# Shetland

/ˈʃɛtɫənd/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shetland
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a small, strong horse with thick hair that comes from islands in Scotland. You often see them in parks or on farms because they are very friendly and good for children to ride.

For teachers: a breed of small, sturdy pony originating in the Shetland Isles, characterized by a heavy coat and short legs. Often used as a modifier to describe wool or knitwear produced in the same region.

## Examples

- The children took turns riding the small Shetland at the fair.
- She wore a thick Shetland sweater to stay warm during the coastal hike.
- While originally bred for hauling peat and plowing land in harsh northern climates, the Shetland is now globally recognized as an ideal mount for young equestrian students.

## Usage notes

- Often used attributively to describe textiles or livestock (e.g., 'Shetland wool', 'Shetland pony').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.