One of the most joyful parts of a Shetland spring is when Shetland pony foals start to appear across the islands.
Native Shetland ponies are already small, and their newborns can appear tiny as they start to explore. Often for their first few days they stay close to their mums, and you might only catch a glimpse of them as they peek out from behind her tail.
This shyness doesn’t usually last and before long they become more independent, spending time with the other little ones in the field.
When I post pictures on social media, of ponies sheltering from gale force wind or young foals by the sea, I always get asked when people bring their horses inside? And folk are often surprised when I say Shetland ponies usually are born outside and spend their whole lives outdoors.
Foals are born in May or June. At this time of year, we have long hours of daylight, new grass has started to grow and hopefully the worst of the winter weather has passed!
Although they are often in seen in herds, living in beautiful areas of hill, Shetland ponies are not wild. Ponies’ owners will usually pay close attention to their animals, watching how individuals respond to weather, noticing shifting herd dynamics and making sure everyone is healthy and happy. This attention increases at foaling time.
Pregnant mares are generally brought into fields close to houses a few weeks before their due date. This way signs of imminent birth can be seen and quicky responded to.
Although in most cases mares foal easily without need for help, complications can arise. Regular checks during the day and throughout the night mean that if there is a issue, help is close at hand.
Whenever I chat to pony breeders about their work, foaling time is described as the most exciting, and exhausting, part of the year.
This is when they get to meet the next generation of their stud, welcoming the new additions and seeing what they are like. Although there is often careful planning about which mares and stallions are put together, the outcome is still a little unpredictable. Each foal is a unique individual they spend time getting to know.
In the long summer evenings, I love to watch fields of mares with their foals. The young ones often gather, racing full speed in wild circles. Other than an occasional reprimand if they get a little too boisterous, the older horses usually leave them to it, spending their time enjoying the summer grass and flowers.
Towards the end of summer, foals are bigger and stronger and ready to leave their mums.
Every autumn there is a Shetland pony sale in Lerwick, and this is where many of these young ones begin their new life. Some are bought by local people and won’t live far from where they were born, while others travel to new homes in Europe or America.
Around the world, so many children’s first experience with horses is with Shetland ponies and it is lovely to think that this journey continues for new generations.
Discover more about when and where to see Shetland's world-famous small ponies.