How Much Does a Shetland Pony Cost? Price Guide [2026]

The Shetland Pony packs big personality into a small package. These sturdy little ponies—originally from Scotland’s Shetland Islands—are beloved as children’s first ponies, driving ponies, and pasture companions. But how much does a Shetland Pony actually cost?

Quick Answer: Shetland Pony Prices

Type	Price Range
Rescue/Unregistered	$200 – $1,000
Pet/Companion	$500 – $2,000
Child’s Riding Pony	$1,000 – $5,000
Trained Driving Pony	$2,000 – $7,500
Show Quality	$3,000 – $10,000
Breeding Stock/Elite Show	$5,000 – $20,000+

Understanding Shetland Pony Types

There are different types of Shetland Ponies with different price points:

Traditional/Classic Shetland

Original type from Scotland
Maximum 42 inches (10.2 hands)
Heavy coat, thick mane and tail
Most affordable type

American Shetland

Refined, more horse-like appearance
Up to 46 inches (11.2 hands)
Higher-stepping action
Generally more expensive

Miniature Shetland

Under 34 inches
Companion/pet market
Prices vary widely

Factors Affecting Shetland Pony Prices

1. Training Level

The most important factor for riding/driving ponies:

Untrained: $500 – $1,500
Halter trained only: $800 – $2,000
Started under saddle: $1,500 – $3,500
Kid-safe riding pony: $2,500 – $6,000
Driving trained: $2,000 – $7,500

2. Temperament

Shetlands are known for being… spirited. Temperament dramatically affects price:

“Pony attitude” (typical): Average prices
Genuinely gentle: Premium prices
Kid-proof: Highest prices
Difficult/nippy: Lowest prices

Important: A truly gentle, child-safe Shetland is worth paying extra for.

3. Age

Weanlings: $500 – $2,000 (need training)
Young ponies (1-3): $800 – $2,500 (needs finishing)
Prime age (4-15): Highest prices for trained ponies
Senior (16+): Lower prices, can still be excellent

4. Color

Shetlands come in virtually every color:

Black: Classic, always popular
Silver dapple: Premium prices
Palomino/buckskin: Higher demand
Pinto patterns: Eye-catching, often premium
Common colors (bay, chestnut): Standard pricing

5. Registration

Registered (ASPC or SPSBS): Higher prices
Unregistered: Lower prices but same pony

Shetland Pony Prices by Purpose

Children’s Mount

Lead-line only: $1,000 – $3,000
Independent riding: $2,500 – $5,000
Show pony for children: $3,500 – $8,000

Key point: A well-trained, genuinely safe children’s pony is worth every penny. Cheap ponies are cheap for a reason.

Driving

Pleasure driving: $2,000 – $5,000
Show driving (harness): $4,000 – $10,000
Matched driving pair: $8,000 – $20,000

Companion/Pet

Pasture buddy: $500 – $1,500
Therapy/visiting animal: $1,500 – $4,000
Pet with good temperament: $800 – $2,000

Breeding

Broodmare: $1,500 – $5,000
Breeding stallion: $2,500 – $10,000
Foals: $500 – $2,500

Ongoing Costs: The Small Advantage

Shetlands are economical to keep due to their size:

Expense	Full-Size Horse	Shetland Pony
Feed (monthly)	$200 – $400	$50 – $100
Hay (monthly)	$150 – $300	$50 – $100
Farrier	$50 – $200	$30 – $75
Veterinary	$50 – $150	$40 – $100

Warning about feeding: Shetlands are extremely easy keepers and prone to obesity and laminitis. They often need restricted grazing and minimal grain.

Health Considerations

Shetlands are generally hardy but watch for:

Laminitis: Very common due to easy-keeper metabolism
Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Monitor weight carefully
Heart disease: Some bloodlines predisposed
Hyperlipemia: Can occur with sudden diet changes

Price impact: Ponies with known health issues sell for less. Healthy ponies from health-tested bloodlines cost more.

Where to Buy a Shetland Pony

Breeders

Pros: Know pedigree and temperament, registered ponies
Cons: Higher prices

Private Sales

Pros: See pony in home environment, negotiate
Cons: Verify claims carefully

Auctions

Pros: Potential bargains
Cons: Limited assessment time

Rescues

Pros: Lowest prices, rewarding
Cons: May need retraining

The “Pony Attitude” Factor

Shetlands are famous for being clever and sometimes… challenging:

Can be stubborn
May test boundaries
Often outsmart children (and adults)
Can become nippy without proper handling

This is why temperament affects price so dramatically. A genuinely sweet Shetland that doesn’t bite, kick, or test limits is worth significantly more than a typical “ponytude” pony.

Tips for Buying a Shetland

See the pony with children: If buying for a child, watch them interact
Check for nipping/kicking: Deal-breakers for kids
Ask about health history: Laminitis is common
Don’t buy the cheapest pony: There’s usually a reason
Trial period if possible: Temperament can change in new settings
Verify registration: If papers matter to you

Shetland vs. Welsh vs. Mini: Quick Comparison

Breed	Size	Best For	Price Range
Shetland	Under 42″	Small children, driving	$500 – $10,000
Welsh A	Under 48″	Children riding/showing	$2,000 – $15,000
Miniature Horse	Under 34″	Companion, driving	$500 – $5,000

The Bottom Line

Shetland Ponies range from a few hundred dollars for rescues to $10,000+ for elite show ponies. For a safe, well-trained children’s pony, expect to pay $2,500-$5,000—and consider it money well spent. The ongoing costs are minimal compared to full-size horses, making Shetlands an economical choice for families. Just remember: a good temperament is worth paying for, especially when children are involved.

Sources: American Shetland Pony Club, Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society, Pony Club UK