new owner needs advice

Yep, get someone who knows what they are doing to come visit and help you. Oh, and talk to a vet about having him gelded.
Edited to say, looking at your other thread you appear to have no knowledge at all of keeping ponies. If this is true then I think you should find him a new home. You don't even have a field for him to live in yet? Do you realise he'll need a lot more than a field?
I hope you're a troll.
 
have you owned horses before? been around then?
obvious one's are feed/hay t/o is important for any horse esp youngsters what are your plans with the colt?

i would also suggest gelding him unless your intending on breeding?

how long have you had your shetland

Edited to say: I'm with you on this one....I smelt Troll straight away but wanted to give benefit of doubt....but the clue is in the question...
 
Is there anything in particular you need advice on such as feeding etc? What are you unsure about?

It might be rather hard for anyone to advise you when we know nothing about you/previous experience and so on :)
 
If you're not using him for breeding he will need gelding asap. :D
If you know nothing you've got some reading and advice to get/do.
For handling a good place to start is No fear, no force by Sarah Weston.
http://www.sarahweston.co.uk/

I really recommend you get your basic handling, leading, standing still, moving back and to each side as well as foot lifting for cleaning and Farrier etc. as well as his/your 'rules' well established and be consistant with him. Kelly Mark's book Perfect Partners is a good basic start.
Better if he is with other youngsters of a similar age if possible...

There's some stuff, any help? Are you a novice owner? If not sorry if my suggestions are too basic.

Mta... I fell for it as usual! lol
 
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Buy a really good book on horse care. Some of these are the kind of thing.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Collins-Need-...=Non_Fiction&hash=item2c58ccbbc5#ht_704wt_905

or
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RSPCA-complet...Non_Fiction&hash=item336320e644#ht_500wt_1156
or
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Care-and-Mana...on_Fiction&hash=item5ad1098789#ht_1288wt_1139


Plus get some expert advice- do not treat him any different to a big horse, the Shetland can get difficult if spoilt and become extremely difficult.
Do you have any other animals to keep him with? They are herd animals and need to live with others.

May I ask how you came by him?

ETA never thought of a troll, I am way to trusting. I hope you are a troll, it is a bit irresponsible to buy a horse without any knowledge of them. If you aren't a troll then stay on here and ask questions, people will be more than happy to help.
FDC
 
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i do know a bit about ponies and happen to have a lot of friends with pony experience! i dont intend on riding him, (im sure he quite likes his legs)

he is still in the field of his current previous owners, and i have no intention of collecting him until i have somewere suitable to house him.

were you born with an extensive knowledge on ponies??? no thought not, you had to learn didn't you? as i am going to do with the help of my knowledgable friends and people on this forum (the ones who don't choose to dismiss my thread and leave sarcastic comments)

shaun
x
 
Hi, Shaun.

Wow, where to start?! Have you had any experience with horses before? I will assume you haven't, so don't think I'm being patronizing or trying to insult your intelligence :D

Firstly, does he have company? Horses thrive in a herd environment, but if there aren't any horses around, sheep or goats make good company too.
What do you plan to do with him? He is still doing a lot of growing at the minute so if you plan on having a little person sit on him at any point, leave it until he is 3 and a half to 4 years old to be safe. He will need a farrier or barefoot technician to trim his hooves, he may well have not had this done before, so be patient with him :) this should be done regularly, and varies depending on the horse so best to ask your farrier how often. He will also need vaccinating at some point, a vet can do this and needs doing yearly once the first few have been done. He will also need his teeth rasping when he's older, a vet or equine dentist should be able to do this.
He should also be wormed regularly. His paddock will need poo-picking to prevent the grass getting sour.
In this weather he may not keep weight on, however I can't say how good he is, so you can condition score him (google it and there are some helpful websites) You should be able to feel his ribs slightly, but not see them. He shouldn't look like he has 'pockets' of fat if that makes sense.
A little hay in his field will be nice if he can't get to the grass through the snow, and remember to break the ice on the trough at least twice a day.

