The New Zealand

Shetland Pony Breeders' Society (Inc.)

  • The Shetland Grand National is travelling to HOY (Horse of the Year) in Hamilton
    Shetland Steeplechase in action!
  • Click here to edit title.
    Our very own Lesley Lewis winner of the 2019 Dakins Ambassador of the year for her 20 years of running the Shetland Steeplechase at the NZ Agricultural Show. Well deserved Lesley!
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Lesley Lewis (NZ Agricultural Show 2019 Ambassador of the Year winner) and the Shetland Steeplechase team are heading to HOY and need your support!

The Horse of the Year is on again at the Hawkes Bay Showgrounds in Hastings from the 12th - 17th of March and Lesley Lewis has been invited to attend with the Shetland Steeplechase team. This is not a cheap exercise, with travel and accommodation for the riders, their parents and not to mention Lesley and the ponies. There has been some very generous sponsorship but there are still expenses that need to be covered. Donations can be made to 03 0802 0899169 000  (HOY Steeplechase 2019) and feel free to use your name or company as a reference.

The Society

The New Zealand Shetland Pony Breeders Society  Inc was established in 1979.

The aims of the Society are to:

  • Maintain the register of Purebred Shetland ponies in New Zealand
  • Promote the Shetland Pony
  • Provide information to breeders, owners and anyone interested in the Shetland Pony

The Shetland Pony

The Shetland Pony is the smallest of the British Native ponies.  They are native to the Shetland Isles off the Northern coast of Scotland, where they have roamed the hills for more than 2000 years. The Islands are frequently subjected to fierce gales, rain and sleet with temperatures little above freezing. Over the centuries, the ponies have evolved characteristics such as the ability to eat seaweed, salty grasses and even drink salt water. They also possess larger nasal cavities than other breeds, which has the effect of warming the freezing air before it reaches the lungs.


The Crofters on the Islands used the ponies to carry peat and for transport. They were an essential part of everyday life. The Shetland Pony is most renowned for their role as Pit Ponies in the coal mines of England. In 1870 Lord Londonderry founded the Londonderry Stud to breed ponies for the mines. Many ponies from this stud were sold to studs on the mainland and the ancestors of these ponies were exported all over the world, including New Zealand.


Today the breed is well established in New Zealand, with the Shetland Pony proving to be very popular with both children and adults. Shetland Ponies are known for their intelligence, wisdom and strength. It is often said that they may be small in stature, but have the courage and confidence of a horse many times their size.

Burravoe Champions

Duncree Sir Shiloh at full speed

Something catches the eye of Cotswold Andross