Shetland pony for sale
The Shetland pony is the smallest of all pony breeds and in relation to size the strongest. Though its origin is uncertain records of its existence in the Shetland Isles north of Scotland date back many centuries to the Bronze Age.
It is believed they might be related to the ancient Scandinavian ponies as the Shetland Islands were joined to Scandinavia until the end of the last Ice Age. Do you want to find a local miniature Shetland pony for sale?
Shetland Ponies were domesticated by the islanders and crossed bred with ponies imported by Norse settlers. The Celtic Pony was imported to the islands between 2000 and 1000 b.c. and is likely to have also influenced the breed.
The hostile climate and poor keep of the Shetland Isles have resulted in developing an extremely hardy pony with an extra thick, warm coat and an abundant mane and tail. It has short strong limbs with small nimble feet, ideal for picking its way over the rough, sometimes icy terrain.
Shetland ponies vary in size from a minimum height of approximately 28 inches to an official maximum height of 42 inches (10.2 hands, 106.5 c.m.) at the withers. (Up to 11.2 hands for American Shetland) Their diminutive size was believed to be a result of years of the poor keep but in kinder climates, with better living, they rarely grow over height.
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This strong breed of pony has been used for years as a working pony, for driving and pack purposes. It makes a good children’s lead rein pony, though it can be willful and may need a firm hand.
Friends, It is known to be intelligent and a well-trained Shetland is an ideal first mount that will enjoy fun games and gymkhana. It may be any color including piebald and skewbald. Do you want to find a local miniature Shetland pony for sale?
The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society is the oldest of the UK Native Breed Societies. The Shetland pony is a Scottish breed of pony originating in the Shetland Isles in the north of Scotland. It may stand up to 107 cm at the withers. It has a heavy coat and short legs are strong for its size and are used for riding, driving, and pack purposes.
Breed Overview
- WEIGHT: 400 to 450 pounds
- HEIGHT: 7 hands (28 inches) to 11.5 hands (46 inches)
- BODY TYPE: Compact body; broad head; thick neck; short legs; lush mane and tail
- BEST FOR: All levels of owners and riders, including children
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 30 years or more
How much does a Shetland pony cost?
The harsh climate and scarce food developed the ponies into extremely hardy animals. Shetland ponies were first used for pulling carts and for carrying peat, coal, and other items, and plowing land.
The average price for a Shetland pony ranges from around $500 to $1,500. The price typically increases for breeder ponies, especially when they can trace their purebred lineage. Do you want to find a local miniature Shetland pony for sale?
Read Also: Cocker spaniel for sale
The Cost of Ponies
Ponies might be smaller in stature than horses, but that doesn’t mean their purchase or upkeep costs are proportionally smaller. The cost of a good pony can be the same or higher than a horse. Expect prices for suitable first ponies to be about $1,000 and upwards.
They are relatively cheap to keep, eating grass when available or good hay. (Ponies are much happier if they have a companion so it is best to have two if possible).
There are many rescue groups that have Shetland ponies for adoption. A quality rescue group or breeder should be transparent with you about the pony’s disposition, health status, and history.
The facility also should be clean and have appropriate housing for the animals. You should be able to spend time with a pony before opting to bring it home. Feeling rushed to make a decision could be a red flag that the organization isn’t acting in the best interest of the animal.
Are Shetland ponies good pets?
Yes, Shetland ponies can be good for children and make good outdoor pets, as long as you remember that they are horses, look after them correctly and meet their needs.
Shetland ponies are very little and cute and can be the perfect small child’s pony. They are, very intelligent, loyal and they like companionship, so they can be an ideal child’s friend.
Friends, shetland ponies can be very friendly and loyal. They are intelligent and make friends with children and other ponies, as long as they are happy and treated properly.
Shetland ponies have different personalities. It can be very rewarding getting to know your pony and his unique character and making friends with him.
Are Shetland ponies good for children?
In summary, Shetland ponies are good for children if they are well trained, have the right amount of food and exercise, and enjoy companionship. Then they can give a magical childhood to your child and memories that last a lifetime. Do you want to find a local miniature Shetland pony for sale?
So, can I keep a Shetland pony in my garden? Well, you can, but he will be much happier in a field where he has the right grass, space and can enjoy himself with his friends.
You can keep a pony in your backyard – after all, a Pony is a small horse. Generally, a pony is just a minuscule horse and is a wonderfully incredible animal. They are lovely creatures to have around and require lesser space and grazing fields since they are smaller than horses.
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Conclusion
A Shetland Pony is probably one of the most interesting breeds of horse there is. When children see a Shetland Pony they immediately want one. When adults see them they want one too but may not admit it. But everyone loves Shetland Ponies.
Where do Shetland Ponies come from? They originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They can exist on very little food and have been utilized as pack horses as early as 1850. England imported some as did the United States.
It was in the United States that superior breeds of Shetland Ponies began to be produced. These new breeds are the ones we are most familiar with as children’s pets.
