American Shetland Pony of Australia

Beauty...Conformation..
Versatility...Substance...Style.

The Classic American Shetland embodies all of these qualities and more!

Classics (as Classic American Shetlands are often called) carry the ageless beauty and grace of a time-honored and well-crafted breed. Their heritage spans three centuries while their future is unlimited. The vaunted history of ASPC and its ponies date back to the 1800s when Shetlands were first imported into the United States from the Shetland Isles.

 From the very beginning, those Shetlands were selectively bred to improve the pony and create a truly American breed. Today's Classic American Shetland is a testament to the look, conformation and style honed in the American Shetland since those first days.

In general, Classic American Shetland Ponies are a refined version of both the British Shetland and their early American ancestors. With well-planned, selective breeding and cultivation for more than 120 years, the result is an appealing pony that continues to grow in popularity. This breed is often regarded for their outstanding toplines, well-made bodies and refinement about the ears, head and throatlatch.

Classics will generally have more substance than the ultra-refined Modern and less animation. Still, Classics are never coarse, are usually exceptionally conformed and should move with beauty and style. Short, sharp erect ears, prominent eyes and a refined jaw all contribute to the Classic Shetland's allure. Today, both stately, solid-colored Shetlands and fancy, spotted animals are both popular. Shetlands can be any color except appaloosa.

Height
No American Shetland should exceed 46" at the withers, and Classics may fall well below this maximum. Early in their history, American Shetlands sometimes matured under the 38" height limit of today's miniature horse and many continue to do so presently. At ASPC-rated shows, height divisions are offered to allow for appropriate competition.

Larger Classics approaching the 46" limit are the perfect-sized starter pony for children. From their early history of pulling ore carts in coal mines, Shetlands have retained an innate driving ability and their popularity as a driving pony for children and adults alike continues to expand - for pleasure at home, in the show ring, or in competitive driving events.

PUREBRED AMERICAN SHETLAND (ASPA) MEASUREMENT STANDARDS

To be measured from the highest point of the wither from their 1st August birth date 

“UNDER” Category Height for Age Requirements 
WEANLINGS - Horses up to and not including 12 months of age shall not exceed 38” in height  
YEARLINGS - Horses 12 months up to and not including 24 months of age shall not exceed 40” in height  
TWO YEAR OLDS - Horses 24 months up to and not including 36 months of age shall not exceed 41” in height 
MATURE HORSES - Horses 36 months and over shall not exceed 42” in height

“OVER” Category Height for Age Requirements (ASPA)
WEANLINGS - Horses up to and not including 12 months of age shall not exceed 40” in height 
YEARLINGS - Horses 12 months up to and not including 24 months of age shall not exceed 42” in height  
TWO YEAR OLDS - Horses 24 months up to and not including 36 months of age shall not exceed 44” in height 
MATURE HORSES - Horses 36 months and over shall not exceed 46” in height