my friend had a full up 43 inch mare she was a really lovely pony but it took ages to get her to behave when ridden and that was with a well built 13 year old who can really ride, she sold her back in the summer to a showing home and she is doing well, same friend has a miniature Shetland she shows in hand and has another 2 coming in December once they are weaned she gets them from a well known breeder in our area who she is good friends with, I often go with her to look at the new foals they are so sweet and often lay on you if you sit on the floor they are like big dogs.