I think I have covered a lot of the basic stuff. If you know all of/any of the above I'm sorry, if not, good luck! Would love to see some pictures :)
 
Merlywerly said:
have you owned horses before? been around then?
obvious one's are feed/hay t/o is important for any horse esp youngsters what are your plans with the colt?

i would also suggest gelding him unless your intending on breeding?

how long have you had your shetland

Edited to say: I'm with you on this one....I smelt Troll straight away but wanted to give benefit of doubt....but the clue is in the question...
Click to expand...

i've no intention of breeding him so when the warmer weather arrives i intend having him gelded.. yes i have a bit of experience with ponies.. not shetlands though! ive been advised by a friend to feed hay and chop.
 
mini-shetland-shaun said:
were you born with an extensive knowledge on ponies??? no thought not, you had to learn didn't you? as i am going to do with the help of my knowledgable friends and people on this forum (the ones who don't choose to dismiss my thread and leave sarcastic comments)

shaun
x
Click to expand...

wow no need to have a go, I don't see any sarcastic comments by anyone *backs away from thread* lol
 
That's fine Shaun. I am in a particularly bad mood tonight as every day I'm passing some horses that are suffering as a result of buying equines when they didn't know enough about caring for them to do that.
The best way to learn how to look after a pony of your own is to get around other people's and learn before buying one of your own and thinking it will be OK to work it out as you go along. No I wasn't born knowing all this, but before I bought my own I worked for free for Riding for Disabled, had a horse on a share agreement, took a BHS horse owner's course...
I can't help thinking if your friends were more knowledgeable they might have pointed out that a young colt is not the best first pony to learn on.
p.s. Tiasmum I was grumpy, I don't mind admitting to it. Sometimes I read a thread and just throw my hands up in despair. Which is why I said I hope this is another troll post.
 
I have a 5h!Tland - owned him for 20 yrs.
In addition to the advise already posted, I'd suggest you get him on a yard with other experienced people to help you.
I'm making the assumption you may be novicey - sorry if you're not, but the fact you own him without anywhere for him to live sets alarm bells ringing.
Suggest both you and he will benefit from other people and horses / ponies.
Genuinely hope you get some local help and guidance.

Also feel free to PM if you've any specific questions.
 
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JessandCharlie said:
Hi, Shaun.

Wow, where to start?! Have you had any experience with horses before? I will assume you haven't, so don't think I'm being patronizing or trying to insult your intelligence :D

Firstly, does he have company? Horses thrive in a herd environment, but if there aren't any horses around, sheep or goats make good company too.
What do you plan to do with him? He is still doing a lot of growing at the minute so if you plan on having a little person sit on him at any point, leave it until he is 3 and a half to 4 years old to be safe. He will need a farrier or barefoot technician to trim his hooves, he may well have not had this done before, so be patient with him :) this should be done regularly, and varies depending on the horse so best to ask your farrier how often. He will also need vaccinating at some point, a vet can do this and needs doing yearly once the first few have been done. He will also need his teeth rasping when he's older, a vet or equine dentist should be able to do this.
He should also be wormed regularly. His paddock will need poo-picking to prevent the grass getting sour.
In this weather he may not keep weight on, however I can't say how good he is, so you can condition score him (google it and there are some helpful websites) You should be able to feel his ribs slightly, but not see them. He shouldn't look like he has 'pockets' of fat if that makes sense.
A little hay in his field will be nice if he can't get to the grass through the snow, and remember to break the ice on the trough at least twice a day.

I think I have covered a lot of the basic stuff. If you know all of/any of the above I'm sorry, if not, good luck! Would love to see some pictures :)
Click to expand...


thankyou very much.. i did know a fare bit of what you mentioned, greatly received all the same :D
 
so surely the owners of the lil man could give you pointer's too about looking after him?

Have you found anywhere for the lil guy yet? Have you had any basic knowledge tought to you?....

Your right though no one is born with knowledge but we all start somewhere....

Why wait to have him gelded til it warms up? you can geld at any time of year...
Love to see pics of him sounds lovely what colour is he?
 
mini-shetland-shaun said:
i do know a bit about ponies and happen to have a lot of friends with pony experience! i dont intend on riding him, (im sure he quite likes his legs)

he is still in the field of his current previous owners, and i have no intention of collecting him until i have somewere suitable to house him.

were you born with an extensive knowledge on ponies??? no thought not, you had to learn didn't you? as i am going to do with the help of my knowledgable friends and people on this forum (the ones who don't choose to dismiss my thread and leave sarcastic comments)

shaun
x
Click to expand...

Hi Shaun,
I am sorry to have thought you were a troll. And no I, for one, was not born with an extensive knowledge of horses. :o

Please get him some kind of companion, maybe a sheep? Feeding will probably not need much in the way of feeding. But other than that you will be just fine.

