2 years, 1 month ago
Do Shetland Ponies make good pets for children?
The Shetland Pony is a very small pony that used to serve many purposes, like packing and pulling carts. Today, there doesn't seem to be a huge need for this. These creatures are so adorable, and I always wanted one when I was a child. Does a Shetland Pony make a good pet for children? What type of temperament do they have in general? Are kids able to ride these small ponies? If so, what age/weight limits would one support? Do these little ponies take a lot of maintenance and upkeep, like would shoes be required? Do they mostly graze for their nourishment?
http://www.worldofhorses.co.uk/horses_usa/breeds/Images/Shetland_pony.jpg
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M$3 Answers
Ponies and horses in general are not typical "pets" for children. Children should express a strong interest in horses and learn to ride and care for the animal before it is ever considered a pet. Horses and ponies are utilitarian animals which need a purpose and job. They are not simply 'pets' to be petted and watched. So, a prospective owner should have an intended use in mind as well as the skill to use the animal for that job. Because of this, there is generally no right, wrong or best breed of horse or pony for a child. Cuteness should never be a factor in choosing a horse or pony for a child or an adult for that matter.
The most important things to consider when choosing a horse or pony for a child is the level of experience the child has in riding and caring for them. Also, consider the size of the animal. While ponies can generally carry slightly more weight for their body size than horses, the usual rule of thumb is that a horse should not be asked to carry more than 20% of its own weight. But, conformation should definitely be considered as well as the fitness of the rider in question. Height is also a consideration with conformation. A tall rider on a short horse will be less stable. A smaller rider on a larger horse that is suitable in training and temperament is really of no detriment. I was under 5' tall as a youth and rode horses over 17hh with no complications because of my abilities.
As for the specific breed, shetland pony, the breed is known to be rather spirited. Many would say that what the breed lacks in size they make up for in attitude. With their average height being up to 11.2hh they are not the easiest breed for an adult to train and make child safe. However, very skilled child riders can help with training these ponies for younger riders. But, that said its most important that the temperament and training of the individual pony is appropriate for the child. Watch the video I've attached to see an example of Shetlands being ridden by kids and see that these are kids who obviously work hard to be good young horsemen and women.
They can also be excellently trained by an adult as a harness or driving pony to then teach a child to drive. Driving is still very popular. Horses and ponies all over the world compete in competitions in harness.
Ponies of this size generally do not need shoes, but that is determined by the individual. They would still need their feet trimmed about every 8 weeks. Further ponies are usually highly susceptible to founder from eating lush grasses which can not only kill them but require complicated feeding and hoof care. Allowing them to simply eat at will on pasture grass is not advised. Other routine care that is typical for horses is necessary including regular de-worming, vaccinations, teeth floating, and exercise.
Like all horses, they are a herd animal and need to be in the company of other horses or ponies with appropriate shelter from wind, rain and sun.
Grooming is always important to the health of a horse. Shetlands are known to have abundant mane and tail hair which should be picked through routinely with a detangler to make sure it does not form mats and knots.
The most important things to consider when choosing a horse or pony for a child is the level of experience the child has in riding and caring for them. Also, consider the size of the animal. While ponies can generally carry slightly more weight for their body size than horses, the usual rule of thumb is that a horse should not be asked to carry more than 20% of its own weight. But, conformation should definitely be considered as well as the fitness of the rider in question. Height is also a consideration with conformation. A tall rider on a short horse will be less stable. A smaller rider on a larger horse that is suitable in training and temperament is really of no detriment. I was under 5' tall as a youth and rode horses over 17hh with no complications because of my abilities.
As for the specific breed, shetland pony, the breed is known to be rather spirited. Many would say that what the breed lacks in size they make up for in attitude. With their average height being up to 11.2hh they are not the easiest breed for an adult to train and make child safe. However, very skilled child riders can help with training these ponies for younger riders. But, that said its most important that the temperament and training of the individual pony is appropriate for the child. Watch the video I've attached to see an example of Shetlands being ridden by kids and see that these are kids who obviously work hard to be good young horsemen and women.
They can also be excellently trained by an adult as a harness or driving pony to then teach a child to drive. Driving is still very popular. Horses and ponies all over the world compete in competitions in harness.
