Driving a mini shetland?

Question

I'm an experienced rider but due to various back and health problems, I've had to give the riding up. I have bought a mini shetland colt and when he's old enough I'd like to drive him (I will enlist in professional help to break him and teach me!). My question is, how much weight will he be able to pull? Will he cope on his own or am I going to have to buy a second one (any excuse!!)? Many thanks for your help

Answer 1

I have lived on a farm. An when I was a child. I always wanted

a pony. Roy Rogers was my hero. I always thought pony's

were "ridden" and not drove, unless in the back of a trailer.

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My wife has a cat, and

that "drives" me crazy.

Answer 2

Seek advise from a driving society, Shetlands are extremely strong for their size, however if you try to get them to put a cart full of logs, then you'll end up damaging the health of the pony.

I'd look up driving society's in your local area and seek their advice

Answer 3

My shetlands have been able to pull pretty easily 2 average size people.  When there's a big hill though, one person usually gets off (like really big hills, not just little normal hills!).  They also will pull one adult with several small children.

Ponies are strong and tough.  It would be pretty fun to have a team, but they don't make many carts for teams of ponies - might be more expensive...unless you had two carts and you could drive one and your husband could drive one!

Have fun!

Answer 4

Shetlands are very strong, but I think for a youngster I would ask your driving instructor (horse, not car).  Two reasonable sized people might be possible when he is fit.

Answer 5

Small ponies can easily pull 2 average adults or an adult with 2 small children in a cart.  A two wheel cart has less drag than a four wheel wagon and will be easier for the pony to pull.  I'm in the process of teaching my mini donkey to drive and having a great time with him.  I purchased an easy entry cart for $450 and got the harness for $250 so there was a little bit of an investment to start but this is what I will be doing when I can no longer ride.

Answer 6

Shetland pony's are very strong for their small size. I know they can pull 2 times their weight so they can carry about 600 pounds only for driving. Remember this includes the tack to drive ( the carriage, the Shetlands tack) They are too tiny to be rode but they are very strong in driving. I have drove a Shetland before they are very strong and hardy. Remember since he is little allow him to develop his bones and get big enough to do this. This is only when they get old enough ( at the age of four.) So until he is old enough let him be a pasture pet and enjoy his peaceful life.

Answer 7

I'd say he's able to tolerate up to 2 small people. No huge, tall or extreamly over weight people.

Good luck with your pony!!