Black Shetland pony grazes in field

Shetland Pony

Overview

Woburn Safari Park is home to one Shetland pony named Holly; she is jet black in colour and has an impressive thick, bushy mane. She shares a paddock with two donkeys; you will find Holly and her friendly companions in the Animal Encounters section of the Foot Safari.

Black Shetland pony close up in snow

All about us

Distribution: Shetland Isles
Habitat: Open moorland
Height: 7 to 11.2 hands, (1 hand is equal to 10 cm)
Weight: 180 - 205 kg
Gestation Period: 11 months
Lifespan: 30 years

About us

Scientific name: Equus caballus

The Shetland pony is a small variety of horse. It has a stocky, muscular body and has short, strong legs. Shetlands have wide spaced eyes, small and alert ears and long full manes and tails. They grow a thick double coat in winter to withstand the harsh weather; their summer coat should be smooth and shiny in appearance.

Shetland ponies are herbivores. They eat grass, leaves, twigs, vines, and shrubs and various other plants. In captivity they are fed on a diet of hay and grass and are also provided with a mineral salt block. They will lick the mineral salt block when they are in need of extra minerals.

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Shetland Pony Facts

Shetland Pony is the smallest breed of ponies. At the same time, they’re one of the strongest members of the horse family, by a strength-to-size ratio.
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