Can I keep a shetland pony in my back garden?
You already have good answers. I want to add something more. A lone small pony is very vulnerable, and knows it. Loose dogs and some wildlife can pose a very real threat to a pony, not to mention some nasty human predators. For the pony to feel more secure, having another animal in with him is best. Often one stands guard to allow the other to get good deep sleep A lone pony may become sleep deprived by being too afraid to lie down, which is the only way they can go into a deep, REM sleep. I would not only fence him in, but fence other animals out. A high, privacy-type fence would be best. It would reduce the chances of children getting into his paddock and getting hurt, and he wouldn’t be as likely to attract attention from vandals who would do him harm. Neighborhood dogs or wildlife would be prevented from getting at him as well. It’s just another thing to consider.
