Welsh Pony and Shetland Pony

The Welsh pony of today is an animal of great beauty and refinement.  He has a proud, aristocratic bearing yet he has the substance, stamina and soundness of body and wind which are characteristic of animals that long have lived close to nature.  Their original home was the hills and valleys of Wales and was there before the Romans.  His lot was not easy as winters were severe, vegetation was sparse, shelter was an isolated valley or a clump of bare trees.  Yet, the Welsh pony managed not only to survive but to flourish.

The Shetland is, perhaps, the oldest breed of horse in Britain.  It originated on Shetland Island, lying off the northern coast of Scotland which has a harsh climate and is mostly barren.  Because of the elements, it developed thick hair, a long mane and forelocks.  It stands on an average of 9.3 hands (1 hand equals 4 inches) and does not exceed 10.2 hands.  It is recognized as the strongest Equid relative to size in existence.  The Shetland is very gentle and docile.