i want a Shetland pony!! i have 4 horses so i do know how to take care of a horse!!!
but do you have one?
do you know anything about them?
I would like to show one, so do you show Shetlands?
so that is all.
thanks!!
sure there great:) i ride/race them my friend owns one 9.3hh gorgeous:) she jumps her 50 cm you think you cant make then the next thing: O there over [of course this Shetland is extremely fit and has natural jumping ability and jumps with ease nothing forced]
there easy, cheap and low maintenance founder is the main issue your always on the look out for so read up!
there are many shapes and sizes of shetland ponies there's a American shetland and the original English shetland
i recommend the English shetlands there stocky and sturdy, and all-round better choice [this is what i have experience in]
the bigger the shetland is [11.2 and under] the better, 9.3hh - 11.2hh you can ride as long as your around 50kgs and have good balance [and not to tall so 5'4ish]
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com always get one that is registered
a lot of shetlands are shown by small adults/teenagers then children, in fact a lot of people hate shetlands and will not put a child on them
as there to smart and if not disciplined properly they become a problem to many people think there dogs, shetlands are a workhorse and people have seamed to forgotten that, this is what makes the shetland breed so wonderful!
i can tell you with the injuries i've gotten and avoided are just as bad as a 16hh horse there not dogs but if there disciplined propley like any horse there ace!
harness is fun to:) but im not a harness fan
West of the Rocky Mountains, ponies in general, and Shetlands in particular, are highly discriminated against. If you try to compete against horses with a pony (Shetland, or other breed) you will not place, since the HORSE show judges are ALL prejudiced against ponies. Why? I do not know, but they sure are.
If you get a Shetland pony, try to get one that is registered, so that you can show in the breed shows.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com In the Mid-West there are, or at least used to be, shows for registered Shetland ponies, where the ponies were judged on conformation in halter classes. Also they were shown in fine harness or roadster type driving classes hitched to gigs or sulkies. I have seen pictures in books and magazines. In some of the pictures, the ponies looked like Miniature American Saddlebreds, complete with set tails and extra long hooves.
Shetlands are great ;-)
We have a 8.2hh mare and she is great with the kids and lots of fun. We took her to 2 shows this year and she got ribbons at both and even won two classes at her second.
The great things about Shetlands where I am (and I assume everywhere) is that they have to be natural in the show ring. So no plaiting manes and tails etc. They like their tail long and fluffy and the mane full and fluffy. Judges like a good colour to their coat and to be healthy.
You have options with a Shetland.
- You can show them in hand, we have specific classes for Shetlands here.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
- You can find a small child and ask them to be lead on the pony to then show them in leading rein classes.
- As you have already suggested you can also show them in harness.
Usually the rumours are true and they can be stubborn and lazy. Ours will have a nip at you occasionally or even lay down and roll on the kids. They are very intelligent and ours does try to open gates. They can be prone to founder, so you do need to keep on top of feeding and nutrition with them. I usually get down on my knees while cleaning out her feet ;-)
But overall my recommendation is to certainly get a Shetland to show if you wish to. You sound like you have enough experience to deal with one and have a specific purpose in mind to keep them busy.
Good luck with your pony, post a photo when you win some ribbons and have a great day out ;-)
ive never had one but i want one to! Ive always had big old QHs, arabs or TBs and i love the feel of a big powerful horse but theres nothing like riding a lil pony around! they are soo much fun and have a lot of low end power, they can jump anything, under saddle if ur small enough or in hand is fun to. weight restrictions are a huge factor but like i said, if ur small enough for em they are great. i never showed them but i knew a girl who did and she always had ponies showing in things, even in barrel racing.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
i probably didnt answer your Q but theres my input:)
