Shetland or Welsh A as a companion?

[holly.91]

I have the choice of a Shetland or Welsh A as a companion for my 6yo 15hh mare.

She is an extremely good doer and the land is about 2 acres so grazing needs aren’t hugely different but still conscious of this. I’d like to be able to put out a round bale of hay when grass is not good etc so not sure if this would trigger lami in a Shetland. I LOVE shetlands and have always wanted one!!

They will live out, but do have a large stable for them both to go in together in bad weather. What would you go for?

 

[poiuytrewq]

I have both as companions. Originally the Welsh was companion to my retired horse and Shetland to the two at home.
Now I’ve lost two I just have my horse, the Welsh and the Shetland. All at home. I have to say the welshie is the easier to keep. His weight needs less careful management and he’s far more respectful of fencing. I adore both. I’d probably not get another Shetland as a companion though to be really honest.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would have the Welsh A as I love them they are like mini Arab's and would probably be tempted to do some in hand showing as well.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I would have the Welsh A as I love them they are like mini Arab's and would probably be tempted to do some in hand showing as well.

Mines ancient but I agree! I think In his younger days he’d have been amazing showing.

 

[tyner]

How's your fencing?

If you go for the Shetland.. the answer tends to be "not good enough"

One of the liveries got the idea of getting a Shetland for her pair of expensive European horses because it was cute. She is pretty clueless but escapes happen constantly and retrieval is not easy sometimes it takes days. Her horses are also terrified of the Shetland and very nearly killed it. Shetland is relegated to a small corner and I feel really bad for her.

Shetlands in my experience can be great if you work with them and give them attention. If they are chucked out in a field with little handling they will take advantage.

 

[holly.91]

Regarding fencing, we have proper wooden fencing all round

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Regarding fencing, we have proper wooden fencing all round

But is it Fort Knox?!!

There is a Shetland sale at Worcester on Tuesday. Then there is a large selection of Shetlands for sale at the Fell Pony & M&M sale at the end of the month in Cumbria.

 

[tyner]

But is it Fort Knox?!!

There is a Shetland sale at Worcester on Tuesday. Then there is a large selection of Shetlands for sale at the Fell Pony & M&M sale at the end of the month in Cumbria.

Exactly.

If it's a 6ft high fully solid panel fence like you have in the garden then maybe you can sleep at night.

Post and rail will keep in a horse but not a Shetland if they don't want to be in there

 

[Nicnac]

I adore my shitland shetland. She is just so adorable. Yes she's an escape artist but terribly polite about it and comes to call. I keep her muzzled as she's out with the lads and keeps them in check. She may only be 10hh if that but takes no crap from the 16 and 17hh boys.

 

[holly.91]

But is it Fort Knox?!!

There is a Shetland sale at Worcester on Tuesday. Then there is a large selection of Shetlands for sale at the Fell Pony & M&M sale at the end of the month in Cumbria.

 

[meleeka]

I’m currently looking for a mini shetland companion and it’s not as easy as you might think to get one that isn’t a baby.

I’d probably go for the Section A just because the fencing is slightly less important. The difference between too high/low and just right for a shetland is about an inch!

 

[tyner]

I adore my shitland shetland. She is just so adorable. Yes she's an escape artist but terribly polite about it and comes to call. I keep her muzzled as she's out with the lads and keeps them in check. She may only be 10hh if that but takes no crap from the 16 and 17hh boys.

I agree there's nothing cuter.

Why choose between the two?

I think you should just get both

 

[holly.91]

I agree there's nothing cuter.

Why choose between the two?

I think you should just get both

I’ve tried telling my husband that ..
I have two 17hh boys on livery and if any of them got injured I would need the room to bring them home so can’t have 2 more, which is another reason the Shetland would be a good option.

Basically I want the Shetland but I’m worried about the grazing aspect and the fact my mare can be quite nasty. The sec A is also a 3yo so could back and show him

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I’ve tried telling my husband that ..
I have two 17hh boys on livery and if any of them got injured I would need the room to bring them home so can’t have 2 more, which is another reason the Shetland would be a good option.

Basically I want the Shetland but I’m worried about the grazing aspect and the fact my mare can be quite nasty. The sec A is also a 3yo so could back and show him

Get the Welsh I've always wanted one since riding them when I was young, or if you want both just get a shelter and and use it as a stable my friend does this on her yard.

 

[dottylottie]

i’d go for the welsh - as above, but also it’s easier to find a small child to ride a section a for weight management if needed, than a child small but competent enough for a shetland!

 

[Palindrome]

Get a shetland if you have always wanted one.
Mine is a shetland welsh cross, stubborn and diva like, what's not to like.

 

[planete]

i have had a Welsh A and various shetlands. The Welsh A came to me as a two year old, became a first pony, then a pony club pony and hunting pony, learnt to drive, and was with us until pts. Fabulously easy, versatile and obliging pony. The shetlands came ...and went after running the big horses ragged, escaping, refusing to be caught and having to be forever on a diet. Never again!

 

[millikins]

I'd go for whichever is a gelding if the mare can be spiteful. All three of my shetlands are extremely respectful of electric fencing and stay behind a single strand of tape though they all get hot and itchy and scratch on the post and rail.

 

[Ratface]

I would definitely go for the Welsh A. My experiences with Shetland ponies has put them off them for life!

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

How could you not love these fluffy wee critters?!!?! Mine respect electric fencing so long as its on! The minute the battery dies they are through but they all catch dead easy too so its not really an issue for me.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Have had (and loved) Shetlands but I’d go with the Sec A. We have one now and he’s fab.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I would go for the section A too. Much easier to handle.

 

[LEC]

The Shetland has a bigger stable than the sport horses with her own window . We also have very secure Shetland Borstal for the summer right next to the sport horses so she can remain on a tiny haynet. I lunge mine, long line and take her for walks so try and get her out and about and working. She is pretty polite though and just the most wonderful personality. She knocks the socks off the eventers for personality. She loves a good chat and some attention. I just sit on a stool to groom or clip her.
I watched her test the electric fencing the other day but having mains helps!

 

[southerncomfort]

I love Shetlands but I'm afraid I wouldn't have another one as a companion to a ridden horse again.

Cookie was bought as companion to my daughter's old pony who is sadly no longer with us. Daughter's pony was semi retired so it worked really well.

Now I have Bo who is in full work and their needs are so different that it really doesn't work at all unfortunately.

Plus she is now 17 and isn't interested in playing any more, and at 7 he really needs a pal to play with.

 

[holly.91]

Update .. I got the Shetland and am completely in love!! He’s no trouble (yet) and my mare loves him

 

[Laurac13]

Congratulations piccies please

 

[seriously festive equine]

Update .. I got the Shetland and am completely in love!! He’s no trouble (yet) and my mare loves him

and there i was about to say that you should get the welshie! Congrats!

 

[pistolpete]

Ah hope he works out well. They’re mini highlands in my opinion so very marmite!

 

[marmalade76]

I'd have a Sec A, they're easier too look after and easier to come by. They are also beautiful whereas Shetlands are unattractive IMO.

 

[meleeka]

I'd have a Sec A, they're easier too look after and easier to come by. They are also beautiful whereas Shetlands are unattractive IMO.

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