Backing shetlands for profit?

[P0ny Lover]

I was wondering if its possible to make money breaking in shetlands? I'm the right height/weight for being able to break one in. There is also a sheltand breeder walkable distance away from me. I also love shetlands so I was wondering if you could make profit or break even by buying a sheltand, breaking them in then sell them on?

 

[SpeedyPony]

You might break even, but one unexpected vets bill would probably result in you making a loss.
There isn't a huge market for green Shetlands, as most riders will be children and wanting something made. The ones that could ride on a green pony probably have the skills/support to back their own and will therefore buy an unbroken youngster to save a bit of money.
That said, if you want to have a pony to enjoy for a time and are happy to write off the running costs, you could probably find a market for them. I would suggest costing up what they would be to keep, as hay/lage, vaccinations, tooth rasping, livery (if you don't have your own land), farriery and tack/saddle fittings will come to more than you might expect. If you're happy to call the running costs hobby money and not include them in your calculations (as in, you'd be paying for a pony anyway, so you won't factor it in to the sale price) then it might be worth it to you, but it would be a hobby rather than a business.
Do you enjoy starting youngsters, or do you prefer having a more finished horse? You may find that not having a pony that can go out and do clinics/shows, or only at very low levels leaves you feeling left out. (You may, of course, also have an older pony already to do these things.)
If you're a lightweight competent rider, it might pay better to get some insurance and set up as a freelance rider, there are people that want ponies exercised or schooling done to tune up a child's pony.

 

[Widgeon]

No idea but tiny adult / teenage riders competent enough to ride tricky or green ponies are in very short supply, so you should be able to turn this to your advantage somehow!

 

[Widgeon]

If you're a lightweight competent rider, it might pay better to get some insurance and set up as a freelance rider, there are people that want ponies exercised or schooling done to tune up a child's pony.

yes this

 

[sbloom]

Yep, there are lots of first riddens and LR type ponies that the vast majority of adults are too big to ride.

 

[maya2008]

You wouldn’t make a profit. It would be fun and you might break even though.

Why? Because no one wants a 3yo or 4yo. And if they do they want to see a child on it before they come to view.

You would make more by offering backing services for people who already own their small ponies and need help.