The Shetland pony is one of the smallest horse breeds and has been in the Netherlands for well over a hundred years, writes the Nederlands Shetland Pony Stamboek (NSPS, the Dutch Shetland Pony Studbook). This guide covers origin, studbook, appearance, temperament, and points to watch for health and feeding. To compare breeds, read best horse breeds for beginners.
The Breed at a Glance
| Item | Shetland pony |
|---|---|
| Origin | The Shetland Islands, north of Scotland |
| Studbook | Nederlands Shetland Pony Stamboek (NSPS), founded in 1937 |
| Height at the withers | Maximum 105 cm at three years, maximum 107 cm from four years |
| Color | All pony colors, except Appaloosa markings |
| Trait | Thick winter coat, long mane and tail, hardy |
Origin
The Shetland Islands lie about two hundred kilometers north of Scotland. It is cold and windy there and almost nothing edible grows, writes the NSPS. A pony that survives there is tough, hardy, and strong, and small, because there is little food. For protection against rain, wind, and cold, the pony grows a very thick coat in winter. In the Netherlands the Shetland pony originally arrived as a replacement for the cart-pulling dog.
Studbook and Papers
The NSPS was founded on October 23, 1937 and has just under 2,300 members. The studbook says it is the largest Shetland studbook in the world. It is on the list of studbook associations recognized by the RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency), version of June 18, 2026.
The NSPS keeps a Foal Book (Veulenboek) and a Studbook (Stamboek). Ponies aged three and older can be presented for studbook inspection. An inspector assesses type and movement, measures the pony, and a vet examines it. According to the regulations, ponies with hereditary defects go into category C. Always ask about the papers when buying: what a studbook paper tells you is explained in reading KWPN studbook papers. Every horse or pony must be microchipped and have a passport, writes the LICG (Landelijk Informatiecentrum Gezelschapsdieren, the Dutch national pet information center), but a passport is not proof of ownership. See also the horse passport and chip.
Appearance and Height
The NSPS measures the pony without shoes from withers to ground. If the pony wears shoes, 1 cm is deducted. The size groups are:
- mini size: up to and including 86 cm;
- small size: 87 to 92 cm;
- medium size: 93 to 98 cm;
- large size: 99 to 107 cm.
The regulations also describe a small head with small, upright ears, a broad muzzle with large nostrils, and dark, intelligent eyes. The hooves are hard and round. In winter the pony has a thick coat; the summer coat is short with a silky sheen. The mane and tail are long, straight, and abundant all year. The regulations name vitality, stamina, and robustness as essential traits.
Temperament and Uses
The NSPS calls the Shetland versatile. It was used as a replacement for the cart-pulling dog and as a pack animal and is now mainly a recreational pony, also in carriage driving and in dressage and jumping competitions for children. The studbook also organizes agility, long-reining, and the ABOP, the Algemeen Bruikbaarheids Onderzoek (general suitability test) for horses and ponies, which tests natural aptitude under saddle or in harness. The NSPS calls it especially suitable as a child's first riding pony, because its small size inspires confidence in young children.
That is the studbook's own view. Temperament differs per pony, and a child must fit the pony in height and weight; see maximum rider weight and buying a first pony for your child.
Health and Feeding
The Shetland is very hardy, writes the NSPS, and can stay outside all year without a problem if it has a dry, sheltered spot. According to the LICG, ponies generally need less concentrate feed than horses.
That is also where the risk lies. Breeds that adapt well to food-poor conditions get into trouble when kept year-round in a food-rich environment, writes the Utrecht University Animal Hospital (UDI, Universitair Dierenziekenhuis) on its page on Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). The UDI names the Shetland as an example. At least half of the horses and ponies with laminitis have EMS or PPID (Cushing's), writes the UDI. The UDI advises letting a horse graze only a limited amount on a "rich" pasture, closing the feed bin firmly, and having an overweight horse lose weight slowly and with the vet. More in EMS in horses, laminitis, assessing your horse's weight, and turnout and outdoor living.
At studbook inspection, the NSPS checks for hereditary defects, including the teeth (overbite and underbite) and the knees. A pre-purchase exam is still wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does a Shetland get?
According to the NSPS, at most 105 cm at three years and 107 cm from four years, measured without shoes. The studbook divides them into four size groups.
Can a Shetland stay outside all year?
Yes, writes the NSPS, provided it has a dry, sheltered spot.
Is a Shetland a good first pony for a child?
The studbook calls it especially suitable as a first riding pony. Temperament differs per pony, so have an instructor watch.
What should I watch for in feeding?
Weight and grass. The UDI names the Shetland as a breed that easily gets fat in a food-rich environment, with a risk of EMS and laminitis.
What does a Shetland cost?
For a first pony, the LICG names prices from a few hundred euros (a Shetland) to several thousand euros. The price depends on breed, papers, age, experience, temperament, and training.
In Short
The Shetland is a small, hardy pony of at most 107 cm from the Shetland Islands, with a Dutch studbook since 1937. It is versatile and, according to the studbook, suitable as a first child's pony, although temperament differs per pony. Watch weight and grass: a hardy pony gets fat quickly on rich feed, which raises the risk of EMS and laminitis.
Sources (verified November 2, 2026): NSPS: De Shetland pony · NSPS: Statuten en reglementen · NSPS: Stamboekreglement (version November 29, 2025) · NSPS: Stamboekopname · NSPS: Sport en recreatie, ABOP · RVO: List of studbook associations for purebred breeding animals (horses and donkeys: version June 18, 2026) · Utrecht University Animal Hospital: Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) · Utrecht University Animal Hospital: Laminitis · LICG: Paard
See also: Best Horse Breeds for Beginners · Buying a First Pony for Your Child · Welsh Pony Breed Profile · EMS in Horses · Laminitis in Horses · Reading KWPN Studbook Papers · Glossary A to Z · Level: Getting Started · Level: Considering Your Own Horse