Shetland vs section A lead rein

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cattyniccy

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I own a 5 year old section A who is unbroken and been offered a Shetland who is 19 and been ridden by a few generations of grandchildren. The section A is just a companion but was thinking one day of getting her broken to just tinker with my sons, one of which is 3 and pretty able to be lead around, no competing or anything exciting. I'm thinking the work to get the section A sound and keeping her going compared to a been there done it is a better option. But wondering if anyone has any experience similar to this with lead rein ponies and what makes a good one. Rather than having a companion only it would be nice to have 2 useful ponies!
Would probably sell the section A if I go for the Shetland, what's the demand like for a section A who's done nothing?!
 
I prefer sec a's to shetlands but would go for the been there done it pony almost every time for young children, especially boys who are usually less keen and more easily put off if things don't go their way.

I would get the sec a started to give her a better chance of finding a decent home, there is very little demand for a pony that is unbacked and she would be going into an already flooded market, in my experience if the pony is quiet and well handled they are usually easy enough to get started as a LR it is getting them going off and being a first ridden that takes more time and skill, I have in the past popped a child on board and gone off to do LR shows in a matter of a week or two, not idea but with a good pony and a child that can ride the ponies can just take it in their stride.
 
Thanks for your reply :) I'm thinking been there done it one too, he can be ridden too, just a bit lazy, whereas section A is very sharp from what I've seen so far. She's been handled when younger lots and I've put saddle, bridle and sat on her...just no kids on her as mines only 3, so can't really do much else with her except shows but no transport!
Is your preference on breed down to looks or character?
 
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Read the thread I posted about my new section A a bit further down. Someone said they are not suitable for babies but then lots of people saying they are.
 
My preference is based on experience with sec a's , have not had many shetlands through the yard, I think the welshies are a bit sharper but that is balanced out by them being a bit narrower, or they should be, having a smoother longer striding trot so easier to learn to rise, most have lovely natures if they are handled correctly and have not been wound up showing in hand, some show experience is good but if they have been flashed about they can be tense and not suited to pottering about quietly.
 
The only way you are going to be able to tell if the shetland is suitable is to try it. You really cannot judge a pony by it's type or breeding. I had an A that I bought as a 2 year old and he was completely bomp proof and would not shy at anything - real kick along pony that needed a long long schooling whip to get into canter! We not have an A that is completely different. Real 2nd pony that will jump, hunt, dressage and showing to affiliated level. My 9yo daughter regularly puts adults waaaaay down the line in open M&M classes with him but he can be a right poof when it comes to anything scary! Shetlands are usually bomb proof but unless schooled well can be real little gits!! Get your kids to ride the pony and see how they feel about him
 
Thank you all! I can't get him to try the Shetland as he can't ride but I kind of know him having taught a little girl on him, I'm not a teacher but apart from being a bit stubborn about going passed gates out of the arena etc he was good, probably even better as a LR. he's 19 with cushings but I just like the idea of kind of knowing him, being older and been there done it! I have a feeling my section A would be a 2nd pony once broken. Just to sell her now, feel bad!!
 
Personally I wouldn't have either! Id get a Dartmoor - best little ponies ever IMO! We've got an inexperienced 5yo Dartmoor and she's just been brilliant. The Sec A you have would need work before you could trust it enough to stick your son on and the Shetland IMO is getting on in years so you may not get much use out of it before it becomes a companion (which at that age you cant re-sell). I thought about Shetlands and Sec A's when I was looking but am so pleased I went for the Dartmoor (they're more of a boys type too).
 
I have a young sec a, whch was my daughters LR pony till he threw her off and shot her confidence. I then spent a year riding the pony who is now a lot bette and has started again as LR pony still wouldn't take him to fun rides etc. I bought a Shetland, who is older and narrower. She is fab and is starting to take my daughter off the LR, they jump, dressage, pony days, gymkhana the lot. The only down side is she will grow out of her quickly as she's only 8.2hh
 
Even if your 3yo can't ride, he should be able to sit on a real 'been there and done it' Shetland while you lead him. Take him along to meet the pony and if they get on, ask if you can see another little one riding the pony - this will probably make your little boy want to have a go if he's anything like my husband's grandkids!
 
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