What is the purpose of a Shetland pony?
Shetland pony, breed of horse popular as a child’s pet and mount. Originating in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, the breed is adapted to the islands’ harsh climate and scant food supply. Shetlands were used as pack horses and in about 1850 were taken to England to work in the coal mines.
How long does a Shetland pony live for?
20-25 years
Shetland ponies live an average of 20-25 years.
Are Shetland ponies good pets?
Yes, Shetland ponies can be good for children and make good outdoor pets, as long as you remember that they are horses, look after them correctly and meet their needs. Shetland ponies are very little and cute, and can be the perfect small child’s pony.
What do Shetland ponies eat?
The main part of a Shetland pony’s diet is grass. He eats for as long as 16 hours per day, so can eat lots more grass than you might have in your garden.
What is the average price of a Shetland pony?
around $500 to $1,500
The average price for a Shetland pony ranges from around $500 to $1,500. The price typically increases for breeder ponies, especially when they can trace their purebred lineage. There are many rescue groups that have Shetland ponies for adoption.
Are Shetland ponies intelligent?
Although they never stand more than four-feet tall, they are the strongest of all the horse breeds with an ability to pull twice their own body weight. They are also considered to be fiercely intelligent.
How much land does a Shetland pony need?
about one acre
You need about one acre of land to keep a Shetland pony, that’s over 4,000 square metres and is a bigger space than many gardens.
Can Shetland ponies eat apples?
Apples and carrots are safest to feed cut into pieces. Only feed a very small amount of any hard foods like mints and hay cubes. A greedy horse may not chew the treat completely and bolt it down. The food can then become lodged in the horse’s throat, causing choke.