With the exception of certain dwarf ponies resulting from genetic mutation, the Shetland is the smallest breed of horse. The
average height is about 102 cm (40 inches; unlike other horses, Shetlands are not measured in hands)
. Maximum height is 117 cm.
How big is a standard Shetland?
The Shetland pony is a Scottish breed of pony originating in the Shetland Isles in the north of Scotland. It may stand
up to 107 cm (42 in) at the withers
. It has a heavy coat and short legs, is strong for its size, and is used for riding, driving, and pack purposes.
How much does a standard Shetland weigh?
The weight of a Shetland pony depends on its height but generally is
around 400 to 450 pounds
.
How many hands is a standard Shetland?
The average height of the pure Shetland may be said to be
nine to ten hands
.
How big should a Shetland stable be?
The height of the stable should be
9 – 11 feet
, with a minimum of 3ft clearance of the roof, so you must also consider the height of the stable, and any low beams or light fixtures that could pose a problem.
How much weight can a Shetland pony carry?
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.
How heavy is a mini Shetland?
A small or miniature Shetland pony, like Honeybee, Dinky and Snowdrop should weigh
around 120 kg
. Midi Shetland ponies such as Toffee should weigh about 150kg. Larger standard Shetland ponies, like Gordon and Teddy Bear should weigh about 180kg – 200kg.
How tall do Shetland ponies get?
With the exception of certain dwarf ponies resulting from genetic mutation, the Shetland is the smallest breed of horse. The average height is about 102 cm (40 inches; unlike other horses, Shetlands are not measured in hands).
Maximum height is 117 cm
. Most colours, including spotting, are found.
Do Shetland ponies need to be ridden?
From the age of 21⁄2 years old most children have the
core strength to sit upright
and enjoy a ride on a miniature Shetland pony, on the lead rein. Children can keep riding the larger Standards Shetland ponies until they are about 12 years old.
What is the maximum height for a horse registered in the American Shetland Pony Club in hands?
The Shetland pony is a breed of pony originating in the Shetland Isles. Shetlands range in size from a minimum height of approximately 28 inches (7.0 hands; 71 cm) to an official maximum height of 11 hands (44 inches, 112 cm
) at the withers (11.2 hands (46 inches, 117 cm)
for American Shetlands).
Why are Shetland ponies so small?
The ponies however were
not small due to sparse living conditions
but rather it was the small pony that was able to survive this, whereas larger horses did not. Shetlands bred in milder climates which are given ample food do not increase in size at all.
What is the average lifespan of a Shetland pony?
Life Expectancy
Shetland Ponies live an average of
20-25 years
.
How much does it cost to keep a Shetland pony a year?
Veterinary costs are rare if you look after your ponies well. So total cost of keeping a mini Shetland pony for a year is
approximately £140 – £200 excluding
vet fees which are rare. This is actually cheaper than keeping most dogs if you have a large garden or some grassland.
How big should a stable be for a 16hh horse?
In general the BHS suggest a minimum size of
12′ x 12′
for horses up to 16.2hh and 14′ x 12′ as a minimum for larger horses, ponies can have a slightly smaller space around 10′ x 12′.
What Should I Feed My Shetland?
Nutritional Needs
Ponies need only the fraction of the feed that horses do. Hay for ponies should be
good quality grass hay
. Your pony probably won't need the nutrition provided by alfalfa and clovers. These fodders, which are more energy and nutrient dense than many grass hay, are often too rich for a pony.
