Did anyone watch 'Coast' tonight re: shetland ponies?

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

They were in the Shetland Islands, looking at the history of the breed.
They were selectively bred to be able to pull 1 tonne loads of coal, and carry adults. The presenter had a ride. It was wonderful to see.
I get so much stick for riding mine... 'up yours' to all the nay sayers!

Too many people are obsessed with riders feet being a good 4 inches above the bottom of their horses tummy arent they?

I think people forget that a native type or bigger built horse/pony is more than capable of carrying a rider whose toes drag on the floor.

I am 5'2 or 3. My traditional shetland is full up to height. She takes a 5'3 rug, and a cob sized bridle and girth. When I ride her, my legs are 4 inches above the bottom of her tummy! All people see are her short legs. They dont notice the body of a 13.2/14hh pony attached to them!
My friend has a shetland x stallion. 10.2hh. He carries her for hours and miles without flagging, trots sideways back into the yard after an hour or two hacking! People have called the RSPCA on her.

Im 5ft2 and have a 13.2 SHP who takes a 5'3 rug (5'6 for a full hood turnout to go over a 5'3) and wears a pony bridle and girth.

Only difference is her legs are longer and she probably cant take as much weight as a Shetland!

Some people are mad arent they.

What do people think Shetlands are for if not riding and working?

Northernlurker they are for looking cute in their stables and for small children to stroke and sit on.

According to some.

Keeping in the garden as lawn ornaments? Or for tiny tots to ride in a basket seat?

Their ONLY purposes are

1. to provide a model for companies producing tatty ornaments
2. to provide the "December" photo in pet/pony calendars and
3. to draw punters in to buy overpriced jam & eggs from theroad side adjoining the paddock

I know soo many underused/underappreciated shetlands. They get bought as companions. These are working animals fgs. They have a bad reputation, because people treat them like pets and they become spoilt and nippy. It makes me really cross!

Yet another example of people behaving absurdly just because an animal has big eyes and soft fur. Shetlands would get more respect as working animals if they had scales instead

I'm 5'6" and ride our 12.2 Welsh sec b, without a saddle as it's too small for me and I've had a few comments along the lines of aren't you a bit big/heavy for him, isn't it cruel?

I always take the time to explain that they were bred for hiking up and down the hills and carrying much heavier stuff than me and the alternative is for him to loiter at home getting bored because the dc's have lost interest. They never seem to be convinced.

I need to be more psyched up to ride him than my 16.1 TB - he's strong, round and very determined!

Oh damn, I meant to watch this!

I lived on Shetland during my teens and those wild ones? Imagine the most evil little Shitland you've ever encountered in your life, then multiply that by 100 and you'll be getting close!

I too believe that natives were born to carry grown men (and tools) up hills!