American Shetlands are not like the Shetland Ponies they descended from. The Shetland Ponies from Scotland were a very wooly breed, while the America Shetland Pony is more like a miniature horse. There are two types of Shetland Pony, the Classic and the Modern American Shetland.
A registered American Shetland can be no taller than 46 inches. Shetland Ponies are not measured by “hands” as other horses are. Even though the Classic is more directly related and not bred with other breeds of horse, the ones you see today are not like those Shetland Island Ponies of the 1800s.
Enough history, this article is to help you learn what it takes to care for your pony if you decide to get your own Shetland Pony. Do you want to find a local miniature Shetland pony for sale?
Caring For Your Shetland Pony
Your Shetland Pony, for the most part, needs the same grooming as any other horse. They need to be washed, combed, and cared for as you would any pet. They need regular vaccinations, de-worming, and veterinary care like all horses do.
The only thing that I can say you might want to pay more attention to is your Shetland Pony’s feet. They require more care. Miniature horses are a little more delicate in that area than their larger cousins.
This requires daily care, so if you are thinking of getting your own Shetland Pony, please note that with it comes responsibility for their care. Do you want to find a local miniature Shetland pony for sale?
Here are some tips for caring for your Shetland Pony’s feet.
Picking out your pony’s feet is one of the most important things you will do for your Shetland Pony. You may have to do it for an active pony several times per day. You should check your pony’s feet before you ride him/her every single time. Make sure there is no debris stuck in their hooves.
You will need to purchase a hoof pick. It’s a sharpened curved tool specially made for this task. Always use the pick aimed away from you as you should with any sharp object or tool. You will also need a hoof brush.
Later in this article, I will tell you how and when each tool should be used. The other item you will need is hoof oil. You can purchase it from your local feed store most likely. If not, ask your Veterinarian.
Not checking can result in serious problems for your Shetland Pony. The irritation caused by even the smallest pebble can lead to infection and injury. Think of how it feels to have a pebble in your shoe, then multiply that by ten.
As soon as you are through riding your Shetland Pony, you need to check their feet again. And of course, you need to cool them down after riding and brush them. The more you care for your Shetland Pony, the more they will care for you and the longer they will be around for you to enjoy.
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As with any horse, your Shetland Pony should be tied up while you check their feet. Most horse groomers have a method to how they do things. You and your horse benefit from this. You benefit by having a routine that helps you remember to do everything you need to do. Your Shetland Pony benefits by knowing what to expect.
I work from front to back, taking the time to gently rub the horse’s front calf while talking to him/her soothingly. Remember, for a horse or pony, lifting their foot and standing on just three feet is not a natural act. They need to trust you. And you need them to trust you and not try to kick you away.
When you think they are ready, use a command and grip the leg firmly to lift it up. Lean your shoulder into them as you do this and they will get the message. Your horse or pony will get used to the command associated with the lifting of his/her leg and it will get easier as time goes on.
You have to be the boss that’s why your grip and determination need to be solid. However, if your pony resists dramatically, back off and try again, soothing them with your voice as you go. They will eventually learn you are not about to hurt them.
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First, check to see if your pony’s hoof is hot or cold. If it feels cool to the touch, everything is fine. If you feel the heat, then there is a problem. You need to contact your Veterinarian in this case. Do not groom your pony’s feet if you felt heat there. Wait until the Vet can take a look.
Next, check your pony’s shoes if they have them. Make sure they fit tightly, there are no nails sticking out, and that their hoof hasn’t started to grow over the shoes.
Contact a local Farrier to have your pony shod and to check your pony as the need arises or every 2 months to trim your pony’s hooves. Also, note that your pony needs a qualified Farrier to trim its hooves even if your pony does not have shoes.
Now, if the hoof was cool, use the hoof pick working from heel to toe. This works best. Any debris that is lodged in the hoof needs to be removed. Do a good job with this and your pony will thank you. Never use the hoof pick on the sensitive part of the hoof called the frog.
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This is where that hoof brush I mentioned earlier comes into play. Use it to brush the sensitive area of the hoof gently, but with enough pressure to remove any dirt and debris there. Wetting the brush can help remove more debris and will also help protect your Shetland Pony’s hoof from cracking.
Speaking of moisture, did you remember to get that hoof oil I mentioned? I hope so because after you are done picking and brushing your pony’s hooves, you will need to apply hoof oil. This oil is made to protect your pony’s hooves from cracking. Use it on the outside and inside of the hoof.
You can either do this as you do each hoof or do each thing separately, whichever routine you have chosen. Just remember to do it all in the same order each time. Get your pony used to what you are going to do next and you may find them lifting their hoof in anticipation of what you are about to do or doing it on just a command.
I hope this article has helped you realize the care you need to take off your Shetland Pony. If you do not already have one of these beautiful creatures and are thinking of getting one, then I hope this article helps you understand what care your new Shetland Pony will need.
Do you want to find a local miniature Shetland pony for sale?