The Shetland pony is named after its home, the Scottish island. Raw weather conditions and a lack of food in this region has developed the breed into an extremely robust race. This race was able to prove its strength in mining and farming which was much appreciated. Today Shetland ponies fullfil a whole range of tasks. They are presented at horse shows by adults and children, are used in petting zoos and as guide horses and present tricks at fairs. These ponies are good-natured and intelligent and can be thirty years old.