I have heard many versions of the same story. Well-meaning parents with no previous experience of owning horses want to buy a Shetland pony. And they run into problems. Quelle Surprise!
With a little forward planning, this does not have to be the case.
Yeah right! Anyone who actually has one or more of these little sods is now pissing themselves laughing. And possibly buying popcorn and pulling up a chair to watch the mayhem that will ensue.
Just ignore them. If you follow the advice below everything will be fine. I promise. Honest. For the most part.
1. Fencing: Shetland Ponies Are Escape Artists
This is an understatement. Even experienced pony owners can have a little trouble keeping their “little trouble” on the correct side of the fence.
What your fence looks like to your Shetland pony is important. If ponies think they can get out… Ponies will.
Use at least three strands of electric fencing. Or possibly six or seven. With at least one strand being the plain metal kind as it packs more of a punch.
This might sound cruel. But believe me — after the 99th time of collecting your precious pony from your neighbour’s prized rose garden, a little extra zap from a fence is the least of that little fu*$ers problems.
Make sure the gap between the strands is not too wide. They will step between them. Head through. One front foot. Hoppity hop. Then the rest of the Shetland.
I have also seen them take a deep breath and go for it. Pain be dammed!
If this is the case, try putting your darling pony in a field that has a hedge with the same electric fencing set up in front of it. Don’t leave too large a gap between the two or it ceases to be one impenetrable barrier and becomes two easy-peasy ways out of the field.
And because your Shetland pony is a diminutive chappie, don’t think the fence does not have to be high. With the correct motivation, they can JUMP! Mine jumped a 1m high fence once when the mare he had been mithering had had enough and decided attack was the best form of defence.
2. Feeding Your Shetland Pony
They are not lawnmowers. These ponies evolved in the harsh climates of the Shetland Isles. They thrive on very little. Obesity is an enormous problem for Shetlands. Unless your pony is in very hard work there will be no need to feed concentrates.
Hay, and grass that is not too rich, are enough. And a mineral block.
A track system is an excellent way to limit grazing. If you have ponies on the same track who do not suffer from obesity, they can eat off the best of the grass first.
However, you must bear in mind that a hungry pony is even more likely to escape. Those roses are now looking really tempting. Your fencing might be up to scratch but where is that miniature menace when you are coming in and out of the gate?
Are you keeping your pony in a field with others who are bucket-fed? You might want to keep an eye out. Tiny thieves are a dab hand at grabbing a bucket and buggering off down the field at a canter to eat their illicit gains.
Photo by Isabelle Young
3. Horses and Ponies Are Herd Animals
I am not overstating when I say to keep a herd animal alone is an act of cruelty. You MUST consider this before owning a Shetland pony.
Do any of your neighbours own horses? Would they mind a little Shetland pony coming to live? If they don’t mind DO NOT let them read this article first.
Or you could consider getting two ponies instead of one? Let’s face it if you are still reading this with the intention of getting one you might as well get another one. Two is easier than one. Oh! God! No. It isn’t. That is such a lie. They are so much worse than the sum of their two parts. It is like they egg each other on to bigger and better naughtiness.
Buy three.
4. Treat Your Shetland Like a Pony
Your Shetland is a pony. Your Shetland is not a dog. Nor a toy.
They have a nickname. The Shitland. Named for their reputation as being headstrong and stubborn. And quite frankly, a bit of a shit.
But their typical character is more gentle. They are friendly by nature. More often than not their poor behavior is created by humans.
They need boundaries. I know they are cute. Thus, people let their pony get away with being naughty. But you are creating problems for yourself. And creating an unhappy pony. Cesar Milan talks of Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations. This works for dogs, children, and equines.
Although, I have got myself in trouble when I have said this in the past. For some reason, people really don’t like it when I compare their children to horses or dogs.
5. Shetland Ponies Live a Long Time
Well into their thirties. And sometimes beyond.
Unless you are ready for a lifelong commitment, don’t get a Shetland pony. Just like with any other animal companion, you must consider how you will care for them in the long run.
There is no law anywhere on this planet that says you must have animals.
Therefore, if you are not certain you can cope with long-term care there is no shame whatsoever in admitting this to yourself. No shame at all. But there is plenty of shame in getting an animal and not taking the time to learn how to best cater for their physical and mental well-being.
