Shetland Islands - Ponies

One kind of animal native to the Shetlands has become famous throughout the world: the rather unkempt looking Shetland pony which has inhabited the islands since at least Viking times. In the mid-19th century these tough, short-legged animals were found to be ideal as beasts of burden in British coal mines and also as a work horse for Scottish crofters. Now these small ponies which attain a shoulder height of between 27in/70cm and 43in/110cm are favorites with children - but feeding the wild ponies is strictly forbidden. Riding and pony trekking on the other hand is a popular pursuit on the Shetlands.