Is my miniature shetland okay to ride?

kat2290 said:
Debbie&mini - if she is your pony there is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed, the people pointing out that she is overweight are only trying to help and give you some advice. If you have helped her to lose weight since the summer then that's great, but if not maybe now is a good time to start? You don't want your pony going in to spring with that much weight on and she will be at serious risk of laminitis and probably numerous other health problems.

There are lots of very knowledgeable people on this forum who I'm sure would love to help you so please don't feel like you have to lie or change your story!
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Brilliant post!
This forum is full of folk who can offer amazing advice and support so well done for coming here to ask the question about if you're too heavy to ride your pony, in the first place.
Like Kat says, please do not feel you have to hide away or leave. You're as welcome here as anybody is.

And I would just like to apologize for coming across quite rudely. I hope you do stay :)
 
Debbie&Mini said:
Thanks so much, I really mean it. I do want to delete as I feel I have already made a fool of my self. My be my vet was wrong! I'll deffonetly get weight off her!
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Don't worry about it chuck! I have had so many bad starts on this forum and i'm still here. People move on and get on with their lives. Nobody is going to care about this as it won't affect them.

All I will say is, if that is your pony, please be careful with her weight because it can be dangerous especially coming up to spring as she may be at risk of laminitus (sp?)

But as I say, you don't have to leave :)
 
If I was as light as a 12 year old I'd have great fun riding your pony and helping it to lose weight - it's nothing to feel embarrassed about! My horse is currently a bit fat and I've had to make his feeds a lot smaller and exercise him more - what do you feed yours?

Go out and have fun on your pony, and take lots of photos, we love to see before and after pics on here! Having horses is supposed to be fun remember :)

You can always private message someone on here if you feel a bit embarrassed about asking for help - the majority of us on here would like to help you!
 
Hey Debbie ;) can't see the photo .. But please don't worry .. We r friendly .. And can offer helpful tips ;) please don't run off :) I love the saying ' if u r not willing the listen nobody can help u .. If u r willing to learn nobody can stop u ;)
 
It is not easy keeping weight off native ponies by the most experienced of horseman/woman, so it will be harder for a young lass like you to do it, because you just dont have the experience yet, but listen to these knowledgeable people on the forum and learn, as one poster has already said, if u r willing to learn no one can stop you, good luck
 
I think it's really good that you came on here and asked advice. I am 38 and ask really basic things all the time. People will have their own opinions and some may be a little blunt but the great thing about a forum is you can take it or leave it. Actually one of the bluntest replies I got upset me a bit at the time but was the best advice I have ever been given and really helped me turn my pony around. Stick with us and keep asking !
 
Debbie&Mini said:
I don't want to sound like a lier but she is my pony. I just didn't want people thinking I was like that.
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Don't worry, everybody makes mistakes or says things and then wishes they hadn't! Well done for being brave enough to admit it was a lie, a lot of people wouldn't have done that!

I have two miniature Shetlands myself, they are great ponies but you really do have to be extra careful about how much and what they get fed. They are designed to survive in a very harsh environment with little food and a lot of moving around each day so it is very easy for them to become fat when they live in a cosy stable!

As P-87 said you should just enjoy riding her and helping her to lose weight :)
 
That photo was taken in the summer when she had JUST got moved into another field, along with Debbie! But now the field is quite churned up, so little grass. So Mini has lost a lot in that space of time. I have rode her a few times and I think she likes it, I just wasn't sure wither I should or not! I lunge are as well, and put jumps in the field and jump in hand with her. She's a really cheeky pony though, and I will certainly watch out next time. Thank you!
 
You sound like you have a lot of fun with your minis don't ever be ashamed on this forum about your ponies we all learn from being here and no doubt they love you! Couldn't see the photo but am very jealous as would love a mini myself! Hope you stay around and put up more photos so I can see your ponies! X
 
The weight limit for our minis is around 4stone. One of them was horribly overweight when we got him. It's taken several years and trialling different things to keep it off some and put it on others!! I can't see your pic but what do you feed?
 
Is it actually broken to ride correctly? I know many people who just hop on and go with minis and shetlands, cause they are so small and placid. I personally woulnd't put anyone over about 4 on a mini shetland.
 
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