Shetland Ponies

[prettybluepony]

Ok, so recently I have been looking in the market for a young shetland colt, with the interest in showing, and maybe even driving when he reached a suitable age. :) So why am I posting here. For many reasons, I have much experience in all aspects of horse-care, even for the smaller breeds. Though my shetland knowledge is limited! :p So I've come to see if there are any shetland gurus here! :D Also, does anyone know of any online stores for shetland sized tack and apparel? I have having great difficultly finding one, and we only have Countrywide in our immediate area. >.<

So there, any shetland lovers out there?:cool:

[Frances]

Please go and see our website - www.thordale.co.uk for information on all things Shetland!

PM me or Wally if you want more details or information.

Frances

[Wally]

What Frances says! :)

[prettybluepony]

Wow! *bows to shetland gurus*

Do you guys know if there are any rules against having a rug on a show pony? I know your not allowed to trim, or clip, but what about having a light turnout rug on them in winter when they are out? :) I still haven't had any luck with the online tack thing. :(

[Wally]

What folk do in Shetland who want to compete south is, they fully clip the horse out in about March/April, rug up in a light rug and let the summer coat grow in. Otherwise the Island Shetlands still have a full winter coat in June. Don't take the whole of the leg off or you'll lose the feathers.

We tend not to rug in winter, but since some of the guys might be competeing south we will have to clip and rug as some stage. Andy generally gets clipped in April as his work increases but his coat does not decrease!

One competitor who lives south rugs in light rugs all summer to keep the coat thin. I do not like this, I was at a big show and mine were getting winter coats in August, hers were still looking like Arabs, with no coat, mane tamers and day rugs. I need mine to be shaggy to survive the winters here.

[Wally]

try here

http://www.onestopponyshop.co.uk/superbasket/category/28/Oxford_Hill_Rugs

[prettybluepony]

I was just planning to get a rain sheet with a lining to make grooming a little easier, and perhaps get a little off the coat. I like shaggy ponies! ;) I have to admit with the hunter I ride the pulling comb, and scissors are always close before a fun ride or anything! ;)

[laz]

You can put a rug on them although they shouldnt need it. Mine had a summer coat for 2 months this year :eek: I am going to put a lightweight rug on him at some point as i am going to the royal highland. There are small pony websites for tack such as small packages and dinky rugs. A shetland pony does have a size of its own though and nothing seems to fit them. I bought mine a foal rug with no padding and this should fit him he is around 4'3".

Are you going to keep the colt entire or geld him?

[prettybluepony]

Well it depends, most likely I will keep him entire, unless problems arise! :) I have known, and ridden some really nice stallions, I have also almost been killed by a 13 hand monster! :) So I dunno, if he of good conformation, temperament, nice movement, etc., then yes! :)

That website is good, it's helping me out loads!:)

[Frances]

If you want half way decent tack, give Wally a shout, she makes all our stuff and it is very nice.

www.journeyman-leather.co.uk

And she is used to Shetlands, so she knows what shape and size they are.

[prettybluepony]

Wow, those are good!

I've found from two different sites a real cheap bridle, leather head collar, and rugs made to fit shetlands. If I get a driving shetland I would have to come to you. :P Expensive!

[Wally]

Have a look at this

http://www.channel4.com/fourdocs/film/film-detail.jsp?id=6101

[Frances]

Cheap bridle = cheap leather = rubbish. Sadly, you get what you pay for and it is a good investment to buy good well made tack out of proper English bridle leather. Some may "claim" to be English bridle leather but it may not be and cannot take any strain and snaps.

BEWARE

[prettybluepony]

The bridle I have found is the same as a friend of mines, it has lasted her 3 years with minimal care! :)

[Wally]

I have a bridle that was given to me in 1980, the person who gave it to me bought it in 1968, it is still in use, every day ...with minimal care!

My harness I had in 1980 is still going strong. Good tack should last a lifetime.

[prettybluepony]

Whoa, thats amazing! And of course a one old bridle!

[Frances]

It is not one old bridle, it is absolutely fine and used in shows and daily life.

I have a browband from my first pony that is still used - 40 years later on my daughter's pony now.

I repeat, you get what you pay for. 3 years old is wearing good leather in.

F