Breaking Shetlands

[laura_1983]

We're thinking on getting a shetland pony for my little boy to potter around with, he loves ponies but is happier grooming, taking for walks etc than riding, though will ask to ride sometimes. How easy are shetlands to break in? Obviously it depends on the pony but would quite like to get a youngster and let it have time with us without being ridden then break it in either once my new baby arrives (so around sep time) or this time next year.

Any help/info would be great?

 

[rara007]

I have broken in quite a few- Some you get on a ride, like Ajay. We broke him one week, showing the next. But we had one that took the best part of a year to even be slightly broken, but she was a rescue. Treat them as a normal horse with a bit of an attitude problem and you will be fine!

 

[Northhorse]

You worst problem in breaking any Shetland is finding a rider that is small enough and good enough!!
They get a bad name through being treated like a pet, not a horse and being ridden by tiny kids that are not strong enough to ride them properly.

Does anyone know of any tiny AI's out there - less than 5ft and less than 7 stone?????

 

[laura_1983]

iv got someone to help, tiny 16yr old, she's a good rider and as long as im there with her while we get the pony going i know she'l get on fine!

im in scotland too, dundee, do you know of the best places to look for buying?

 

[Northhorse]

As with all kids ponies, the best are rarely advertised. Suggest you contact the local Pony Club and see if there is anyone there growing out of one.
If you end up buying from a dealer/breeder etc I would sugest you go for a biggest one you can find - preferably 40" up. Then you can drive it later!

 

[itsme123]

contact a breeder, shetland pony web will have a list.

If your little boy like taking ponies for walks a shetland isnt the ideal choice. They're as strong as any 14.2hh native, with ten times the attitude.

 

[nadinek82]

Hiya, if you're looking for a good breader i recommend Neil Brown of the Kinness stud in St Andrews. I'm not sure if he has any ponies for sale at the moment but it'd maybe be worth giving him a phone. My pony is from his stud and he is an absolute gem. If you'd like Neil's phone number let me know and i can private message it to you.