This is an extremely simplified explanation of the “types” of ponies and horses. This does not, in any way, overrule what the official rulebook states. You can view the rulebook for free at: https://www.shetlandminiature.com/rulebook

Foundation Shetland

The Look: These are the "old-school" Shetlands. They are sturdier, with more bone and a shorter, thicker neck compared to the Moderns.

The Rule: A Foundation pony must be registered as a Shetland and meet specific "Foundation" eligibility (no Modern bloodlines in recent generations).

What Judges Look For: High-quality conformation that emphasizes substance and a calm, willing disposition. They should move naturally without extreme high-action.

Classic Shetland

The Look: Refined and elegant, but still possessing the distinct "Shetland" character. They are flashier than a Foundation but more substantial than a Modern.

The Rule: This is the "default" Shetland division. Most Shetlands that don't qualify for Foundation or aren't bred for the high-step of a Modern fall here.

What Judges Look For: A balance of beauty and athletic ability. They should have a clean throatlatch and a level topline.

Modern & Modern Pleasure

The Look: Think "Miniature Saddlebred." These ponies are very refined, with high-set necks and a lot of "presence." They are only allowed up to 46” tall (Rulebook Page 134)

The Difference: Moderns are the high-stepping, high-energy athletes. Modern Pleasure ponies have the same refined look but are judged on a more relaxed, manners-oriented way of going.

What Judges Look For: Extreme refinement, a vertical neck set, and brilliant, airy movement.

AMHR (The American Miniature Horse)

The Look: A horse in miniature. They should not look like "ponies"; they should look like full-sized horses scaled down. (Rulebook pg. 78)

The Rule: Divided strictly by height.

  • Division A: 34" and under.

  • Division B: Over 34" up to 38".

    What Judges Look For: Balanced proportions. If you took a photo of them with no background for scale, they should look like a well-conformed Arab or Quarter Horse.

ASPR (American Show Pony Registry)

The Look: These are Hackney or Hackney and Shetland crosses (Rulebook Pg. 139). They are extremely similar to Moderns, but are allowed up to 48” and are almost always at least 50% hackney. They can, however, also be 100% Shetland as well.

The Rule: They can be up to 12 hands (48 inches).

What Judges Look For: A "show pony" with exceptional animation and style, typically shown in harness or in-hand.

NSPPR (National Sport Performance Pony Registry)

The Look: The "utility" athletes. These are ponies bred for performance—jumping, ranch riding, western pleasure, eventing, etc. There are three sizes (Rulebook Pg. 266)

  • Small - up to 42” measured at the withers

  • Medium - up to 50” measured at the withers

  • Large - Up to 58” measured at the withers

The Rule: This registry is for ponies (up to 14.2 hands) that have at least one parent registered with ASPC/AMHR. If a horse that is registered AMHR outgrows its papers, it can also be registered NSPPR.

What Judges Look For: Athleticism, correct movement for sport, and a "form-to-function" build.

  • When you set up a horse for Stock Halter, you set them up squared, and in a more relaxed positioning. For “Halter” you set the horse/pony up more as you would see in Arabian halter. Head up, neck stretched to provide an arch, and showing off the throat latch.

  • Different ponies have different ways of moving.

    Pleasure Driving

    • Way of Going: Judged on an easy, animated, but not extreme way of going. It should be slower and more collected than a Roadster or Harness pony.

    • Head Set: Should have slight flexion at the poll with light contact on the mouth.

    • Judging Priority: Manners, quality, and performance—in that specific order.

    • Movement: The gait must be square, elastic, and balanced, but it does not require the "brilliance" or high action seen in Formal or Harness classes.

    Country Pleasure Driving

    • Way of Going: Emphasis is on a relaxed, easy, and balanced movement. It is even less animated than the standard Pleasure Driving type.

    • Head Set: Must appear natural for the horse. High-headed ponies are actually marked down in this division.

    • Action: The lift of the knee can be level; however, breaking above level is penalized.

    • Judging Priority: Performance, manners, and way of going.

    Western Country Pleasure Driving

    • Way of Going: This division requires the most relaxed, "ground-covering" style. The horse should carry itself in a natural, balanced position with a relaxed head and neck.

    • Movement: Should have straight, low strides with very little flexion of the knees or hocks (flat knees).

    • Specific Penalties: Unlike the other two, there is a specific penalty if the poll is more than 3 inches above the level of the withers. It is also penalized for excessive speed or any "nosed out" head position.

    • Attire: Drivers must wear Western-style clothing (jackets, slacks/skirts, and Western hats).

  • The rulebook outlines Junior Ponies