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SHETLAND PONY TYPES

Shetland pony breeders and owners distinguish between two types of the breed. They are the Classic and the Modern Shetland pony. The Classic type is the straight descendent of the horses originally bred in Great Britain. The Modern type has Hackney pony blood in it. It has a number of various uses and often serves as a show horse and a horse for children. However, some people state that this type of Shetland pony is too high strung and cannot rival the Classic Shetland ponies as a children's horse.
The Classic Shetland division is further broken down to include the Foundation Shetland pony and the Modern Shetland division is further broken down to include the Modern Pleasure pony.  The ASPC denotes bloodline on the animal's Registration papers by the inclusion of an ''A'' or ''B'' after the Registration number at the top of the papers.  Ponies with Hackney Pony background will have a ''B'' and must show in the Modern Shetland classes.  Otherwise, ponies with an ''A'' after their registration number must choose between Modern or Classic classes to show in depending on the physical TYPE the pony is.  Foundation ponies must first be verified by the ASPC, they must have all ''A'' papered ponies on their immediate pedigree shown.  With a small fee, a seal will be put on the pony's papers and your pony will then be Foundation sealed and able to show in Foundation Shetland classes.

The Foundation ponies reflect the animal on which the breed has been founded. They are more conservative in type and should exhibit slightly more bone and substance. Mares should appear a little more feminine and stallions should appear slightly masculine. The Foundation entry is shown in as natural a state as possible. A pony with the Foundation Seal can show in Foundation classes but may not be proper type if too extreme.

The Modern Shetland is a pony that blends the original Shetland pony type with the Hackney pony influence to create a strong, attractive pony that is refined with a lot of natural motion. The Modern is stylish with energy, animation, alertness, and presence. It is an agile, quick-thinking pony that is bred to perform.

The Modern Shetland can be broken down between Modern and Modern Pleasure. The difference between the ponies is physical type. The Modern Pleasure pony tends a little bit more towards the Classic type but is generally more extreme in type and motion. Modern ponies can have weighted shoes while Modern Pleasure ponies are shown barefoot or with light plates and pads only. Modern ponies have the option of showing with set tails while Modern Pleasure ponies cannot have set up tails. The Modern Pleasure pony generally does not have the high action of the Roadster or Harness pony and must display an absolutely agreeable attitude.

References:

http://www.blackdraft.com/typesofshetlands.htm

http://www.platteridgefarm.com/