Learn about pony care
Ponies are friendly, and spirited little mounts that can make great companions. Understanding their unique needs and providing a nurturing environment, as explained here, fosters a robust bond between pony and guardian.
The most important piece of pony riding advice from a health perspective is probably the most obvious. Ponies can only bear small loads because of their small stature and it’s important to know exactly how much they can manage.
As a guide, a pony can carry 20% of their body weight every day. Small means hardy, so some ponies can bear a little more for short periods. But this should only be done with the input of an expert, such as an equine vet or experienced professional.
Super fact: Shetland ponies are among the strongest horses for their size. But they’re the smallest, too – so be extra careful.
Pony Care
Caring for a pony requires close attention to ensure its health and well-being. Regular grooming, proper feeding, and adequate exercise are essential for their happiness and longevity.
Pony health
While ponies have similar health needs and problems to larger horses, they are more likely to suffer from obesity. This is because of their small size and slower metabolism in comparison to their energy requirement.
Respiratory issues are something that all horse and pony owners should be on the lookout for. Please take expert advice on the correct forage to feed when required to manage any respiratory issues.
Pony Food and Feeding
Because of a pony’s metabolism and small size, it is easy for them to get a little overweight on high-energy food. This is why it is important to feed them specially grown low-energy horse and pony food, such as Supergrass Chilled or high fibre hay. It is also necessary to take into account the grazing your pony has access to, when correctly deciding on their appropriate diet.
Remember that all equines require access to plenty of clean, fresh water at all times.
Supergrass Chilled – Pony food
For Ponies and other less energetic horses
Pony stabling and exercise
Stabling
Pony stables can generally be slightly smaller than those of larger horses. 10’ by 10’ is the smallest appropriate size of accommodation, but 10’ by 12’ is much more appropriate for all but the smallest ponies. And don’t make the common mistake of assuming small horses don’t need to be outside much.
Cleaning
Ponies and children go together like boats and water. So grown-ups, your little one needs to learn how much work is involved in cleaning, looking after and exercising them and how important it is. 10-15 hours a week is a rough average, but keen pony owners may be on the yard much more, showing their pony devotion and the pony will repay you in great times & affection. This involves a daily pony bedding muck-out – ENJOY!!
Exercise
As with every horse, it’s important to exercise a pony according to its small size, but do not skimp on the time. Not everyone can ride ponies for weight-bearing reasons – see above. As such, in-hand or non-ridden exercise can be a great way of keeping your horse, or your child’s, healthy, happy and obedient. This can mean walking, loose schooling, lunging or long reign work.
Popular Pony breeds
Shetland pony
These ponies are strong and incredibly faithful, making them an excellent choice for caring, hardworking owners.
Welsh pony
Hardy and spirited, yet obedient and gentle – Welsh ponies are a wonderful choice for a child’s first pony
Highland pony
These ponies are large, tough and economical to keep, not least because they require shoeing less often than most breeds.
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*Grafter haylage
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