Rehome shetland two ponies

[Van34]

We moved rural 6 years ago, spent the last 5 years renovating the house so had no time for anything other than work. The house is now done and we are working on the landscaping now. It's got me thinking, I really want horses again.
We are fortunate enough to have a field the backs onto our garden that is owned by the neighbour. The neighbour has an old mare in there who needs a companion bur he is reluctant to commit to another pony due to his age. I jokingly offered to get a shetland to graze it for him and he's said I can have the grazing for free so long as I manage it (as any horse owner would). I would love a ridden horse but I need to wait until we have the grounds finished before I would have time for lovely hacks out.
I work from home and earn enough money to pay bills and support the horses. DH has never stroked a horse nevermind handled one, but he is a huge animal lover and while he is apprehensive he's not 100% against it
So here is my AIBU, the rescue have called and they have a pair of shetlands that need homing together... do I take them on?

Yes! Do it!

🥰 absolutely no experience or knowledge but
PONIES!🐴

Whoops sorry, I got my title jumbled up. Not multitasking well this morning. REHOME TWO SHETLAND PONIES.

Shetlands can be naughty little buggers , why do they need rehoming?

Shetlands are great fun, stubborn as anything and very cheeky. However, your life will never be dull with them. If you are an animal lover, have the time and finances... go for it!

Yes yes yes.

And post pictures of them here on a daily basis.

You would be living my dream.

If it's been a while since you had horses, you need to havr a good dig into the costs before agreeing. Everything has shot up. I'd also make sure you can get vet and farrier care first too because everyone is overbooked!

But otherwise, go for it! Shetlands are hardy little bugger and as cute as they are naughty!

The neighbour is elderly. I'd be concerned about what would happen to the field when he dies. You may not be able to use it

Shetland ponies tend to be miniature psychopaths.
I would rather deal with a Shire Horse than one of those evil little feckers.
But yes, you should do it anyway

This is my actual dream so yes go for it

Sorry - on reading again I see it's the mare that's elderly, not the neighbour.
I'd still be concerned about "forever" use of the field though, if something changed.

How's your fencing? And knowledge of laminitis!? Shetland's aren't necessarily the easiest equines to keep, they will need careful management of their grazing. And they are determined little shits!
Funny characters though.

We had one when we were younger and my Dad used to threaten him daily with rehoming. He was very determined and a lot of work in comparison to our other horses (welsh cobs). He liked to help Mum in the veg patch which never went down well. But he was an amazing character and I've got such fond memories of him. He lived to a very good age, to add.

Oh I know they are shits. We had one in our heard years ago. She was soooo sweet but so much trouble.
I do worry about the use of the field forever but I am of the opinion that you can't live on ifs and buts.
The fencing is rubbish but we have a plan for sorting better electric fencing. The old girl doesn't need much to keep her in so its been neglected.
I understand laminitis and have had horses in the past that suffer with it.
Farrier is a good shout! Obviously the farrier comes out to her so I'm hoping I can get him to trim 2 shetlands too.
Not sure why they are being rehomed but I will ask the question. Unfortunately horses end up in rescues for all sorts of reasons.

All down to whether you can afford it really.

🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🌈🌈🌻🌻🌻YES!!!😀😀😀😀

Do it!!! My mum has got two shetlands to keep an old mare happy - works really well and they're so so so cute. They're cheeky and have such amazing personalities, if you're horsey anyway it'll be fine as long as you're okay handling stubborn little things.

Make sure you've got a sinking fund for all of their costs (small doesn't mean cheaper for some reason 😂)

And update with photos!

How do you have time to even start a thread? You could've picked up your two ponies and starting settling them in by now.

Ps. my answer is YES, YOU TAKE THE PONIES!

I used to have a Shetland who would test the electric fence with his whiskers, then back up to the battery and kick it until it stopped. Then he would duck and roll through the fence to get to the longer grass/neighbour's garden. He also bit strange children. You will need an extremely robust fence!

Granny had another Shetland who used to decide that a child had ridden him long enough, turn round, get hold of your leg in his teeth and pull you off. He also did a good line in starting to canter and then stopping dead and dropping to his knees with his head down so you flew off.

Ahh shitlands are the best!

Sounds like you know what you are doing! Go for it!

Ahhhhh I needed you all to tell me it was the worst idea lol! DH isn't much help either because he just says "if that's what you want"
I love horses. Raised with them and riding at 2. Lost my boy in my mid teens but still had a hand in with mum's until about 8 years ago when she lost her boy. Circumstances have stopped me until now....
Waiting to hear more about these two, will they be double trouble?

I own a rescue Shetland. He's the best pony ever. Laminitis is a battle, but it's still worth it. Just remember that they need the same manners as a 16 hh horse.

You will love them all the more if they are super naughty!