Glad to hear you will be having him gelded, you don't want to be handling a randy Shetland :D I agree geld when it is warmer for other breeds, but he can be out all year and there are many fewer flies at the present time, so could be worth talking to your equine vet about gelding now.

As I said earlier just treat him like a ordinary horse, think of them as the Jack Russells of the horse world. Great but they think they are Rottweilers. Remember he does not know he is small, I have a 17-3hh WB and the funniest thing I have ever seen is him being bossed around by a standard x mini Shetland.
Good luck and please keep coming, I really am sorry for the rotten welcome I gave you :o
FDC
 
HTML:
First off get him gelded before the warm weather, warm weather means flys, means infection.

He needs enough grazing, ideally a companion as they are heard animals, but not a mare (before he is gelded) as he may be able to get her pregnant.

Be very careful and watch his weight as shetlands generally have a tendency to be on the podgy side, however also watch that he's not getting too thin. What do you plan to do with him? Showing? Kids pony?

Also remember they are nicknamed *****lands for a reason, they generally need kind but firm handling, just because they are small and cute doesn't mean they should be allowed to get away with everything.

Another thing to start with which would more than likely benefit him in the long run is to feed treats from the ground, not from your hands as he may get nippy.

Keep an eye on his feet and that they aren't getting too long, they need to be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on how fast his feet grow! Don't forget to pick them out!!!
 
millimoo said:
I have a *****land - owned him for 20 yrs.
In addition to the adise already posted, I'd suggest you get him on a yard with other experienced people to help you.
I'm making the assumption you may be novicey - sorry if you're not, but the fact you own him without anywhere for him to live sets alarm bells ringing.
Suggest both you and he will benefit from other people and horses / ponies.
Genuinely hope you get some local help and guidance.

Also feel free to PM if you've any specific questions.
Click to expand...

God I'm a slow typer - there's been loads of replies....
Anyhoo, mine is being fed Hayledge (Hay is better as it's a lower feed value, but we don't have the storage) and Dodson & Horrell safe and sound as it's got additives to support feet - he had laminitis once.
Your boy may need something else as he's growing - I bought my boy at 4yrs of age, but the main feed manufacturers have nutrionists who will advise.

In the summer you will need to restrict grazing if its not very poor - I muzzle mine, and he's stabled at night all year round (he's kept with the horse).
They are little horses, mines cheeky and can have the odd nip - don't titbit, and only give treats in a bucket or off the floor.
Otherwise as mentioned previously, treat him like you would a young horse.
Also if you end up with Grazing in an exposed area, he will need shelter - mine is rugged in winter (i'll get shot down for that) as he feels the cold, but each is different. As long as you have a good wall or hedge - mine has a quite a large wardrobe these days for every eventuality.

Hope you find some grazing nearby, and that he can have company.
 
he was previously owned by a vet nurse, whom i am friends with so i know i will always be able to call on her for help and advice,

as for company i have a friend who has a welsh pony and in need of a new field to keep him in, so were ever i get he will be sharing with the welsh pony! i fully appreciate that some of you will think im being stupid getting a pony with limited knowledge but hey, thats why im here! the fact that many of you post threads asking for advice on horses/ponies tells me your not all experts! so give me a chance!

what the chuff is a troll???

i spoke to a vet today who advised having him gelded in spring/summer when its warmer and less mud present!
 
millimoo said:
God I'm a slow typer - there's been loads of replies....
A- mine is rugged in winter (i'll get shot down for that) as he feels the cold, but each is different. As long as you have a good wall or hedge - mine has a quite a large wardrobe these days for every eventuality.

Hope you find some grazing nearby, and that he can have company.
Click to expand...

Oh you are brave missus! What a thing to admit in public:p
FDC
 
mini-shetland-shaun said:
he was previously owned by a vet nurse, whom i am friends with so i know i will always be able to call on her for help and advice,

as for company i have a friend who has a welsh pony and in need of a new field to keep him in, so were ever i get he will be sharing with the welsh pony! i fully appreciate that some of you will think im being stupid getting a pony with limited knowledge but hey, thats why im here! the fact that many of you post threads asking for advice on horses/ponies tells me your not all experts! so give me a chance!

what the chuff is a troll???

i spoke to a vet today who advised having him gelded in spring/summer when its warmer and less mud present!
Click to expand...

Hi Shaun,
You actually seem to have everything in hand.

