These ponies are recognised by their short legs and long shaggy coat. They also have a long mane which helps to protect their eyes, head and neck in cold weather.

Shetland ponies can be used as working animals as they can pull twice their own weight. Because of this they were used to pull carts of peat for fuel as well as ploughing on farms. In the 19th century children were banned from working in the coal mines and so Shetland ponies were used instead.