As my hubby and I are discussing getting our first horse, my mind is already wandering back to my *favorite* pony. When I was a child, I rode a Shetland pony for 3 years in weekly lessons. His name was Lucky, and I *LOVED* him. The owner let me pretend he was my pony, and I would brush him every time I came to ride.

Obviously, I was a young child then and had *stars in my eyes* when it came to "my" pony.

Has anyone here ever had a Shetland pony? Can you have them mixed in with regular horses, or do they have to be separated? Are they good for young children? I was contemplating getting a pony next since my children are young. (yes, haven't gotten my first horse yet and am already thinking about a second)

Do you have an opinion whether a Shetland or Welsh pony would be better?

Shetland ponies are generally gentle, good-tempered, and very intelligent by nature. They make good children's ponies, but can be very opinionated, and, if not handled properly, can be flat-out stubborn. Because of their intelligence and size, they are easily spoiled and can be very headstrong if not well-trained.
A most salient and essential feature of the Shetland pony is its general air of vitality (presence), stamina and robustness.
Many, but not all, of the American Shetland Ponies are crossbred to Hackney Ponies resulting not in a true Shetland Pony but in the so-called "American Shetland.

Welsh ponies and cobs are suitable mounts for both children and adults. The modern Welsh Pony is known as a riding and driving pony. It is a popular children's pony.
The Welsh also crosses well with many other breeds and has influenced the Pony of the Americas and the Riding Pony. Many are also bred with Thoroughbreds, American Quarter Horses, and Appaloosas. The Welara, a cross between the Welsh pony and the Arabian horse, has its own registry.

Hi stephanie! Oh my gosh! I saw the title of your thread and had to respond, i had a shetland pony also as a child and it was the best horse i ever had!! North star was his name and he was just like a dog, would follow me around, he was so well behaved that i even rode bear back on him. Gosh i miss that horse! *sniff*

Sergey.. thank you SO Much for that very detailed reply! That will be helpful in our decision making process. Perhaps we'll start looking more at Welsh.

Wiccanspirit... what a wonderful story about your Shetland! What to hear something wild? When I was a teenager, I volunteered with Therapeutic Horseback Riding. They "matched" me with a horse, and it turned out to be a Shetland pony. I got all misty-eyed, thinking of Lucky who I rode as a child.
Then, they told me that his name was "Lucky"!! OMG! I asked who the owner was, and they told me. It was the SAME PONY! Yes, it was "my" Lucky who I adored as a child.
How neat is that?? He looked so much smaller than I remembered as a child, of course.