Shetlands have been bred for the ability to forage over rough terrain.  They prefer to be on the move. 

 

To accomplish this, a Shetland should have a straight leg at
each corner that is in proper proportion to their body. 

Their legs should be refined and "flinty"--flat
rather than rounded in overall appearance. 
 

Legs that are too short are a fault

A Shetland's hindlegs when viewed from behind should be
wide apart, with the hocks pointing straight back.
Some minor turning in of the hocks is acceptable.
 

If there is too much turning in  and the hocks are pointing
towards one another, the animal is cowhocked.

Cowhocks are sometimes seen combined with sicklehocks
where the hindleg sets in front of the plane of the line
running vertically from tailhead to the ground. 

This Shetland shows the correct set of the
hindlegs when viewed from the side.
 

The front legs should be straight through the knees.

This Shetland to the right is an example of splayed front legs.

When viewed from the side you may find an animal that
is "over-at-the-knee".

A Shetland should have strong, sound pasterns that are angled
just slightly from foot to leg.

These feet are turning over and weak due to a
possible mineral deficiency or genetic problem. 

 

This Shetland has extremely sound, strong,
correct legs and feet in comparison with the ewe below who
exhibits a number of faults.