The Shetland is not just a «small horse»: its particular morphology requires equipment designed specifically for it. A stocky head, short neck and expressive ears are just some of the features that make standard halters often unsuitable.
Shetland morphology: specific needs
Compact and robust, the Shetland has :
- A proportionally large head With prominent ganaches, requiring a sufficiently large sub-gauge.
- A short chamfer The noseband must be well positioned to avoid pressure on the nasal bone.
A pony halter is therefore sometimes ill-adapted, slipping and compressing sensitive areas (e.g. the first cervical vertebrae) and creating discomfort or even pain on a daily basis.
Comfort zones to respect
Bridle fitting applied to Shetland ponies teaches us to pay particular attention to :
- The base of the ears It is rich in nerves and must be kept clear. In addition, the headpiece must not migrate backwards, onto the first cervical vertebrae, to avoid injury.
- The fragile nasal bone Avoid using a noseband that is too tight or too low.
A well-designed halter distributes pressure evenly and respects these key areas.
Shetland sizes: why adaptation matters
There are wide variations between a mini-Shetland (less than 87 cm at the withers) and a Standard Shetland (up to 107 cm). However, many «pony-sized» halters are too big and ill-proportioned.
At Smart Wag, we offer Shetland specific sizes with finer settings to suit large, stocky heads. For smaller heads, our Little halter is sometimes even more appropriate.
Materials and design
A good halter for Shetland must be :
- Flexible and lightweight (thin but resistant leather).
- Durable (French full-grain leather or high-quality technical synthetic materials).
- Ergonomic (padded noseband and headpiece, proportionate buckles).
Why choose a Shetland halter?
- Comfort and well-being No more rubbing or pressure points.
- Security A halter that doesn't twist and stays firmly in place.
- Durability An investment that lasts.
How to measure your Shetland properly to choose a halter
A precise fit starts with taking the correct measurements.
Take a flexible tape measure and measure :
- The turn of the head From the corner of the mouth to the corner of the mouth, passing behind the ears.
- The noseband Two fingers under the zygomatic process (cheek bone), around the bridge of the nose.
- The under-trough: from one ganache to another.
Make a note of these measurements and compare them with the Smart Wag size guide. This will enable you to choose between our Pony, Shetland or Little models without any risk of error.
Shetland halter: what uses, what choices?
Not all halters meet the same needs. For your Shetland, the choice also depends on its use:
- For daily commuting The most important thing is to choose a halter that is easy to fasten and clean. A nylon halter has the advantage of being easy to clean with plenty of water.
- For grooming and working on foot A comfortable halter with a padded noseband and headpiece, just like a leather halter. It can also be adjusted to the right size.
In a nutshell
Choosing a halter for a Shetland pony is not just a matter of choosing the «smallest size». You need to understand the specific morphology of each pony and take its measurements into account to make the best choice.
With Smart Wag, You benefit from the expertise of bridle fitting applied to miniature equids, for halters that aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and safe.
