WANTED retirement shetland or small pony ADVICE PLEASE

[123apples]

hello, i have about a 1/2 acre paddock with two pygmy goats on. Its a large area for them. SO i was thinking about having an old retired small pony/shetland.

Could you please advise me on costs etc to look after a shetland.

I understand that he wouldnt need shoes, but would need trimming, at about £20 (im in norfolk)

but its the other costs that i need to think about before agreeing in principal to having one.

IE

medications? and how often
Teeth? who does that?
Bedding
Feed

etc.. i dont want to be niave and say yes on a whim to find out my ignorance is expensive.

So i thought i'd ask you all first for advice.

I have got horse experience from when i was younger, but naturally prices change and so too equine management.

THank you

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Well, pony would need:

A friend - ponies generally like to be 1 of a pair, its a rare one that is completely happy on its own (but I generalise here & some people will have happy tales of individual ponies living happily)

Annual flu vaccination, along with annual teeth check (vet can do both, tho some vets really hate doing tinies) along with a health check. If pony is getting on in years, then a blood test can be done too, to check for possible underlying hidden problems like EMS or Cushings.
Cost to get both done at same time ought to be about £70 - 120 inc callout, A BEVA horse dentist is usually around £45+/- for a visit & rasping, more if extra work done.

Medications? Who knows? Depends on ponies needs but unless you have a ailing/lame pony then you can only guess.
Items to replenish in summer would be a good fly spray, unless you have access to a field shelter.

Bedding? Best is non-edible, such as shavings or wood pellets & the variants of, def not straw for small ponies as they tend to scoff it.

Feed? None, if you have previous experience, then you would know that small ponies really do not need feeding any extra.
However, you would want to budget for hay for the worst months of the year as a shared 1 acre paddock may well not have enough all year round forage.

 

[catroo]

As TFF says you should have a pair rather than one, not fair to be without company.

You shouldn't need feed if a shetland/native but may need hay in Winter depending on how your grazing holds up. Access to mineral lick all year round.

Teeth, hoof trimming, vaccinations and worming would be the regular costs

Access to a stable would be handy, get them off mud if we have another wet winter and off the grass if they are a little porky.

 

[Shay]

Why not contact local horse rescues near you and let them know what you're looking for. They'll be able to advise you if your paddock etc is suitable - and also help you with many management / cost issues. Both WHW and HorseWorld re-home in Norfolk.

 

[Princess16]

Did you get your pony ?