Who just keeps a mini shetland as a pet?

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Patchworkpony

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Who just keeps a mini shetland as a pet that stays at home all the time - or do you take it out and about? Do you think they would get bored not going out and about so long as you give them plenty of brainwork at home? Some people just seem to keep them as field ornaments or pets - is that fair or don't they mind?
 
Mine is a pet. He occasionally goes out for a walk. He lives out with my other two and seems happy enough. I do think he would like to go out more as if we go for a short walk I can't get the b*****r back in the gate!
 
We've got one that is outgrown by my children, and currently without a regular sharer. He doesn't come to any harm in the field, but he's desperate to come out with the others (even though never left alone). A few days ago he was ridden into the ground by a small teenager, and loved it. They do like to work.
 
The only ambition they have is to eat, as long as they have that basic need met they'll be happy. Having said that mine do sort of have a job (but it's very part time).
 
Not as a pet, we have one who has taught three girls to ride since he stopped being a pet and started having a purpose. He is a tremendous pony and far healthier than when I got him.
 
Mine were/are mainly pets. They are on loan now and main job is companions although 2 of them are ridden. They like to go out and about and be pampered. Love shetlands
 
dornrose said:
The only ambition they have is to eat, as long as they have that basic need met they'll be happy. Having said that mine do sort of have a job (but it's very part time).
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Wrong! They have 2 ambitions! One is to eat the other is to escape and either destroy as much fencing as possible or leave it all untouched making you wrack your brains trying to figure out how they got out!
 
I have a miniature horse x Shettie whose job is basically just chief field ornament and babysitter. I take her out for a wander round the village a couple of times a week in spring/summer but not at this time of year. She is just about to turn 25 and seems happy enough with that routine.
I also have a rising 10yo mini Shettie and I find that she needs something to do otherwise she looks for ways to amuse herself... I show her in hand, to keep her fit and give her something to do at home I lead her out round the village, lunge or long rein her and do in hand jumping.
 
Mine is a pet, but he has a very important job - looking after any horses who are on box rest/individual turnout.
He comes hacking sometimes, and has a play in the school most days, but he is essentially a free spirit who goes where he wants, and does what he wants.
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Auslander said:
Mine is a pet, but he has a very important job - looking after any horses who are on box rest/individual turnout.
He comes hacking sometimes, and has a play in the school most days, but he is essentially a free spirit who goes where he wants, and does what he wants.
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What a very clever and gorgeous boy.
 
I have a couple of minis that aren't good enough to show seriously they were sympathy buys in a bad way . They are pets they have been to the odd local show one even got a first !!!! They are happy in the paddock come in daily for a fuss . I could never part with them after the start the had as babies. Will try and post the horrendous pics I feel they are grateful and couldn't bear them falling into the wrong hands so they will stay as pets .
 
Magicmadge said:
I have a couple of minis that aren't good enough to show seriously they were sympathy buys in a bad way . They are pets they have been to the odd local show one even got a first !!!! They are happy in the paddock come in daily for a fuss . I could never part with them after the start the had as babies. Will try and post the horrendous pics I feel they are grateful and couldn't bear them falling into the wrong hands so they will stay as pets .
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That is so lovely and heart warming - well done for giving these lucky ponies a home.
 
I have a miniature who has been a pet for the last 10 years. He seems perfectly happy. I don't think many horses, whatever their size, would object to being pets.
 
Bruin was never happier than when we were doing this to him. This was before we got a tractor, so he was moving firewood and hay too!
He was super-fit that year.

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Button is 36"/37"and biscuit is 34"
Biscuit is lovely and the shows we have done with her had various panel judges she was in youngstock classes then and all of them liked her 3 shows 2 first and a second . Yes shame there is no Shetland passport .
 
Magicmadge said:
Button is 36"/37"and biscuit is 34"
Biscuit is lovely and the shows we have done with her had various panel judges she was in youngstock classes then and all of them liked her 3 shows 2 first and a second . Yes shame there is no Shetland passport .
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They both look like really well bred ponies. Did you get them both from the same place?
 
that transformation in those 2 ^^^ !! Such a credit to you and heartbreaking they got in that state.

IMO Minis are quite happy as long as they have 2 things; company and space... being cooped up stabled or in a small fatty paddock because people don’t have suitable grazing isn’t ideal. If they are on limited T/O etc then they do need stimulation. They are not overgrown dogs. They are very (very) clever, with deep little souls and they need to be treated like other horses the same as Standard Shetlands.

Our 32” mini LOVES his job as field mate to my highland, best friend and ridden pony for my son and show pony. I’d definitely break him to drive if I had the time too.
 
Patchworkpony said:
I can't believe the strength of this little pony. How high is he?
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I assume you mean the one pulling 8 children. He's 36", but in his head he's 17hh.
He's also got a cracking sense of humour. He's the one that tanked off with me in gallop last year when I sat on him bareback with just a head collar, and came up behind me and lifted me onto his back with his neck in the field a couple of months ago.
 
Yes but two years apart I know buttons breeding she's Shetland passported but her movement is rigid I do know biscuits breeding verbally but no passport. I love them regardless and would have more as pets especially needy ones of which there are many at auctions sadly.
 
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