Shetland Pony

Equus caballus

Description:

A Shetland pony is a minor variety of horse. It has a stocky, muscular body with a shaggy coat. The glaze tin come in a variety of colors, but the most mutual are shades of black and brown.

Size:

This type of pony weighs between 300 and 500 pounds (136.1-226.8). Shetland ponies stand no taller than 11.2 hands (46 inches/116.8 cm) at the withers (shoulders).

Adaptations:

  • Horses' large eyes are set on the side of their heads and then they tin can see most all the way around their bodies.
  • Horses' ears hinge separately so they can determine the exact location of a sound.
  • The strong legs of a horse enable information technology to run very quickly to escape predators.
  • The stocky opinion and certain-footedness of Shetland ponies historically made them useful for working in mines.

Nutrition:

At Cosley Zoo, the Shetland pony'south diet consists of a commercial equine nutrition and hay.

Reproduction:

Ponies have a gestation period of 11 months. One baby (foal) is born at a time. Twins are possible but quite uncommon. A healthy foal can stand up an hour subsequently information technology is born. Foals are left with their mothers until they are 4-five months of age, at which fourth dimension they are weaned.

Shelter and infinite needs:

Although they can tolerate common cold weather condition adequately well, horses exercise demand shelter from the wind and rain. During the mean solar day, Cosley Zoo's horses share an outdoor yard. They are brought indoors during the day in the case of extreme weather conditions such equally heavy pelting or lightning. Each evening the horses are led into their individual stalls inside the barn to spend the night.

Life expectancy:

Shetland ponies live an average of xx-25 years.

Relationship with man:

Known to exist pocket-sized and hardy, Shetland ponies were developed for utilise in coal mines to pull heavy loads in very pocket-sized spaces. Today, Shetland ponies are often used equally companion animals for children because of their easygoing nature. They are also used as prove animals.

Fun Facts:

  • The Shetland pony was originally developed in the Shetland Islands most 100 miles north of Scotland.
  • Ponies, along with other types of horses, can sleep standing upward, and ofttimes practice.
  • The height of a equus caballus is measured in easily. Originally a "hand" was equal to the width of a man hand, only the measurement has since been standardized. One paw is now equal to four inches.
  • Not all horses article of clothing shoes! Shoes are only necessary to protect the feet of horses that frequently walk on hard surfaces. Cosley Zoo's Shetland pony does not wearable shoes, simply he does take his hooves trimmed several times a year past a farrier.
Shetland Pony

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