Shetland ponies were first used for pulling carts, carrying peat, coal and other items, and ploughing farmland. Then, as the Industrial Revolution increased the need for coal in the mid-19th century, thousands of Shetland ponies travelled to mainland Britain to be pit ponies, working underground hauling coal.
Today, Shetlands are used as children's riding ponies, They are seen working in commercial settings such as fairs or carnivals to provide short rides for visitors. They are also seen at petting zoos and sometimes are used for Therapeutic horseback riding purposes. In the United Kingdom, they are also featured in the Shetland Pony Grand National, galloping around a racecourse with young jockeys.
Shetland ponies are generally gentle, good-tempered, and very intelligent by nature. They make good children's ponies, and are sometimes noted for having a "brave" character, but can be very opinionated or "cheeky".
Tootsie - I am a nosey pony, I like people stroking my mane.
Midnight - I am a bit nervous, but I am very playful.
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