Advice needed for miniature shetland colt

Trudyt76

Trudyt76

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Hi, I have a 9 month old miniature shetland colt and I would like to keep him entire until he fills out a bit more. However, he is my 6 year old daughter's pony and her safety is paramount. I am looking for advice on how best to chastise him when he bites, rears etc. I don't want to be smacking and shouting at him all the time but I don't want him to think he is the boss either. I definitely do not want to teach him aggression. I am an experienced horse owner but my knowledge is a bit like a patchwork quilt - I learnt this from this person and that from another. I have limited experience with very young horses and wonder if anyone can recommend a good book. Unfortunately we do not have any winter turn out so he is not socialising with other horses and ponies. I am worried that he is not playing with and learning from his own kind and is missing out on valuable lessons. I was wondering whether or not I should get him a friend of a similar age. Has anyone had any experience of stabling two miniatures together in a large stable. Thanks :confused:
 
Honestly I'd geld him, it won't affect his development and a nippy, bloshy colt isn't the best thing for a small child. He really does need equine company, exercise and time to play, the lack of this will be affecting his behaviour. It's not good for such a baby to be confined all the time, are you able to turn out in an arena at all? I do with my mini's and they go crazy. :) You may have to think about splitting the stable if you get him a friend, one or the other may be food protective or a bully.
 
Hiya, thanks for the advice. I've pencilled in a castration for the begining of March but I thought I'd ask around first before making a final decision. I'm really aware of the lack of socialisation being afforded to him but I'm moving yards on the 29th with better facilities so hopefully he will be able to get out more and socialise. I have been taking him out every night for a walk and I also graze him for half an hour on a field on Sat and Sun where he has a little freak out on the lunge but he's restricted and just wants to let rip. I'm begining to feel bad about buying him as he has lived out since being born and I know it's affecting his mood and behaviour :o. Hopefully he will be happier once we move yards :)
 
I would def find somewhere with turn out. This and the fact he has still got his bits could be your problem!! I have a miniature stallion and a miniature gelding that graze together. However i stable them seperatley because once they are in a confined space plus the addition of food, my gelding becomes a complete bully!!

any pics??
 
Turnout. You really really need to find some, along with a companion for him.
My boys would go bonker's if they were unable to go out, play rough and let off some steam!
 
geld him asap. and find him some turnout with friends of similar age. a 9 month colt and a 6 year old child is a recipe for disaster! he might be a minature shetland BUT he thinks he is huge and can still rear, buck , kick, nip. i have a lovely shettie but he is now 8 and lovely with the kids, but i daresay he was very cheeky when a colt. could you not find a lovely dinky oldie for your daughter?
 
My boys best friend is a 2 1/2 year old welsh section a stallion - when they first met a year ago he was a little ***** who would barge, bite and bolt! Every since they have been together, he has been a dream to handle. Fella puts him in his place, and he respects that. If you decide to keep him entire, 24/7 turnout with company is a must.
Personally I would geld though. Especially if you don't do it in the spring, you will have to wait until the autumn because of the flies. And if you still find he is a handful, its a long time to wait!
 
Thanks everyone for your advice/opinions. I know buying a youngster for a youngster is probably not the best decision i've made but he's with us for life and I thought it would be nice if they could grow up together. We are going to break him into cart when he's older as my daughter is more interested in driving than riding much to my disappointment. There is a menage on the yard where I am now however it's closed more than it's open due to weather conditions so I never get to use it. Also you're not allowed to free school, lunge or let your horse roll in the menage. I think it's just there to look at :rolleyes:. There's over 50 horses on our yard and with very limited access to the menage that you cannot lunge in and no winter turnout (apart from the odd hour at weekend - weather permitting) to a select few, the move to the new yard cannot come quick enough :)
 
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