Miniature Shetlands/other miniature horses

J

Jules_F

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Hi everyone,

I am thinking about getting a miniature horse. Partly as a companion, partly as something for the kids to groom and enjoy and partly just because I've always quite fancied one :)
So what I'm wondering is which breeds are likely to have the best temperament? The most important thing for me is that it have a kind nature and general good temperament.
I know that all horses are different but does anyone have an opinion on the best mini breed?
I have been told that miniature Shetlands tend to have better natures than standard Shetlands but I have no idea if this is actually true! Any thoughts?
Any tips on what to look for also gratefully recieved :)

Thank you
Julia
 
Often temperament depends on bloodlines not the individual breed, there are good and bad ponies in all native breeds. Try to find out about the dam and sire and if possible meet them first hand.
 
It is like any breed. Every horse is different. I have 2 miniatures - 1 full Falabella the other 3/4 Falabella. I have them both since they were weaned and now 15 and 16 years. The gelding (pure bred) is afraid of his own shadow but gentle and the mare is cheeky, full of personality and affectionate. They can be difficult as companions for larger horses as with the risk of laminitis etc they have different needs. Also it is risky putting them out with larger horses unless 110% sure that the larger horse will take care of them. There have been some horror stories.
 
Hi, thank you for your replies. I will look into it further. I have found a local breeder so I intend to have a chat with them about the best way to proceed. :)
 
Little shetlands are great, but they are just like big horses in their character, so my advice is if you want something for the kids, get one that's getting on (>15). Mine's about that age, and his usefulness as a childrens pony has grown as he has settled down. He's still forward going, but when he was young he was like a sports horse crossed with a gremlin. Now he's happy to do lead rein all day long, and isn't quite so willful.

He even did a full afternoon of pony rides at the local fete this year... we tried that in his youth and he was having none of it.
 
As everyone's said it is breed and upbringing. I have a mini shet who is a dream, a mini horse who is a dream too but I wouldn't have her near kids and a Falabella who is more like a dog than a horse. I know a few minis that are truly wicked but have had bad upbringings. Just make sure to pick something that has had a lot done with it in life and I generally find the show ones are better cause they have had all those experiences and handling. As for company all mine have been fine with my big gelding.
 
I have two miniature shetlands and they have great natures. They are really nice little guys. It might be worthwhile going to a rescue like the RSPCA or WHW as they often have mini's and shetlands in and they would have had the chance to assess their personalities to see if they are a good match for children.
 
Thanks :) I think a more mature lady or gentleman would be ideal. I think they would be ok in with my two as they are extremely laid back and pay hardly any attention to each other. If however, there was an issue I could put it in with a couple of pet sheep.
 
I have three minis, they are shetland x falabella's, they have fantastic temperaments. They are very easy to handle and love attention, they have never been broken to ride but I have put a very small child on the oldest mare and she didn't bat an eyelid. I bought them originally because my sect d was terrified of two shetlands I have to pass to get onto the mountain to ride so I thought if I had some in the field next to him he would get used to them. I never intended putting them together but he loves them so they are now in the same field as my big horses and they are fine. They do like to escape and visit the neighbours who all love them and are happy to have them in their gardens! Never thought I would have minis but now I would never be without one or three!
 
I have 4 mini shets. Aged 5,4,4 & 3. Have had then all since they were 1 or under and they are great. Very friendly love to be groomed fussed etc ours have ways been treated as treat our 16.3 mare, lots of wee ponies are nippy due to being let away with murder! If your not going to put it in with your other horses you would be better with 2 as sheep won't really cut it as a companion.
 
I took on an ex petting zoo mini, he was great out in the field with my much larger horses, 15 2hh- 17 1hh, however, in confined spaces like the barn or stables, the little beggar would kick out at them, only reaching knees or hocks, he was 30" high, I couldn't risk injury to the horses, so rehomed him, but what a character
 
I have a lovely shetland 9.1hh (not sure if that makes her a miniature?) she's a great little character when we got her she was seriously overweight but then I discovered she loves to jump so after some lunging and a bit of jumping she's looking great :) she's in the field with my 15hh youngster and they used to share a stable but now my other is too big. The only problem I've ever had is that when it comes to moulting season in summer my youngster seems to nibble the shetlands back and pull her hair out. We've put some crib stop spray on the shetties back and it's stopped though now they are loved up happy field mates again :)
 
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