Origins						
						
						Breeding centered in the state of Indiana after an influx of ponies were imported from the Scottish Shetland Islands starting in 1885.
  
The formation of the American Shetland Pony Club in 1888 started the selective breeding process that formed the Shetland Pony of today.
  
Within 50 years two distinct branches of the American Shetland emerged, the Pony of the Americas and the American Shetland.
  
Refined over the years, the Shetlands of today hardly resemble the hardy island ponies originally brought to North America from Scotland. Today the breeders have engineered a pony built for light driving and riding use.
  
Bloodlines were influenced by Hackney pony, Arabian and a small amount of Thoroughbred blood to produce a rather distinct confirmation.						 
						
						
						Features						
						
						Average height 11.2 hands
Hardy and robust pony roots
A result of controlled breeding
Versatile and useful						 
						
						
						Physique						
						
						Long head and ears with a straight profile
Notable lack of pony character
Deep chest
Luxurious mane and tail growth
Long hind legs						 
						
						
						Traditional Colors						
						
						All colors						 
						
						
						Temperament						
						
						Versatile and easygoing for a pony
Good under saddle
Good competitor
Built for driving						 
						
						
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