Mini Shetland pony: breed-appropriate feeding and keeping succeed in this way

Special features of keeping mini Shetland ponies

• Since mini Shetland ponies are one of the smallest pony breeds with a stick size of around 87 cm, they also need special protection of the pasture fences. So that the ponies do not run under the cross strands, the first strand must already be on - viewed from the ground - approx. 30 cm high.
• Additional strands should be laid at 60 and 90 cm. The total height of the pasture fence should not be less than 1 meter.
• Because the ponies are a fat one in the truest sense of the word fur and have a very thick mane, electric fences are often of little use, so it would make sense if other elements besides these electric strands also secure the fence.
• Shetland ponies are best kept in groups in an open stable. Open stalls are also possible in winter, as these
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  Horses are very robust and adaptable. They should never be kept individually or exclusively with other animals such as goats or donkeys.
• If the ponies are kept in boxes, they need a box of at least 6 m² with a large window. Boxes, in which large horses are normally kept, are unsuitable for mini ponies, as they have no way of looking over the edge of the box. The edge of the box should be so low that a pony can look outside without any problems and contact with fellow dogs is guaranteed.


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• Continuous box housing without grazing is unhealthy and not animal-friendly due to insufficient exercise.

You have to pay attention to this when feeding the mini Shetland ponies

• Since mini-hetties can only be used as riding horses to a limited extent due to their size and are often only kept as pet animals, needs-based feeding is very important.
• Since the mini Shetland ponies are very good feed converters, grass and hay are usually sufficient for them as their main food when there is little or no workload.
• In order to consider the mineral balance when feeding exclusively with hay and grass, it is possible to add mineral feed. Offering a salt lick can't hurt either. In most cases, concentrate feed, muesli and oats are avoided.
• Especially in spring, make sure that the ponies do not graze too long on young, protein-rich grass. Here you should limit the grazing times, otherwise obesity, laminitis, diarrhea or colic can threaten. At the same time, enough roughage (hay / straw) should be available during this time.
• Bread, apples and carrots can be fed in small quantities. Cabbage, sugar, stone fruit, moldy fruit and baked goods as well as cut grass are harmful to the ponies.
• Fresh water should always be available in sufficient quantities. Water troughs should be checked daily for contamination and refilled. In winter, drinking troughs should be checked for functionality several times a day. If troughs are set up, these should be regularly cleared of ice, since eating snow is not a substitute for water.

Mini Shetland ponies are great animals. Even if they are mostly too small to ride you can have a lot of fun with them. They willingly learn tricks or can be trained to be a carriage horse.