The Shetland pony has a small broad head, sloping shoulders, short back and legs, full mane, and tail. The Shetland pony can carry considerable weight.
Shetland ponies are black, bay, brown, chestnut, grey or part colored. The coat changes according to the seasons: a short summer coat which should carry a beautiful silky sheen and, by contrast, a double coat in winter with guard hairs to shed the rain. This thick winter coat, coupled with a profuse mane and tail helps to protect the pony against the often-harsh conditions of the islands.