The Right Clothes!

Mini shetlands are perfect!

There's no such thing as bad weather... just the wrong clothing. That's what my heroes the Royal Marines say, I know just what they mean!  Those mules always think they're perfectly adapted, hybrid vigour...blah, blah, blah.  Well my mule friends, move over... it's my turn to shine :-)

I just love this cold, snowy weather and wish it could stay forever!  As a Shetland pony I am in my element in these sub-zero temperatures.

My ancestors come from the Shetland Isles which is a tiny group of Islands many pony miles off the North coast of Scotland.  These Islands are harsh, it is very cold, very windy and there is not much vegetation, there are virtually no trees as it's too windy for them to survive.  My ancestors are perfectly adapted to life in this harsh landscape (see mules, you're not the only ones adapted to harsh climates;-)

Those nice ancestors of mine have given me some great characteristics to survive this nasty  perfect weather!

Have you noticed how big The Mini's ears are?  Hmmm can't miss them can you.... they're not great in this weather though, they lose a lot of heat!  Donkeys have those nice, bigs ears to help dissipate heat in the desert, not much good when it's freezing!

My ears are petite and fluffy on the outside and on the inside, no freezing winds are going to make my ears cold, the smaller they are the easier they are to keep warm!  

I also have an amazing beard and fluffy forehead, this helps to keep my head warm and helps to makes sure the snow doesn't fall in my eyes.

Mini ears for a mini shetland!

I have leg warmers, my leggies stay lovely and toasty, my leg warmers go all the way past my hooves to makes sure there's not a single bit of my skin exposed.  They are also very good for warding off the mud. 

Next up is my very plush mane!  It isn't just to look good you know ladies, it also keeps me warm.  My mane is a good inch or two thick and keeps my neck toasty warm, it is a very good place for the humans to warm up their noses and hands (I even throw in eau de pony for free!)

The Mane Event - Shetland Style!

Speaking of warming up hands, FH is always taking liberties.... guess I don't mind though.  Here she is delving in to my triple layer tummy fluff to check how warm I am, warmer than her I think.... FH often calls me her Polar Bear pony, I can't imagine why?

Next up is my perfect pony tail.  My tail is low set and covers my delectable behind, there will certainly be no heat lost from sensitive areas with such good thermal underwear.... Zoe this one's for you, I know how you like a good pony rear piccie!

The perfect pony tail!

Us Shetland ponies would be nothing without our ability to eat just about anything and survive on rough food like those mules, we eek the most that we can out of any food we can lay our lips on... my teeny, tiny mouth is perfect for finding every last scrap of food and I have been known to lick the remnants of the haylage off the ground...oops!  Well you humans lick the cake mix from the bowl don't you???

My biggest advantage is my size!  Yes I know I'm small but small is best!  By staying small and close to the ground there's less of me to feed, I'm not as likely to get blown over, it's also easier to find hiding places out of the wind and rain.... some might say my ancestors were stunted by centuries of wind, cold and rough grazing, I say that we became perfectly adapted :-)

Mini Shetland = Perfect!

Finally I have my priorities right, don't waste too much energy on things unless they're worthwhile!  When inspired by food I can have a fair turn of pace for one with such small legs... 

Anyway muleteers, I'm off to do some digging for grass!  Sending you all Roller Polar snuffles to keep you warm xxx