THE SHETLANDS

The Shetlands, off the north coast of Scotland, are made up of more than 100 islands. Only 16 of them are inhabited. No place is further than 3 miles from the sea. Almost every inhabitant has a few famous Shetland ponies in their back garden. Veterinarian Jim Nicholson island-hops every day to care for the animals. The ponies are particularly important for him and his clients because their numbers have dramatically decreased in the last few years. The famous pony races take place there in August.