I am a veterinary nurse, we have a few pets and adore them. But my daughter loves horses and ponies. We visit them reguarly and I hope she will ride when older.

I am looking at getting a shetland pony in the future and was wondering what costs i would be looking at? where do you find land for a stable?

are they easy to keep and look after? etc etc x

can't really help with the questions but I must say your daughter is the luckiest girl in the world that would have been my absolute dream come true

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Aw thank you. She adores horses! we visit the stables about 3 times a day haha! she is only 2 and will already climb the walls to sit on them... start them young eh? x

Many shetland ponies are very strong and able to carry adults. They are not really thought of as good first ponies for novices and young children, if you were to generalise. A shetland pony is as complicated to care for as a large horse and can be nearly as expensive. They can be prone to laminitis and weight issues and shouldn't be kept alone.

The British Horse Society run a Horseowner's course that will teach some of the knowledge needed by horseowners.

Horse Owners Certificate | British Horse Society

I would recommend that you wait until your daughter is about 5 years old and spend time finding a good riding school for her, BHS or ABRS approved and look up on the Internet what to look for in a riding school.

If you were anywhere near me ,she would be welcome to help with mine ,got 5 of the little darlings !!

Yes, great advice.

Also, consider that its unlikely that someone who isn't competent would be able to buy a horse from anyone reputable. You could probably buy from someone disreputable, but unless you know what to look for, it wouldn't be sensible.

If you do end up buying, consider putting it in a livery where you, your daughter and the pony have access to resources and knowledgeable people who can help out and advise when you need it.

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I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult. It's not. Mine had me trained in two days. ~Bill Dana

Where are you hun? x

I am thinking for when she is 4 or 5. I just wanted to get lots of advice and information before hand. She starts riding at 2.5 so not long. I am also considering a countryside move to keep the pony at our home

thank you.

Can I come and live with you please?
I'm 21 and I am a Nurse
I want to live in the countryside and have a pony please

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I seriously intend to get a house in the country when we can afford it. . .my ducks would love it and in the bad weather it would be a good excuse for me to not be able to get to work

I love my job but who would turn down a few days off in the snow?

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