Buyer question
Is a Shetland Pony horse good for beginners?
It can be: our Animal Library rates the Shetland Pony horse 3 out of 5 for beginners (needs adult training help).
Source: the Shetland Pony horse page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Shetland Pony horse in the Animal Library
The detail
A small, very strong pony from the Shetland Isles, bred for pulling carts and carrying peat in a harsh climate. Shetlands are clever, tough and long-lived, and their cleverness can make them stubborn.
- Temperament
- Clever, tough, stubborn
- Best fit
- Small children, driving
- Trainability
- 3 out of 5 (Clever, can be willful)
- Upkeep
- 2 out of 5 (Hardy; strict diet)
- Energy
- 3 out of 5 (Strong for its size)
What to weigh
Shetlands get fat easily and are very prone to laminitis and hyperlipemia. Without firm, consistent handling, they learn to push people around.