American Shetland
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The American Shetland is a breed of horse bred in the United States, based on Shetlands imported to the United States in the 19th century.
[edit] History
Shetlands were first imported to the United States in 1885 by Eli Elliot. These formed the basis for the American Shetland. The breeding of the ponies was mainly centered in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa.
In 1888, the American Shetland Pony Club was formed and now has two studbooks: Division A and Division B. Division A is to register ponies with 12.5% or less outcross Shetlands, and Division B is open to any pony with 12.5% or more outcross blood from either Hackney pony, Welsh, or Harness Show Pony. Foundation Certification is also available for ponies from 4 generations of Division A breeding.
[edit] Breed Characteristics
The American Shetland is extremely versatile, ideal for harness work, although excellent children's ponies. They can be seen show jumping, showing Western or English, performing dressage, competing in gymkhana or racing in harness, and at Halter.
The ponies are full of character, and section "B" ponies resemble a Hackney in build and stance with a Shetland's endurance, hardiness, and luxurious mane and tail.
The ponies have intelligent and fine heads, often long and not the typical pony-shape. They have muscular, arched necks carried similarly as a Hackney. The breed tends to be long and narrow through the back, with broad and muscular hindquarters and high withers. The shoulder has good slope, allowing for their extravagant action. They are generally long in the leg, with long cannons, and have the Hackney stance with hind legs stretched out behind them.
Any color other than appaloosa is accepted. The ponies may stand up to 11.2 hands high.