Driving a shetland pony

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Patchworkpony

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I love shetlands as I used to own a couple many years ago but have never driven one. I would love to know what they are like to drive. I have only ever driven my welsh cobs and fells but now need to downsize.Does anyone have experiences, good or bad of driving shetlands? If so please, please share them. Do they seem small? Are they naughty? Are they sensible? Are they strong enough to pull two adults? All info gratefully received.
 
Hi,
Shetlands are great fun to drive, and yes they are strong enough to pull 2 adults provided the cart is the correct size and weight for them.
You can get vehicles built specifically for shetties.
I work as a professional coachman so please PM me if you need help/advice.
 
How much they can pull will depend on the size of the shetland. We breed mini shetlands, and usually advise people that they start the pony as a single first, and just keep the weight minimal, the sessions short, no deep ground and only flat ground. Once they drive single, they are better in a pair for serious weight or duration - but this is for minis. There are a few driving standards out there, and even some teams.

If you have a look here, there are some videos of shetlands driven: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Varkies-Stud/203505606365792

There is also this site, dedicated to driven shetlands: http://www.shetlandponydriving.co.uk

We think they are ideal driving ponies - brave as lions, intelligent, really up for anything!
 
This is my first post (gulp) but just had to reply as its about my passion! I have an amazing shettie that I drive. He is amazing! He was my daughters ridden pony, however he now multitasks! He is as bombproof as any horse is going to be on the roads, and really enjoys his job. When fit, he can happily pull myself and my 17 yr old daughter for 10 / 12 miles (although she does just jump off on any really really steep hills, buy thats just me being an old softie ;) ) He pulls a Bellcrown Shetland Star carriage. He is also barefoot, and always has been. Please feel free to message me for any more info. I'm in the West midlands.
 
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I drive a shetland cross 11hh. She is great but I am a novice so she takes the mick and wont stop sometimes. We do put two on the cart when she is fit but one jumps off on the hills.
 
I have a friend who bought a mini shetland weanling at a sale. He is wonderful, she drives him and he is taken to PC camp, where he is treated like a major celebrety. She broke him herself and he always behaves impecably. :)
 
Any excuse to show my boy off!

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Here we are on Christmas day. Incredibly brave and strong, he can take the p but he really seems to enjoy it, I love driving him!
 
I'm loving this thread I got a Shetland foal last year and hope to break him to drive any books recommended?
 
He is wonderful Patchwork, sorry didn't give too much info! He's 11 this year and I broke him to harness last May, my Grandad hand restored the cart for me so I haven't a clue what it actually is. I've got to agree with Nudibranch that they take to it like ducks to water, at least Tigger did anyway :)
 
This is a miniature horse Tonto that I help look after, although I'm too heavy to drive him, I long rein him. His owner has set a weight limit of nine stone to drive him:(
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However, she lets me drive her dales x Big Splash
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Patchwork pony - My Shettie (thats dandy in the photos) is 41 inchs. He is built like the proverbial brick "out"house....strong as an ox, and stamina and enthusiasm to match. He is 16 this year, and has been driving for about 7 years now. We are often accompanied out on drives by friends riding much bigger horses, and as a rule, we are generally in the lead, so no problems keeping up at all! I just make sure when driving on the busier main roads, that we stay in a good working trot, so as not to hold the traffic up too much.
 
Isn't this thread working out well! Everyone seems to love shetlands - one thing's for sure they are certainly great characters. My husband has just confessed that of all the horses and ponies we have lost over the years it was our naughty, stubborn little shetland mare that he said he still misses the most. Now of course reading all your lovely posts he said wants another one, or even two - and this is a man that used to show jump and event big horses at a fairly high level!
 
They are fab! Not had much to do with them since I was a teenager, but now that I am all grown up and have my very own tiny jockey, they are starting to feel like a necessity.... and now you've shown me that they can pull a couple of adults, well, its a done deal! I have decided I need at least one shetland pony in my life asap! :D
 
OH with pair of 31" mini mares, Chesnut is reg Shetland, grey in Shetland/American Mini Cross, both drive single and pairs
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Aged relative having a go with her friend
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I've got a Shetland that I would like to go on to a driving home as although he is 42" he doesn't have the length or width to be ridden by anyone bigger than a 6-7yo. He has cracking bone on him he just never filled out like we wanted him to most frustratingly.
 
I've got two who I've broken to drive, and had another - who I sadly lost to cushings :(, all loved to drive but I lost the enthusiasm to keep driving once I lost golly - managed to find a great small cart and some zilco harness, all sold via eBay in the end

the are all minis and found driving great, happily pull for hours once fit, only ever pullen one person though, great to break in and loved our little drives around our lanes- get the right harness and cart and have a go op, you will love it :)
 
Bennions Field - so sorry to hear about your pony. Perhaps in time you feel like picking up the reins again. Thank you for your encouragement.
 
Loving this thread. Can anyone recommend any good books for a complete beginner. I have a 12yr old shettie x welsh pony for my grandchildren but she doesnt get enough work really. I have been long reining her to encourage her to go forward without a leader, (she has only ever been a lr pony) and have been wondering whether I could drive her but have no idea where to start.
 
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