These are the favourite horse for a children's mount. They developed in the rather harsh conditions of the Shetland Isles and as a consequence they are a hardy and stocky breed.

There is also an American Shetland Pony, with two divisions of depending on purity of pedigree. I would imagine that the cross breeding might reduce the strength of these animals, but British Shetland's are probably the strongest off all the miniatures.

A couple of pages on Shetlands;

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/shetland/index.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_pony

They are quite lovely horses, I love the manes personally. And the fact that most look a little chunky, but it fits them perfect. :) Did you know that Shetland Islands are known for their rough, rocky land and cold, harsh weather? Talk about a tough animal!

Are these the same people purchase to go around neighborhoods and have the children ride, or for children's birthday parties? They are about 5' tall from what I remember as a child.

but British Shetland's are probably the strongest off all the miniatures.

Remember Shetland Ponies are not miniature horses but ponies.

And yeah most pony parties, pony rides, etc have Shetlands based on the characteristics described in the breed:hardiness, strength and cuteness. They are little fuzzy ponies that evoke the childhood desire to get a pony for Christmas or birthdays. Most of them will weather any kids who feel the need to be rambunctious and "giddyup" and bounce around on a pony ride and they come in such a rainbow of colors they always get plenty of attention.

I remember having many a pony ride on a Shetland as a kid. I was raised in the UK and of course they are very popular ride there. I don't think I ever saw one that wasn't incredibly stocky and with a big pot belly.

Just my 2 cent opinion.

Why is it that ponies are naturally more behave than normal horses? Does it have to do with the size and the origin or is it just because they are just friendlier than horses?

If I am understanding your post correctly, I disagree. Ponies tend to be incredibly smart, but that also leads to them being cheeky and somewhat mischievous. They are very good with humans and very loyal, but you may have to deal with they acting out somewhat.

I agree, I've never met a pony that was a complete angel. well behaved perhaps, but still in the context of being a well behaved pony. They are incredibly smart, kind of like people with high IQs that go to college at 12yrs. They make you work to convince them to behave and in the meanwhile eat grass, crowhop, buck, won't budge, take off, lay down, run out of jumps, stop at jumps, counter canter, and all sorts of other amusing things. Which is a large reason why if people stick with Pony Club or 4-H and learn to handle their pony they become good riders because they have learned to anticipate the problems, not just assume the animal is going to do as they ask it.

Thanks for the correction guys. I'm not really so much knowledgeable about ponies. I'm really glad I have joined this site, I am learning more about horses.

The ponies I have seen around here are not well behaved. They tend to be pushy and dangerous. I never allowed my kids to have ponies. They just started ridding horses and skipped the pony phase. They out grow ponies fast, but they may never out grow a horse.

Yes, I can see the logic in that point of view. I think that a pony that IS well behaved can be a charming and wonderful animal to have around your children, but it's harder to achieve.