Height - Registered stock must not exceed 40 inches (102 cm) at three years or under, nor 42 inches (107 cm) at four years or over. Ponies are measured from the withers to the ground by measuring stick and on a level stance, preferably concrete should be used

Colour  - Shetland Ponies may be any colour known in horses except spotted

Coat  - The coat changes according to the seasons of the year; a double coat in winter with guard hairs which shed rain and keep the pony’s skin completely dry in the worst weather. By contrast, the summer coat is short and should carry a beautiful silky sheen. At all times the mane and tail hair should be long straight and profuse and the feathering of the fetlocks straight and silky

Head  - The head should be small, carried well and in proportion. Ears should be small and erect, wide set but pointing well forward. Forehead should be broad wtih bold, dark, intelligent eyes. Blue eyes are not acceptable. Muzzle must be broad with nostrils wide open. Teeth and jaw must be correct

Hind Legs -  The thighs should be strong and muscular with well shaped, strong hocks, neither hooky nor too straight. When viewed from behind, the hindlegs should not be set too widely apart, nor should the hocks be turned in

Fore Legs - Should be well placed with sufficient good, flat bone. Strong forearm. Short, balanced cannon bone. Springy pasterns

Feet - Tough, round and well shaped - not short, narrow, contracted or thin

Action - Straight, free action using every joint and tracking-up well

General  - A most salient and essential feature of the Shetland Pony is its general air of vitality (presence), stamina and robustness