I know I joke about how naughty they are but that is because I love them. It is the same way best friends banter with each other and call each other names.
But all joking aside, they do take looking after animals to another level. A level that lives for a long time. Think about what you really want from your pony. Perhaps, visiting a riding centre might be more appropriate.
6. Shetland Ponies Are Intelligent
Put a fence across your field with gaps in it. Place a bucket of food on the other side. Put a horse, a pony, and a Shetland pony in the side without the bucket. Guess who finds a gap first?
I read about this somewhere years ago so I tried it with my herd. Two horses stayed at the fence and stared at the bucket on the other side. The Welsh Mountain pony got all giddy and frustrated and ran about with his tail in the air.
The Shetland pony looked up and down the fence. Spotted a gap. And wandered through to the bucket.
Amazing!
7. Owning a Shetland Pony Is Fun!!
Shetland ponies can do everything the big boys can do. But with a fluffy, cuddly panache. Check out the videos for proof!
Are you still considering owning a Shetland pony? Are there any other tips you think people should know before making this commitment? Or do you already have a cheeky little monkey and want to share some tales? Let us know in the comments section below!
The fittest Shetlands I ever knew were driven. As a pair the shetlands would out perform in stamina any other breed with carriage driving. Their legs may be short but their determination made sure they kept up.
I would love to drive Shetlands!! I bet that would be so much fun!!
I was brought up by a Shitland Rig Stallion.
Pure evil.
He liked children.
When I say liked… he liked them roasted and covered in ketchup.
I have the scars to prove it!
(And I loved that menace to bits…)
LOL I tried to type a laughing emoji but that does not seem to work on my new Theme, which is a shame as your comment deserves a fabulous big laughing face and a whopping great heart emoji. lol
Tony The Pony, my first Shetland. Not my first horse. I love this little guy. Intelligent, inquisitive, can spot the intention of any human from a mile away.
You must deal with him in his way, and you’ll get his heart. Approaching him rudely or being on a mission and he will avoid you like the plague. He is expert at reading people.
His greatest accomplishments (other than competition and performances… which have been great).
He really reaches into the hearts of children in need. From children on the autism spectrum, to children dealing with trauma. He interacts with them in ways that will send parents, counselors and even his owner in tears. He feel for them and provides something that humans can’t.
I had a TB horse that I used to have agisted, brought a property with land and brought him home. My friend suggested I get a Pony to keep him company. We decided to get a pony that needed a home from auctions, site unseen.
Our shetland.. yep shitland shows up.
He was from a kill pen, approx 3 years old ( told gelded, but was not) .He was abused,had lice, worms, underweight, mean and considered dangerous.
Yes what a jackpot lol we named him Skanky Frankie. After 2 years of solid trying to let him know I loved him and meant no harm, he started to settle.
He is now fat Frank, come along way, but still won’t walk on a lead. Needs some sedation to have hooves done , but loves to be cuddled. His has trust issues if anyone puts him in a position that he can’t escape, even me the mumma who he knows adores him. Shetlands have good memories, who ever abused him did a job . My TB gelding and him can not be separated, they are BFF for life, it my TB that has to be able to see him, it’s like he needs to watch over him. In saying that, he is super smart, steals food ( fat frank) taught him a game so can put halter on, just have to say “where does you nose go” lol
I have never used a harsh word with him, and make sure everyday he knows how much the little shit is loved.
Skanky Frankie Brilliant name!!
And he sounds like a proper Shetland. You have to love their crazy intelligence. Super smart little ponies. I love mine to bits.
Just like the Skankster, my little man was also a rescue. He has been with me for about 15 years now and is a totally different beast to the skinny, scared, shut-down little person who arrived. Although, if he does not know you, you are not allowed near his ears. You have to earn the right to that particular trust.
Thanks for leaving a comment, Tracie, I love reading people’s horsey stories. And give Frankie a big kiss from me.
Hi mare-o-pausal.com webmaster, Thanks for the detailed post!
i have a shetland HERD we recently had to gt rid of the stallion as he became too much of a menace but the youngest (also a menave) i have been working on training her.
Oh I remember my shetland when he was still entire. Yes, he could also have been described as a bit of a menace lol. What have you been working on with your youngster?