Are American Shetland Ponies a rare breed?

Introduction: The American Shetland Pony

The American Shetland Pony is a small, sturdy breed of horse that originated in the United States. They are known for their hardiness, agility, and gentle temperament, and are popular among both children and adults for riding and driving. Although they share a similar name with the Shetland Ponies of Scotland, the American Shetland Pony is a distinct breed that was developed in the U.S. in the early 20th century.

History of the American Shetland Pony

The American Shetland Pony was developed from a variety of pony breeds that were brought to the United States, including the Shetland Pony, the Welsh Pony, and the Hackney Pony. These ponies were crossbred to create a smaller, more refined pony that was well-suited for driving and riding. The breed was officially recognized in 1908, and a breed registry was established in 1911.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the American Shetland Pony was extremely popular, with thousands of ponies being bred and sold each year. They were used for a variety of purposes, including driving, riding, and as show ponies. However, the breed’s popularity began to decline after World War II, and by the 1960s, their numbers had decreased significantly. Today, the breed is considered rare, with only a few thousand purebred American Shetland Ponies left in the world.