Shetlands were bred to live on not much more than fresh air and a lot of folk(my neighbour included) can't get their heads around "all they need in winter is a little good quality hay".
What lucky ponies to have found such caring homes
Too many people breeding miniatures now and, down here at least, they go to feed the lions at Paignton Zoo as homes can't be found. Yet people keep on breeding.
If anyone fancies keeping a couple of these dear little ponies I can find you some for nothing or near to. They do, though, need as much care as any other equine, i.e. foot and tooth care, twice daily checks etc. and live a very long life, up to forty years in some cases