The New Zealand

Shetland Pony Breeders' Society (Inc.)

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    Our very own Lesley Lewis (pictured with her husband Paul 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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    Blue still determined to beat Burbury depsite having no rider! Horse of the Year 2019.
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    It's anybody's race! Horse of the Year 2019
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    Blue keeping up his winning streak! Horse of the Year 2019.
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    Horse of the Year 2019.
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    So much fun!! Horse of the Year 2019.
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    SOUTH ISLAND SHETLAND PONY BREED AND HARNESS SHOW 
    25th January 2020 at the Ellesmere A & P Shogrounds in Leeston. We hope to see you there. Entries close this Friday the 17th of January. Head to the "What's On" page to enter.
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Due to the COVID-19 situation the committee with heavy hearts wish to inform you that our AGM due to be scheduled for the weekend of 16th and 17th of May has been cancelled. We want to make sure everyone stays safe and well and we will look forward to seeing you all next year. We will update you on the details around the End of Year Awards and the voting for the 2020-2021 committee as these are worked out. We thank you for your patience at this time.

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