Crossword Genius

Danish Open? Let's change the little equines! (8,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shetland ponies

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'little equines' is the definition.
'Shetland ponies' can be an answer for 'equines' (Shetland pony is an example). I'm unsure of the 'little' bit.

'danish open? let's change' is the wordplay.
'change' indicates anagramming the letters.
'danish'+'open'+'lets'='danishopenlets'
'danishopenlets' with letters rearranged gives 'SHETLAND PONIES'.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shetland ponies that I've seen before include "beasts!" , "Hardy quadrupeds" , "might take you for a ride" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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