Miniature Horses/Ponies.......Why?

[Aarrghimpossiblepony]

Been away from the horse world for years, can't get my head around the increase in miniatures.

What are they for?
Can they be ridden?
What do people do with them?

Saw an advert for "miniature Shetlands" does that mean an ordinary Shetland that is now talked about as being miniature?
Or is it some other abomination?
Why would you want to breed a smaller Shetland?

Don't get it at all, if people want a pony the size of a dog to keep as a pet, get a dog.

 

[Elsiecat]

Let me answer your ending statement with another statement - if you want a dog the size of a Shetland, get a Shetland!

 

[flump]

We have 2 minature ponies, one minature American pony and one minature donkey! And one mini something who was a rescue job! To give you an idea on size they were 3'3-3'6 rugs. They are not ridden but are much loved but naughty pets! I would not cope if any where over 12hh lol! They are just cute and cuddly and they can come in the tack room with you on tea break!
I love them and would never want to be without them!

 

[giddyupalfie]

Because they're cute

 

[Aarrghimpossiblepony]

Let me answer your ending statement with another statement - if you want a dog the size of a Shetland, get a Shetland!

I think I agree.

But it's the cross over from working pony to domestic pet that I find confusing.

 

[heebiejeebies]

Why not? Don't see what the problem is or why you seem so insulted by it....??

 

[Littlelegs]

Because they are cute. Daughters pony is 11.1 & her dam was a mini. She does all the usual second pony stuff. Daughters also backed/rode two for friends who use them as lr ponies for toddlers. I actually really like the fact true minis are horses in tiny pony bodies, they just amuse me.

 

[JHC]

Because they're cute

You stole my line!!

Mine has no purpose other than keeping my other horse company.. Cheaper to look after then a larger size companion.

 

[giddyupalfie]

You stole my line!!

Mine has no purpose other than keeping my other horse company.. Cheaper to look after then a larger size companion.

Lol sorry

I do have a business/job lined up for my Miniature but I'm not telling you all incase it doesn't work out... You'll have to wait and see what it is! You could be waiting a long time though due to money, so I wouldn't get too excited

 

[FfionWinnie]

Why not?

How many 3yr olds do you know who can handle their own pony and mount/dismount unaided?

He is 32 inches tall and worth his weight in gold!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oid-BIL02I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-unrM5dYFT0

 

[sonjafoers]

I took one on at the end of last summer because he had terrible sweet itch & his owner wasn't treating him......and I keep asking myself the same question. WHY???

 

[Aarrghimpossiblepony]

Why not?

How many 3yr olds do you know who can handle their own pony and mount/dismount unaided?

He is 32 inches tall and worth his weight in gold!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oid-BIL02I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-unrM5dYFT0

So he's a small working pony?
That's fine, it's what I asked, can they be ridden,driven,worked.

 

[FfionWinnie]

So he's a small working pony?
That's fine, it's what I asked, can they be ridden,driven,worked.

He is a registered miniature Shetland.

They can be worked the same as any other horse if you have a suitable jockey for them of course.

 

[Cortez]

Don't see the point. Any I have met have been horrible little gits.....

 

[Mardy Mare]

Have you not seen the new 3 advert- how cute it that? And very talented

 

[giddyupalfie]

Don't see the point. Any I have met have been horrible little gits.....

Come and meet mine and your mind will be changed she is a darl

 

[NeverSayNever]

i have one very similar to Ffionwinnie's. She is 34 inches and also worth her weight in gold. She serves a fabulous purpose as small, easy to keep companion to my mare. I also long rein her and she is a fabulous lead rein pony for friend's kiddies and is wonderful with my 9 month old baby who has already started riding her.

 

[mulledwhine]

I once had a rabbit that was bigger than my terrier!! Why have a dog when you can have a rabbit? Because I like dogs

I can't walk a rabbit , but like the cuddles

Horses/ ponies do not need to be ridden to be happy, some people just like their company, ad long as they are well kept, I say , each to their own

 

[ZondaR]

I was at a hunter trial today and one was being lunged. It looked weirdly cute, or, cutely weird, seeing a minature Shetty being treated like a 'real' horse. Then a little girl got on and set off to do the little under 12's course which was x poles and in a lovely little field. Her sister was going to do the 2nd round and they both wanted to go twice but mother said no. They asked why and she said "because Mummy will be too knackered to go round again". Lol. (We were parked next to them, hence I overheard the conversation.)

 

[kerrieberry2]

look at his face, how could you not love him?

 

[Jo_x]

I think I agree.

But it's the cross over from working pony to domestic pet that I find confusing.

Many farmers would ask the same question of people who keep dogs as pets!

 

[ghostie-x]

I have 2, both coming up to 10 yrs old and they grew up together. They are both 34in and the black one has done dressage,showing and placed many times SJ with my younger sister! She is now 9 but can still ride him as she is so light and has taken him hunting twice in the last month- he loves it!

They are fantastic characters to have around, so much fun and absolutely adorable. Our little dun Mudlark is less feisty than Pipkin and is perfect for tiny tots learning to ride. They are little angels and I can't imagine life without our Mini's!

Pipkin hunting

Mudlark

 

[zigzag]

Now its one of these I'm looking for for my daughter who is 22 months

 

[Cortez]

Sorry, but euww; horrible deformed useless little gits.

 

[Littlelegs]

Sorry to hi-jack but what is your sister using as a saddle ghostie?

 

[ghostie-x]

Sorry, but euww; horrible deformed useless little gits.

Each to their own but useless is not what mine are- as I have stated above! They do the jobs that they are supposed to do perfectly well thank you very much.

 

[DragonSlayer]

Sorry, but euww; horrible deformed useless little gits.

Aren't you full of the joys of spring?

 

[milo'n'molly]

Sorry, but euww; horrible deformed useless little gits.

aw, bit harsh. They are not my cup of tea but they are some peoples much loved ponies and if they serve a purpose as companion/kids pony then why not?

 

[Cortez]

Aren't you full of the joys of spring?

Nope, just had the pleasure of looking after some in the past. I don't see the point, based on experience.

 

[sam72431]

Each to their own, I don't have one but friend has one and uses him for lead rein, and anyway even if she didn't so what who are we to question who does what with their horse?! Why do you have a 'proper' size horse?! Do you jump compete etc the list goes on why question what other people do the world would be a boring place if we were all the same!!