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Get Your Horse Vetted Before Purchase!









When buying a Shetland, match the pony's temperament carefully to the child rider. They can be strong-willed with handlers they don't respect, so look for a proven, well-schooled animal rather than a young or unhandled one. Prices typically range from a few hundred pounds for an older companion to over £2,000 for a well-produced showing pony.
When browsing Shetland ponies, match the pony to your experience, not just where you are now but where you want to be in the next year. A young or unschooled pony suits confident, experienced riders. If you're still developing, a well-schooled older pony will teach you more and carries less risk.
When viewing, ask to see the pony caught from the field and tacked up before you ride. Behaviour on the ground tells you things a ridden trial won't.
Get a pre-purchase veterinary examination before committing to any significant purchase. Use your own vet rather than one suggested by the seller, and instruct them directly.
A 5-stage vetting tests the pony at rest and under strenuous exercise but does not include X-rays by default. Discuss with your vet whether these are worth adding, particularly for older ponies or those with hard work ahead.
For lower-value ponies or companions, a 2-stage vetting covers the basics.
Arrange transport and insurance before completing the purchase. Make sure cover is in place from the moment the sale is agreed, not after collection. Horsemart lists professional equine transporters if you need help moving your new pony home.
List on Horsemart to reach thousands of buyers across the UK. Clear photos, an honest description, and detail on schooling and temperament will help your ad stand out. List your horse today.
Horsemart is the UK's leading equestrian classifieds. Browse all horses for sale, horseboxes and trailers or horses for loan.