Height: Registered stock must not exceed 40 inches (102 cms) at three years or under or 42 inches (107 cms) at four years or over. Ponies are measured from the withers to the ground, by measuring stick, and a level stance, preferably concrete, should be used.

Colour: Shetland ponies may be any colour known in horses except spotted.

Coat: The coat changes according to the seasons: a double coat in winter with guard hairs which shed the rain and keep the pony's skin completely dry in the worst of the weather and, by contrast, a short summer coat which should carry a beautiful silky sheen. At all times the mane and tail hair should be long, straight and profuse and the feathering of the fetlocks straight and silky.

Head: The head should be small, carried well and in proportion. Ears should be small and erect, wide set but pointing well forward. Forehead should be broad with bold, dark, intelligent eyes. Muzzle must be broad with nostrils wide and open. Teeth and jaw must be correct.

Forelegs: Should be well placed with sufficient good, flat bone. Strong forearm. Short balanced cannon bone. Springy pasterns.

Hindlegs: The thighs should be strong and muscular with well-shaped strong hocks, neither hooky nor too straight. When viewed from behind, the hindlegs should not be set too widely apart, nor should the hocks be turned in.

Feet: Tough, round and well-shaped - not too short, narrow, contracted or thin.

Action: Straight, free action using every joint. Tracking up well.

General: A most salient and essential feature of the Shetland Pony is its general air of vitality (presence), stamina and robustness.

Guidelines For Showing:

1. Ears may be trimmed flat (no trimming inside of ear).
2. Trimming of whiskers on jawline acceptable.
3. No false hair.
4. No artificial colouring or make-up should be used.
5. No pulling of manes or tails; however, tails may be rough-trimmed to clear ground if dragging.
6. No trimming of feathers of legs.
7. Working ponies ONLY may be clipped in the interest of welfare. Under no circumstances should foals be clipped.
8. Members are asked to refrain from using whips or show canes longer than 30" overall.
9. Exhibitors must be appropriately dressed. There must be no individual stud, person or pony names displayed in any way in the ring.