Ponies in colourful cardigans with the stunning background of a Scottish loch. Probably the best marketing campaign of all time, showing off what people really want: adorable animals in stunning surroundings. While it has been over ten years since the cute ad campaign featuring Shetland ponies, we’re still not over Visit Scotland’s way to help put Scotland on the map for potential visitors.
So, let’s take a look at the five photos of Shetland ponies Fivla and Vitamin to brighten up everyone’s day.
Speaking of the Shetland ponies marketing campaign, Visit Scotland said to Huffington Post: “We were looking for a photo which encapsulated Scotland’s stunning natural landscapes, highlighted somewhere a little off the beaten track, and included some true Scottish locals to reflect what this year offers to visitors. Shetland, and in particular Shetland Ponies, instantly sprang to mind.”
Fun facts about Shetland ponies
Originally from the Shetland Isles, Shetland ponies are considered a symbol of Scotland. Ranging from 28 to a maximum of 42 inches in height, the animals carry heavy coats and probably don’t really need a sweater to keep warm in the brisk Scottish air. The Shetland pony has evolved not only to survive in the harshest of weather conditions, but also boasts hairs which actually shed the rain.
What is more, they are the smallest breed of pony found the the UK. They have been alive since the last Ice Age, meaning the species have existed at the same time as mammoths.
As Scotland loves its weird laws, it used to be illegal to cut a Shetland pony’s tail, as it was perfect for making fishing lines and bird snares. Eventually, most wild ponies were claimed by humans and marked to establish ownership. Shetland ponies are a unique animal deservingly claiming its official country mascot status in the 2013 Visit Scotland ad campaign.