According to Oklahoma State University, the Shetland Pony is one of the oldest horse breeds to exist in Britain. These ponies were named after the Shetland Islands, where these ponies originated. These islands are barren and harsh, and the breed grew hardy to cope with this challenging environment. Shetlands typically stand about 9.3 hands high, and Shetlands accepted by the breed standard can't grow taller than 10.2 hands. Most Shetlands are pets, but they can also compete in-hand and be driven.