Aberdeenshire is core Highland pony breeding country — big estates in the hills west of Aberdeen have bred Highlands for generations, often alongside deer stalking and other estate work, which produces genuinely strong, sensible ponies used to real hill work rather than just standing in a field. The city of Aberdeen itself brings a wealthier local buyer market too, which keeps demand healthy.
It is a large county with real distances between the coast, the city and the western hills, so plan viewings carefully. Weather here is a genuine factor — north-east Scottish winters are properly hard — and ponies bred on this ground are typically excellent doers, hardy and easy to keep, which suits a family without premium grazing. Ask about a pony's estate or hill background specifically, since it often explains a great deal about temperament and toughness.