The diminutive Shetland might be the strongest equine athlete, pound for pound. Although he typically stands 9.3 to 10.2 hands, his short, muscular legs give him the strength to pull. In combined driving, those small ponies proportionately pull more. If you have a driver, navigator, and cart, you weigh in more than the pony does. Dunning says despite a small size, short legs help ponies pull more.
Ponies also are mighty in their weight-bearing ability.
Although their size best matches a child rider, ponies have the endurance to carry the weight of an adult. You're closer to the ground, so you can see the mushrooms. It's like you're riding an ATV, and the ponies just keep going. They went through a deep gully, with trails up and down the side. Besides stamina, modern ponies maintain their soundness.