HONEY, I shrunk the horse.

Fortunately not true here, because this is Tiny – both in name and stature – the labrador-sized miniature Shetland pony foal.

The adorable colt, who measures just 22 inches tall, is the latest addition to the Hyett family, who live at Greenhill, near Cradley, on the Worcestershire- Herefordshire border.

When Tiny was born at the beginning of the month he was the smallest miniature Shetland the family had ever seen.

Tiny’s mum Molly has taught the younger members of the family to ride but now they have all outgrown her.

Cynthia Hyett said: “Molly has been such a wonderful pony that we thought she would make an ideal mum and so she has.

“Tiny was born quietly in the early hours of June 1 and is an absolute joy. I expect some of the younger grandchildren will learn to ride on him when he is older.”

Tiny was born after an 11 months gestation period.

The breed originated from the Shetland Isles and while the roots of the ancient wild pony are unknown, it is believed they are related to the ancient Scandinavian ponies.

They were first used for pulling carts and carrying peat and coal. The increased need for coal in the mid-19th century saw thousands of Shetland ponies being transported.

They travelled to mainland Britain to be pit ponies, working underground hauling coal.

They are known as being goodtempered, gentle and intelligent by nature and they make good children’s ponies. But although they have a brave character they are also cheeky.

The Shetland pony stud book of the United Kingdom was started in 1890 to maintain purity and encourage high quality animals. In 1957 the Shetland Islands premium stallion scheme was formed to subsidise high quality registered stallions to improve breeding stocks Today, Shetlands are used as riding ponies and are shown by adults and children at horse shows in harness. In the UK there are even Shetland pony Grand Nationals, a very popular and highly competitive sport for young riders. Miniature Shetlands have also been trained as guide horses, much the same as guide dogs.

But all that’s in the future for Tiny.

For the moment he’s just content to be with his mum. No doubt soon he will be hanging out with the gang and no doubt listening to Natasha Bedingfield’s Wild Horses on his iPod.