The Shetland Pony with the Heart of a Champion

Apr 3
14:41

2024

Theodora Cochrane

Theodora Cochrane

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In the world of equines, the Shetland pony named Ben stands out—not for his size, but for his outsized personality and self-assured demeanor. Despite his petite stature, Ben's antics and attitude suggest he believes himself to be as grand as the noblest Thoroughbred stallion, complete with the courage of a lion. This tale of a pony with a big heart and even bigger character is a testament to the unique personalities animals can possess, and the unexpected challenges and joys they bring into our lives.

A Pony with a Thoroughbred's Spirit

Ben,The Shetland Pony with the Heart of a Champion Articles a vibrant chestnut Shetland pony with a luxuriant mane and tail, was a mere 36 inches tall at the withers—the highest point of his shoulders. Yet, his self-image was that of a towering Thoroughbred. His fiery temperament was evident to anyone who dared to invade his perceived territory, as he would fiercely defend his domain with a display of hooves and teeth. Once he established his dominance, Ben would graciously accept treats and allow himself to be led on walks, where he regarded humans and traffic with equal disdain.

A Small Stallion with Big Ambitions

Ben's aspirations didn't stop at asserting his dominance over humans; he also had a fondness for mares. Regardless of their size, which was invariably larger than his own, Ben would put on a show of snorting, stamping, and galloping whenever a mare was in sight. His dramatic displays of affection were met with indifference by the mares, but that did nothing to dampen his spirits.

A Testosterone-Fueled Temperament

The local veterinarian, familiar with our other horses, speculated that Ben's aggressive behavior stemmed from an excess of testosterone. Concerned for public safety and our own sanity, we decided that gelding Ben was the prudent course of action. We anticipated a calmer future post-procedure, but with Ben, nothing was ever straightforward.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

In a comical twist of fate, another Shetland stallion in the village, known for his tranquil disposition, was mistakenly gelded by a vet who had been informed he was coming for Ben. The mix-up was only realized when the vet scheduled to perform Ben's procedure arrived later that day. Fortunately, both ponies required gelding, sparing us from a more complicated situation.

The Unchanged Champion

Gelding Ben may have quelled his interest in mares, but it did nothing to diminish his grandiose self-image. He continued to live as though he were as large and courageous as ever, finding new ways to assert his presence, including terrorizing the friends of my sister's partner.

Interesting Equine Statistics

  • Shetland ponies typically stand between 28 and 42 inches tall at the withers. American Shetland Pony Club
  • Despite their size, Shetland ponies are known for their strength and can pull twice their own weight, a trait that made them invaluable in coal mines. Equine Heritage Institute
  • The global population of Shetland ponies is not precisely known, but the Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society, founded in 1890, has registered over 165,000 ponies. Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society

Ben's story is a reminder that size does not always dictate spirit, and that even the smallest creatures can possess the heart of a champion.

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