Keeping shetland ponies in gardens

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Patchworkpony

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I have seen a couple of posts here and there about people keeping a Shetland in their back garden and this got me thinking. How many pony lovers keep a Shetland or miniature or two in their garden? If so how much space do they get and are they happy and healthy?
 
I know someone who keeps a shetland in their garden alone, aparently its perfectly happy with just the dogs for company, not sure i agree atall tbh poor thing dosnt look very happy to me :(
 
My boy lives in my garden. He has a stable adjoining the garage & gets turned out in either our back garden which is just over a half acre, or we have an orchard which is also about half an acre. He is kept on his own, however, my neighbor has archy's boyfriend, who is an enormous friesian gelding just over the fence and they're always chatting to eachother.
 
I technically keep my two minis in someomes back garden. Its lovely, about half an acre and they can have a really good hoon around (frequently do!) Grass is a little sparse but I think thats good for them, they certainly aren't lean!

Only problem is its only big enough for them, so if I want to take them for a walk I have to get someone to help as I don't think its fair to leave them alone umless for a short period of time.
 
Depends on the size of the garden! If the garden is actually a small field then it's not a problem :) my 3 live in an orchard which is about half an acre, which gives them space to have a good hoon around (they like racing around lol) but small enough to keep control of the grass & their weight. I do think they need equine company though, they are herd animals after all. And space to run around - domestic gardens are too small and I think sometimes people forget they are still real horses with all the same needs and not toys.
Muckypony - could you take them out together? I frequently walk two of mine out one in each hand (although admittedly they are quite good at tying me in knots ;) lol) have been known to try all three at once - doesn't generally end well! :)
 
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