How many ponies on 1.5 acres

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Field04

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I currently have 1.5 acres with 1 14.2hand pony and one 10h pony. During the summer I have slightly more land that I use and the opinion for more if needed. I am toying with getting a mini shetland as company but would this be possible with the amount of land I have? I do have a winter area which I can close off during the night. Thanks
 
A difficult one....if turned out 24/7 365 you may struggle.

However if you are prepared to treat the 1.5 acres as 'turn out' rather than 'grazing', and can provide additional forage all year round, then it could work with very careful management.

It also depends on your soil type - if on heavy clay that churns up, another pony will only compromise the grazing more, but if it is well draining then it is a different story.

At the end of the day a mini will not need good grazing......
 
the welfare guide gives 2 acres for first pony and an acre per additional one but that said if you have small ponies the ground drains well and they wont end up in mud why not. You may have to feed more hay in winter so it wont be cheap and once bought it will be very difficult to put right if it doesnt work as there is literally no market for small ponies so best think carefully and find one you want for the rest of its life all 30 years or so
 
I wanted try and foster or adopt another shetland rather than buy. Just wanted to help a little one out as know I don't have the room for a larger pony or horse. The land does drain well, and seems to cope extremely well with the two I have and as I said I do have a smaller sand area (with seperate grass area for feeding hay) for during the winter, with a walk in field shelter and a box if needed. I have a deal with a local farmer of 15 euros for a large round of hay, and have a stock of plenty of hay and straw. So very lucky in that regard, however we have had a good year for hay so am aware it could be different another year. I have two neighbours who have offered me another acre each of land to use, but have not used it yet as it is not so easy with just having two as once I take one out the other will fret. And I couldn't handle taking the two out at the same time as its I have to cross a main road with them. Hope that all makes sense!!
 
Problem with adopting is the agency you plan to use may not let you have one because they go by the welfare rules so it may be an issue but it is a good idea as the littlies can keep each other company while you ride etc
 
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