Ponies of this size generally do not need shoes, but that is determined by the individual. They would still need their feet trimmed about every 8 weeks. Further ponies are usually highly susceptible to founder from eating lush grasses which can not only kill them but require complicated feeding and hoof care. Allowing them to simply eat at will on pasture grass is not advised. Other routine care that is typical for horses is necessary including regular de-worming, vaccinations, teeth floating, and exercise.
Like all horses, they are a herd animal and need to be in the company of other horses or ponies with appropriate shelter from wind, rain and sun.
Grooming is always important to the health of a horse. Shetlands are known to have abundant mane and tail hair which should be picked through routinely with a detangler to make sure it does not form mats and knots.
source(s):
Rider Weight Ratios: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/are-you-too-heavy-to-ride-a-horse...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_pony
Rider Weight Ratios: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/are-you-too-heavy-to-ride-a-horse...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_pony
videos:
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Shetland Ponies can be very stubborn, as such they are not always great for children.
Because of their small size and hardiness, Shetland Ponies are often the choice for young children to ride. But their short legs give them a very rough, bouncy trot that is difficult to sit. Moreover, most Shetlands can be very difficult, stubborn and hard-headed; they like to do things their own way, and in their own time. So, young children can be discouraged from riding when their pony is rude; has a bouncy trot; or refuses to do as their owner says. This all makes them more suited to adults, but it has been said that if a child can learn to master the Shetland, they can ride anything later.
http://www.horse-stall.net/horse-breeds/shetland-pony.htm
Because of their small size and hardiness, Shetland Ponies are often the choice for young children to ride. But their short legs give them a very rough, bouncy trot that is difficult to sit. Moreover, most Shetlands can be very difficult, stubborn and hard-headed; they like to do things their own way, and in their own time. So, young children can be discouraged from riding when their pony is rude; has a bouncy trot; or refuses to do as their owner says. This all makes them more suited to adults, but it has been said that if a child can learn to master the Shetland, they can ride anything later.
http://www.horse-stall.net/horse-breeds/shetland-pony.htm
Because of their small size and hardiness, Shetland Ponies are often the choice for young children to ride. But their short legs give them a very rough, bouncy trot that is difficult to sit. Moreover, most Shetlands can be very difficult, stubborn and hard-headed; they like to do things their own way, and in their own time. So, young children can be discouraged from riding when their pony is rude; has a bouncy trot; or refuses to do as their owner says. This all makes them more suited to adults, but it has been said that if a child can learn to master the Shetland, they can ride anything later.
http://www.horse-stall.net/horse-breeds/shetland-pony.htm
Because of their small size and hardiness, Shetland Ponies are often the choice for young children to ride. But their short legs give them a very rough, bouncy trot that is difficult to sit. Moreover, most Shetlands can be very difficult, stubborn and hard-headed; they like to do things their own way, and in their own time. So, young children can be discouraged from riding when their pony is rude; has a bouncy trot; or refuses to do as their owner says. This all makes them more suited to adults, but it has been said that if a child can learn to master the Shetland, they can ride anything later.
http://www.horse-stall.net/horse-breeds/shetland-pony.htm
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M$
In my experience, Shetland ponies do not make good pets for kids. They have a tendency to be a bit mean-spirited and sometimes bite. "Look, if you want a wild spirited ride, get on the back of a Shetland Pony bareback and stay on, it's fun." Well, if a wild ride equals fun, great! Not me.
On the other hand, "minis" which are miniature horses, have inherited the horse's affinity for people only pint size. As far as rideability, I know adult equestrians do not ride them. Not sure about kids.
I had the opportunity to visit a mini farm during weaning. The owner suggested we sit on the ground in the corral. In no time, tiny foals were jockeying for position to climb in our laps. I sometimes think a horse is just a repackaged lap dog, and these fit the bill. A bit more pricey, and a lot more fun!
Below: Miniature Horse Foal
On the other hand, "minis" which are miniature horses, have inherited the horse's affinity for people only pint size. As far as rideability, I know adult equestrians do not ride them. Not sure about kids.
I had the opportunity to visit a mini farm during weaning. The owner suggested we sit on the ground in the corral. In no time, tiny foals were jockeying for position to climb in our laps. I sometimes think a horse is just a repackaged lap dog, and these fit the bill. A bit more pricey, and a lot more fun!
Below: Miniature Horse Foal
images:
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M$
