Age to break a shetland in?

[HollyhedgePippa]

As the title says.
Also when would you start to introduce the bridle to show inhand?

 

[vieshot]

Four. The same age I would anything else.

 

[thatsmygirl]

Same here, 4. Far far to many are started to early and isn't right. A local dealer breaks and hunts 2 yr olds round our way. I think that's so wrong in every way

 

[HollyhedgePippa]

I don't have a shetland to break, just curious as I have heard of them being broken at 2 as well.

 

[TelH]

I've shown my mini Shettie in hand since she was 2, she's 5 now but still unbroken

 

[HollyhedgePippa]

I've shown my mini Shettie in hand since she was 2, she's 5 now but still unbroken

How sweet! Oh well, I'm sure your Shettie doesn't mind

 

[Buds_mum]

Why would you wait until four to bit a pony? I think introducing a bit at 2 is fine, espesh if it's a colt your showing?
And then 3 - rising 4 to break to be ridden...

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I break mine in when they are ready to be. I had one that was big and strong as a 2yo so he started to be long lined and I leant over him - no weight on his back as my feet were standing on the floor lol! He then went on to be professionally broken as a 3yo. Another I didn't break until they were 5yo because they simply weren't ready.

As to biting. All Stallions and colts 2yo and over MUST be shown bitted. As to geldings, mares and fillies biting them at all is entirely your choice. I prefer my geldings bitted. I also bit my yearling colts. All of my fillies and most of my mares are shown in slips. One mare is shown in a bit as she is very onward bound.

 

[OpalFruits]

He's not even 2 yet Em I agree, I think introducing a bridle is fine, but not a saddle and rider