Animal
Shetland pony
A small horse from northern islands, equipped with a thick winter coat.
Content language
Shetland ponies originate from the Shetland Islands, north of mainland Britain. They are among the smallest pony breeds. An adult's small size is a feature of the breed, so a little pony should not be confused with the foal of a larger horse.
The coat changes through the year. In winter, the pony has a double coat whose outer hairs shed rain and help keep the skin dry. In summer, its coat becomes short and smooth. This seasonal change is part of its adaptation to the weather.
Small size came with strength useful to people. In the nineteenth century, Shetland ponies worked in mines, transport and farming. They were also ridden. The breed therefore has a much broader history than its present-day association with children's recreation suggests.
At Akcent ZOO, the pony enclosure covers 899 square metres and has a shelter. The mare Łaciatka, born right here, is part of the garden's history. Her local origins connect the story of the breed with Białystok's own breeding history.
For children
A Shetland pony can be small even when it is fully grown. Short stature is a feature of its breed. These horses come from the Shetland Islands, north of mainland Britain, where the weather calls for good protection from cold and rain.
In winter, a pony wears a thick double coat. The outer hairs help shed rain so that the skin stays dry. In summer, its coat is shorter and smoother. The same horse can therefore look different in the cold and warm parts of the year.
Although small, these ponies helped people with heavy work. In the nineteenth century, they were used in mines, transport and farming. At Białystok's zoo they have an enclosure with a shelter. The mare Łaciatka was born here. Her home connects the story of distant islands with that of the local zoo.
Question 1 of 2
Where does the Shetland pony originate?
- Location
- Enclosure no. 3