Shetlands make fine pets, but some do pack a punch

Sweet, plump and hairy, Shetland ponies are endearing creatures, but although tiny, you’d best watch out for the sly ones, says Fiona

We have new folk in the village. They are easy to get on with and they come with two dogs and six Shetlands. The ponies are sweet. They are plump and hairy and have names like Daisy and Billy on their stalls. Barely two and a half feet high, these animals are tiny. Yet they can certainly pack a punch. Tough as old boots, they have evolved to stand the worst weather conditions.

Once used as work horses, in the far northern isles they were a vital addition to crofting families. When women were banned from working in the coal mines in early Victorian times, Shetland ponies took their place underground.

Today, you are more likely to see them in their homeland. One of the northern isles is said to have more ponies than people. They might be grazing by the roadside or on a heathery hill.

Or they might be found a few hundred miles from where they originated, living with a family pet and being petted by an army of small children. Brave and generally good natured, they make fine pets. Although my niece did have a sly one. He was called Willie and he came with a mean kick.

It is a popular name, I think. One of our new neighbour’s dogs is named William, while the other answers to the name of Wallace. Which sounds romantic. That is until you have to shout it out loud.

She is local lassie, but he is a Welshman and is understandably reluctant to stand at the end of the garden bellowing the name of a Scottish legend. Because Wales has plenty of its own famous folk. Yes, the Welsh dragon can give the Scottish lion a run for its money. Take Aneurin Bevan. The man who started the National Health Service in 1944. Where we would be without him?

For musical greats, think Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey. For film stars, go no further than Richard Burton, or Catherine Zeta Jones. There are sporting giants like rugby’s Gareth Edwards and football’s Ryan Giggs.

And when I delve deeper into it, there are some surprises. Laura Ashley was Welsh. As were Tommy Cooper and Roald Dahl.

Anyhow, back to things canine and our new additions to the community. William and Wallace. Calling animals after Scotland’s heroes is nothing new. A quick look at the top 100 dog names shows that.

Bruce comes in at No 78. Bonnie is 86,

One of the new dogs answers to Wallace. Which sounds romantic. That is until you have to shout it out loud

Prince is 76 and Charlie is second from top. Mac squeaks in at No 100, while Fiona is 76 on the female list. Some mistake, surely?

As far as the ponies go, though, the chief was once on a photographic trip in the northern isles. As he stopped the car on a windswept moor, a shaggy Shetland ran up and stuck its head through the car window. They are endearing creatures.

Watch the Shetland Pony Grand National on YouTube and you will see what I mean. It is hilarious.

Shetland’s ponies can often be seen grazing by the roadside, or on a heathery hill.