Why don't adults ride Shetland ponies?

Question

According to wikipedia, Shetlands are the strongest horse if you go pound for pound (they can pull twice their weight). Shetlands originated in Scotland where harsh weather and scarce grass made them hardy; they were actually used as draft horses for farming and ore hauling.

So why are people so apprehensive when it comes to riding them (so much that only children may ride them)? Donkeys are rode and there are only slighter bigger.

Can someone tell me?

Answer 1

Average height of a Shetland is 30-48 inches....Adults are a lot taller then that and it would be impossible to ride on if you are more then 50 inches tall

Answer 2

because they feel others will laugh at them while dragging their feet on the ground.

at one of the barns i rode the pony in a egg balancing ride as the kids said she was to bouncy.  i traded my smooth horse for the pony and won.

Answer 3

Ok you are comparing pulling to sitting on.  The back of the horse is a little sensative and the weight is not distributed correctly.  The next reason as an adult our legs will drag.