Hi.
I'm Getting A Debble Grey Pony, But Becasue Its My 1st Horse I Would Want A Shetland Pony.
Something I Can Take For A Long Walk Up The Mountains, But Being It Is A Pony, Do I Have To Ride It?

And It Not Big It A Little Bigger Than A Shetland?

thanks

Hello. You don't have to ride any pony, although be prepared for people who it is none of their business butting their noses in and saying you're being cruel and "wasting" it. In my opinion this is nonsense because the most talented equine athlete doesn't know of it's talents! All the pony will know is if it is too cold, too hot, hungry, thirsty, ill, bored and miserable. If you take care of those basic needs the pony will be happy.

Most ponies will get bored without any exercise, but taking it for walks will keep it's mind active. A bored pony can get naughty and grumpy. Ponies also benefit from exercise to keep them healthy, a lot of them are prone to putting on too much weight so exercise plays a part in keeping their weight down and therefore avoiding serious illness.

If you did want to ride the pony it would depend on your weight (seek advice from a vet as to whether you'd be too heavy) and to a lesser extent your height. Also important is the size of your bottom, since the saddle length depends on the length of the pony's back and if your bottom can't fit in a saddle that size you need a bigger pony!

I may be wrong but you seem to be wanting a small pony because you feel it will be easier to handle? This is not necessarily true. Even the smallest pony is stronger than a human and a lot of them are very intelligent and can easily outwit the inexperienced. If you don't know about caring for and handling a pony you will need to learn that first before you purchase one. A badly-handled pony can quickly become dangerous to itself or it's handler. Many good animals are ruined by people who don't know what they're doing and then end up being put to sleep or going to rescue charities. If you are inexperienced make sure you buy a pony that is quiet natured and has a steady temperament, rather than one who is flighty and easily frightened.

You should go to a riding school for a while,and then maybe find a "share" arrangement to gain the confidence and experience to manage your own pony.

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(formally clare7577)

thanks but im not having he pony now it has been sold
i hav been riding for 9 years.. so i can deal with horses ive been around them all my life. my aunt had 2 ponys and my couzin has a pony and im always there lol

thanks

that's a shame the one you wanted has been sold. hope you find another one soon, there seem to be loads for sale at the moment, it's probably because everyone's skint. I love ponies they are so sweet.

you havent met mine

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(formally clare7577)