SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Roaming free on a Scottish isle, Shetlands are pint-sized ponies with a quart of personality

ROSE SHEPHERD

On 21 April 1930, Princess Elizabeth received a very special gift from her paternal grandfather, George V – a Shetland pony named Peggy. Hitherto she had contented herself with wheeled toy horses. Now, aged four, she ascended the saddle, and a lifelong passion was born. The endearing, doughty little Shetland has had a place in royal affections since Queen Victoria was presented with a pair named Flora and Alma by Italy’s King Victor Emmanuel II. Princess Anne was just two when she was lifted astride Flum. Her daughter, Zara, and Zara’s cousin, Prince William, learnt to ride on Smokey and Llanerch Topaz. Both the Princess Royal and her daughter would go on to represent Britain in Olympics eventing. The Shetland pony is an ideal ‘starter’ horse for a child, being…

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Britain (Digital) - 1 Issue, Mar/Apr 2024

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