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Post by hotfoot on Sept 17, 2009 18:06:55 GMT
can anyone advise me on what to look for in agood show standard shetland as i am changing direction in showing and am not sure as they are smaller than i am used to any good advise welcome i have a very good jockey so it needs to be on the larger rather than smaller size
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Post by brindlerainbow on Sept 17, 2009 19:55:25 GMT
I'll alert ladybird, knowing her she's now slumped semi conscious in front of the TV with a few empty wine bottles at her feet!!!! But she will be on here bright and early tommorow. She knows about Shetlands and could probably sell you a couple!!!
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Post by rl on Sept 17, 2009 21:56:27 GMT
You need to look for a good depth of body and plenty of bone - a lot of the up-to-height ponies have too much daylight under them. And a beautiful head helps - plenty haven't got that. I was once told by a very senior Shetland judge (Rowena Provan) that the correct action for a shetland was like the pedals on a bicycle, so they don't trip over the heather - but the modern trend seems to be for more of a riding pony action, altogether straighter and less knee-action. Good luck in your search - we are all looking for one of those - but you won't regret going the shetland route I promise - they are SUCH fun!!!
If you can find a nice one that has a track record in hand as a youngster, then you are half way there!
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Post by ladybird on Sept 18, 2009 10:10:40 GMT
its quite wonderful having a bf such as brindlerainbow who knows me soooooooooooo well ha ha. Shes right, i have a very good black well shown standard gelding possible for sale, so pm me. Good luck in your search anyway, they are really fab ponies!
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Post by nici on Sept 19, 2009 17:36:20 GMT
Ooh I love my Shetlands! We don't show seriously and have just made the transition from minis to standards so can't really advise on what you want, but they're the best kids' ponies ever. My 5 yo daughter is now cantering happily in an open field on her new pony Sammy, a 40ish inch black gelding. I bought him unbroken at Easter, he was backed in June by a friend and he's such a super little pony, fantastic as a FR for a little one. Mind you, when my friend gets on board, he goes up a gear and has the most amazing paces! I just hope my daughter doesn't get too tall and manages to stick with Shetties forever. We have Sammy's 2yo brother in the field, waiting for his turn to be a ridden pony. He has even better movement and will be full up (and hopefully no more!) Mind you, even if he grows overheight, he'll still make a fabulous RC/PC pony, superb temperament, laid back, not fazed by anything, just what you want for riding in the forest or on the beach
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Post by Different on Sept 19, 2009 18:57:55 GMT
Being overheight doesn't stop some Its quite hard to find a good, upto height ridden shetland. I find that most have either too much space under their bellies, no backend or not enough width. Alot of breeders that are trying to breed big ridden ponies invariably get it wrong by going for height over substance. Don't get me wrong, there are some cracking ridden shetlands out there but most are not to my liking type wise - but each to their own. Good luck in looking for one! They are the greatest fun you could ever wish for.
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Post by elliebee on Sept 19, 2009 19:28:48 GMT
I love my Shetland he is just best ;D I brought mine 5yrs ago he was still entire and has the best temperment ever. The kids pull him about and he loves it. I trust him 100% with everything. My 6yr old will turn him out, tack up, pick his feet out all on her own. I would say make sure the temperment over anything is the first thing to look for, look for good bone and a nice neat head. Good luck finding yours, check out the Shetland Stud book society website they will list any breeders near you xxx
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Post by ShowPonies&Shetlands on Sept 20, 2009 12:05:57 GMT
schivas and sharptor, blackertor, hayne ponies are all lovely - i am more of a mini shetland person - they're cheaper LOL
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Post by sheltie on Sept 20, 2009 21:05:09 GMT
Hi, I hope you find a Shetland that you like? I thought I would list a few sites that will give you an idea of the different shapes, colours and sizes being shown under saddle. As a Judge, I can give you my very personal opinion on what makes a good ridden pony, and a "overall winning picture" The pony must "fit" the class entered, i.e. a leadrein should, of course have a good conformation, but should not be so wide that small riders are literally doing the splits when in the saddle. Again of equal importance is a particularly good front with plenty length of rein. Lastly, and this goes for all classes, a good long stride, with the pony using it's hindquarters and tracking up. They maybe small ponies, but they should be able to move correctly and not like "piston engines". First Riddens, especially against other breeds need to be of a good standard height, 39"+. To compete on equal terms in M&M F/R classes the ponies need to have a good top line, a good shoulder and again the decent length of neck. Saddle room is also important. To be pleasing to the eye the pony needs a good shape and proportional length of back to accommodate a saddle/pad. Nothing looks worse, or more uncomfortable than child perched on top of a short, straight backed pony. Open ponies, wanting to compete seriously against your big moving Dartmoors, and Exmoors, and to have a chance in Open Championships, in my opinion must be 40"-42". They need to have that "extra" something, forward going, while being balanced, and responsive in their transitions, not much to ask!! I advise you to go and watch M&M Classes, you will see the "bigger" picture, in other words you can see, hopefully, what the Shetland is up against as regards the other breeds, and you should see a reasonable number, and standard of Shetland at the same time. Good Luck! www.shetland-pony.com (click on the "awards scheme, ridden") www.shetlandponyweb.comwww.shetlandperformance.comwww.shetlandshowingtack.com (winners page)
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