The Shetland pony is a breed of pony which originated in the Shetland Isles, off North Scotland. Excavations have shown that small ponies have inhabited the Shetland Islands since at least the Bronze Age. In isolated conditions, these ponies have roamed the hills and moors of Shetland. Their unrestricted lifestyle has led to the evolution of a hardy, unique breed.
Shetland ponies were first used for pulling carts, carrying peat and coal, and for plowing farmland. From the 1840s, Shetland ponies started to be used in British coal mines because new laws banned the employment of women and children under the age of 10 years old. Strong and resilient, Shetland ponies were perfect substitutes because of their size and intelligence. They could pass through low tunnels underground carrying truckloads of coal. Most ponies worked 8 hour days and were paired up with one handler, so that they could build up a trusting and stable relationship.
