Dumb idea...or could it work..??

[SatansLittleHelper]

My Shitland pony, ShitPig, is FAT. Obviously I need to find a way to get his weight down but it's hard, he is on poor grazing etc but he just never seems to lose it.
I can't walk enough to make it worth doing with him due to Fibromyalgia, I don't do alot of walking if I can avoid it. He's not great at being lead from another horse so I don't feel safe enough doing that. I don't really have the time to drive him, though I'd love to.
Anyway, I saw a video somewhere of a girl who took her Shitland out with her bike....Shitland trotted along side quite happily. So now I'm wondering if this is an idea...and if it's safe..?! I'd build him up slowly but I think it could be fun..?!

 

[Flowerofthefen]

A mobility scooter might be safer .....

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Sadly I don't own one of those

 

[brighteyes]

Treadmill... Joking apart is he EMS? If so you'll have your work cut out. How much would it cost to send him somewhere like a fat farm equivalent if you are concerned for his well-being? Is that an option?

 

[FireCracker238]

A mobility scooter might be safer .....

Mum did that with ours ?. They sometimes come up at a reasonable price on Gumtree

A bike would be the healthier option if your fibromyalgia would allow it

 

[Ownedby4horses]

We have someone local who cycles past with a Shetland merrily trotting along, he has both a chestnut and a grey and goes past with both. If you can cycle without it causing you health issues, I’d go for it.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

I'd like to point out that I'm not a complete knacker and I do walk...just not consistently or far ??? I can cycle enough to help him I think. I can't get him ridden by kids as he BITES ???
He's got no other health issues, vet says he's just fat and could do with the extra exercise. I just have limited options though he lives out on several acres of poor grazing with a couple of big horses and they play constantly.
I do feel that ShitPig would enjoy it....eventually ?

 

[EllenJay]

I wouldn't after seeing the aftermath of my ex-OH taking a Springer for a walk from a bike. Smashed face, lacerations on arms and legs, ripped clothes

 

[asmp]

My only concern would be that he would drag you to the nearest grass (unless, of course, if he is extremely well behaved!)

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

I wouldn't after seeing the aftermath of my ex-OH taking a Springer for a walk from a bike. Smashed face, lacerations on arms and legs, ripped clothes

Oh hell..!!!! ????
ShitPig isa lazy sod so I'd probably have to drag him...esp without the other horses ?

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

My only concern would be that he would drag you to the nearest grass (unless, of course, if he is extremely well behaved!)

His name is ShitPig, I'll let you draw your own conclusions ???

 

[asmp]

His name is ShitPig, I'll let you draw your own conclusions ???

That’s what I thought!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

If he won't lead well from another horse, I can't see that leading from a bike will work.

 

[ycbm]

I've seen people do it and I think it's really dangerous.
.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

If he won't lead well from another horse, I can't see that leading from a bike will work.

I did wonder but the reason he doesn't lead from another is because he turns it into a game of dickheads by trying to get them to play...he isn't going to do that with a bike but I see your point.

I may have to start lunging him ?

 

[Griffin]

I did wonder but the reason he doesn't lead from another is because he turns it into a game of dickheads by trying to get them to play...he isn't going to do that with a bike but I see your point.

I may have to start lunging him ?

I was just going to ask if he lunges?

My good doer mare has done really well but has got a bit chubby the last few weeks. I am riding her regularly but I am going to add a lunging session in once a week to get her moving a bit more.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

I actually think a mobility scooter would be better as if he pulls you you have more weight under you to stop him. Whereas with a bike I can see him pulling you straight over/dragging you or similar. I think it's fabulous when it works but potentially really dangerous if it doesn't quite work.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Thanks guys, it "seems " like a great idea but I guess maybe it would be a bit unsafe.
ShitPig isn't called that for nothing...he is an absolute A class bellend ??
I will try some lunging and maybe see if I can improve his manners being lead from another horse.

 

[Carrottom]

As a teen I used to lead my 14.2 from my bike up a private drive from his field to the yard. Mostly it was fine unless he stopped suddenly.

 

[fredflop]

Recipe for disaster!

 

[scruffyponies]

I think you need to break him to drive, then get him a nice heavy cart. Much safer.

 

[FireCracker238]

I actually think a mobility scooter would be better as if he pulls you you have more weight under you to stop him. Whereas with a bike I can see him pulling you straight over/dragging you or similar. I think it's fabulous when it works but potentially really dangerous if it doesn't quite work.

Easier to do an emergency dismount too, specially if the seat is armless

 

[Lipglosspukka]

Just lead from another horse but get trotting straight away. He will soon sort his shit out once he's put to proper work.

 

[I'm Dun]

Lead from another horse, bridle, bit and drop noseband and carry a long schooling whip, and keep him close into the other horse. Any attempt to be a pillock and flick him and on into trot. He will soon get the idea that its not play time, and its less effort to behave.

 

[scruffyponies]

I find leading an uppity shetland is best done from a fairly short pony. Mine tries to get underneath the leading horse, so leading from something sub 13hh makes life much easier.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

I think you need to break him to drive, then get him a nice heavy cart. Much safer.

I would love to if I had the time, and somewhere to put a cart but I don't. I have 2 big horses to work.
I could try riding and leading him off my friends solid 13.3...he is able to carry me for short hacks...that could be worth a try

 

[littleshetland]

Break to harness? I drive my mini shetland and he loves it. He's fit and well and well into his 20's now. He's got a small 2 wheel cart that I tip up on its back end and takes up hardly any storage space...alot safer than being dragged around on a bicycle I would imagine.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

As I said, I would absolutely love to drive him but I literally don't have the time to put into it unfortunately ?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would love to if I had the time, and somewhere to put a cart but I don't. I have 2 big horses to work.
I could try riding and leading him off my friends solid 13.3...he is able to carry me for short hacks...that could be worth a try

That sounds like your best bet!

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

If he is broken to ride then find a kid to ride him. They will soon learn to hop out the way of his teeth! Plus it's a good education for the kids to learn not to be complacent!