beautiful traits of the Arabian horse found in his heritage.
With a his stunning exotic head, long well defined neck, super fine bone structure and movement
that takes your breath away.
Because he stands at only 36" tall he is Registered in a number of society's -
ASPC - American Shetland Pony Society
AMHR - American Miniature Horse Registry (this was the original miniature horse registry for the
USA and Like our MHAA, they have two height category's -
A grade (up to 34") and B grade (up to 38").
MHAA - Miniature Horse Association of Australia (small horse)
IMHR - Independent Miniature Horse Registry (small horse).
Double Take is not eligible for registration in the AMHA as they only allow horses up to 34" tall.
Information and History ...