Naughty Shetland!

[Doubtfuldaphne]

I've recently got a part loan Shetland for my 4 year old. Although I'm experienced in horse care, my riding skills are not great, so I'm in need of advice.
First, the pony kept pushing to walk on the grass verges instead of the path and stopped quite a lot. I took him back to the yard and someone came with me and he was fine.
The next time we went out he kept stopping and just standing still. I persevered but then he kept turning round to get back to the yard.
After three times I just took him back.
I've been assured he's a very good pony and has never done anything dangerous. He is a very old pony and I know Shetlands can be quite stubborn.
Dh thinks he's trying it on with me and I'm too soft!
Can anyone please help?

Shetties are very clever.
I have one so am speaking from experience.
The fact that he is older means he probably knows every trick in the book and if he thinks he can get away with it he will.

If he is fine when you have someone else with you I would wonder if he is just taking the piss a little bit when he knows you will give in and take him back...

Another angle is possibly his age...how old is he?
Any health issues that would make him uncomfortable to work? Though saying that most older ones will benefit from a gentle hack providing they are able.

You say part loan, what is he like with others?

I thought it might be that he's tired out, he's 24!
I'm sure he knows every trick in the book too. In my experience Shetlands are a little more hard work than other breeds.

He doesn't have any health problems that I know of. I find it strange that he is much happier on grass, his hooves are in good order though.
He's fine with everyone else which makes me think he's just a bit wary of me being new. Maybe he needs to get used to his new rider? Dd is very good on him but she did squeal a bit yesterday when she saw a lamb and the pony just stopped.

The only reason shetties are sometimes more work is because to many people treat them like toys and not horses...which they are!
They have so much to give if you get on their right side!

Mine is a love - I have had him from 18months old and yes he has his quirks (mainly trust issues with other people due to a bad start) but he is the easiest thing to look after and has very good manners because I treat him the same way as i would a 18hh nutjob!
Much easier than my tb .

He may just find it softer on his feet to walk on grass.
My tb is currently barefoot and hopping on roads but sound on grass - it does make a difference to them!
If he is in good health then a bit of light work with a little person shouldn't tire him out to much.

the fact that he stopped when she squealed is a good sign - I personally would think he is just being safe but he needs to be told to carry on after wards and not think 'Ooh rider made a noise, I will stop and might get away with it altogether .

try being a bit firmer with him and see how it goes - if he is fine with others I would bet he's taking the mick .

Thank you :) yes I do think he's taking the mick!
The only previous experience I've had of Shetlands are two others and they are treated like toys! I will toughen up a bit. He is definitely a very safe pony he seems very in tune to what his little rider is doing which is lovely. Thank you

I'd assume he prefers the grass because it is easier on his feet and the arthritis he will almost inevitably have. It's always safer to get the vet out for a once over to make sure any aches and pains he has are under control.

It also sounds like he is taking the mickey. Take him out in hand without a rider. If he goes to stop keep looking forwards but use your left hand to flick the end of the lead rope towards his bum. If he ignores that do the same thing with a stick.

That's a good tip, thanks. I'll try that.
I might find a different route aswell, I don't like to think of him being miserable on the stony paths !