A troll starts a thread to make arguments, surprisingly easy on here.
FDC
 
Fair enough then Mini Shetland Shaun - I for one will apologise for thinking you could be a troll, there seems to be a spate of them recently...

Glad you have decent back up from your friend and that the lil man will have company too.
What are your intentions with him? In hand showing or when he's older you find a little jockey for him?
We all learn by doing the day to day stuff really and no one ever stops learning.
 
That is true, so sorry for being grumpy Shaun. I'm watching these poor ponies either have no food, and/or no water, and the latest is they have a big bale of silage thrown in their field. So I am a feeling a bit raw.
I'd get your shettie gelded asap. Find him a field with grass, which won't be a problem in this weather, but when it gets to about March you may need to restrict the area he can graze a bit. Try to find a field with a bit of shelter, and ideally some hard standing. Make sure he has plenty of water to drink, a friend for company, and if it snow really hard he might need some hay. Get your vet nurse friend to advise you on worming, hoof care etc. Get someone kind to help you with handling so that you have a nice polite pony to have fun with.
 
thanks for all the advice... i intend having a very little jockey for him when he gets a bit older, ive seen him on the lead and he seems very happy! ive spent a few hours in the field with him, hes quite like a dog! can pick him up with front legs and is quite happy to stand while you lift his legs up so guess he will be ok with farrier etc.

he's a back and white piebald and currently just 28" high..

he is currently running with 3 fillys and a stalion, he just seems to mind his own business and entertain himself!!!

although he is good on the lead i think it will take him time to get used me leading him instead of his old owner!

shaun
x
 
Hey welcome Shaun - congrats on your new found friend. Hope you have lots of great times with him and enjoy learning everything you can to make his life a healthy and happy one and yours too. This is a great place to be you can learn a lot, you can also be put down a bit, but hey isnt that what great debates and discussions are all about so take it as it is thrown at you - seems you have the courage to come back so good on you. Sometimes it is also good to ask before you buy - bridles, saddles, rugs, etc etc. Dont be shy.
 
Hi Shaun
sorry to contradict your vet, but the last time I would pick for castration is spring/summer.
NOW is the ideal time to castrate (I had one done last week) as the flies are not present and if you chuck down an old sheet or two in your paddock and your vet is a hardy sort, it takes three minutes to castrate!
We did ours inside but of course you have no field let alone a stable.
One thing to say for the white stuff is its clean! Less risk of infection.
 
Oh, the other thing is, he may not be easy to catch for a few days in his new home while he gets to know you, It's tempting to leave his headcollar on, which is fine but PLEASE PLEASE make sure it's a field safe one, which will break if it gets caught. Other wise it could well end in serious injury or even tragedy :s. Sure you have everything in hand though, so don't worry too much, you sound like you have plenty of friends who can help you :)
 
As also an owner of a mini shetland, my advice would be to make sure every single field yours lives in is sheep proof! Because anything a sheep can escape from, a shetland can too!

Mine is a serial escaper!

My little chap has very restricted grazing in summer as he has the tendency to get rather fat/pot-bellied. Hay and chop is fine.... literally a handful of the chop is all he'll need, and a vitamin/mineral supplement for the early years at least.

I had mine gelded as soon as I bought him (May time, when he was 12 months old) as he was going to be living with a mare. It was a chilly Spring that year so I didn't have any trouble with flies, but definately get yours done before the flies come out.

Most important thing of all, be firm with your shettie. As they are the cheekiest little things, and whilst a nip here or a buck there, in your direction might seem amusing when they're babies, it's not funny when they're older, especially if they're going to be around children.
So, be really strict in every way, and your shettie will grow up as a paragon of virtue

Wish I'd known then what I know now! My Shettie is 20yrs old now, and only just learning not to dive through the gate and send me flying! ;-)
 
mini-shetland-shaun said:
i've no intention of breeding him so when the warmer weather arrives i intend having him gelded.. yes i have a bit of experience with ponies.. not shetlands though! ive been advised by a friend to feed hay and chop.
Click to expand...

Just worth a mention (unless someone else has already said) don't leave it to get too warm to geld him, you don't want the hassle of flies, I would be looking at early spring, however I wouldn't have a problem gelding a colt now if it was needed, never heard that it shouldn't be done in the winter (just not in the summer/warm weather) although I may be wrong, someone will jump in and correct me if i am :)
 
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