Shetland Ponies

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 188, 8 May 1934, Page 11

Shetland Ponies

Sir. —Some information regarding Shetland ponies appeared in this morning’s issue of “The Dominion,” upon which may I be allowed to comment. You state that it is many yqars since a purebred Shetland pony stallion has been imported into this country. Seven years ago I imported a stallion bred at Methven Castle, Perth, Scotland. At 14 years of age this pony s height was 32 inches (SJ hands). At the same time I imported a mare and filly foal.. Two years previously I imported a stallion bred by the ‘ladies, E. and D. Hope, Kent, England, winner of first prize, London Pony Show, and second prize. International Horse Show, Paris. Also at the same time I imported a colt and a mare. About 12 years ago a highly-bred stallion was imported bv Captain Hankey, of Dunedin (Duckworth of Earlshall), from the famous Earlshall stud in Scotland. I have progeny from this stallion. Some years previous to this several importations were made —stallions and mares —by the late Mr. Roderick McKenzie, of Dunedin. These importations were from well-known Scotch and English studs. The breeding records and registration of all purebred Shetland ponies is kept bv the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society. Aberdeen; also all records of transfer or ownership and certificates for exwm. One of the regulations of this society provides that measurements of ponies heights bo taken when ponies have reached adult age, the height when young being no guide as to size when full Kl The pedigree breeding of Shetland ponies was started by the late Lord Londonderry, who leased one of the Shetland islands— Bressay—and used. it as his stud farm, keeping the ponies pure and select. During a long period .of years the best stock was collected from the islands and bred and recorded on Breton v. r On the expiry of the lease ot Rressay Lord Londonderry was refuse 4 a renewal, so the stud disperse * * ing taken to Seaham, England and theie sold. This dispersal was the foundation of the many Scotch and English and because of the number of stud ownerin England and Scotland the stud book was founded at Aberdeen. To my knowledge there has never been a stud boon or breeding society on the islands. • Of the importations into this country above-mentioned, there ar V "XhX-a the nrogeny kept pure am . rec . o, ‘’ < ‘t,T“ number to be seen near M cllington. Alw there are some high-class stnds.inelndln, recent importations, m Yictona. An.t lia.—l am, etc. Johnsonville. May 4.