Today’s special video is in loving memory of Queen Elizabeth II who loved Shetland Ponies. In this commemorative video, we take a look at the Queen’s life with Shetland Ponies.
When the Queen was just three years old she was given a Shetland Pony by her father, King George VI and the pony was called Peggy. There is some wonderful never seen before footage of the Queen riding her pony Peggy in this video.
Queen Elizabeth II started her riding career on her Shetland and soon became an exceptional rider.The Queen spent most of her childhood learning to ride around the great park at Windsor with her sister Princess Margaret. It was important for the Queen to be a good rider as she would have to ride side saddle in military parades during her reign. She famously rode her beloved horse called Burmese during the Trooping the Colour Parade for eighteen consecutive years.
The Queen also taught her grandchildren to ride on Shetland Ponies and in this video there is some charming film of the Queen teaching her grandchildren to ride on a Shetland Pony called Smokey.
The Queen loved the cheeky character of the Shetland Pony and in this video is an endearing moment when the Regimental Mascot Shetland Pony tried to eat the Queen’s posy of flowers!
Shetland Ponies started the Queen’s great love of horses which stayed with her all her life and she often said they were her greatest joy.
We would like to thank the Queen for all the work she has done throughout her life to support the welfare of our native breed ponies. Our deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.
From Rosemary, the Shetland Pony Club Team and all the Shetland ponies
Join Rosemary in this week’s video where she looks at some of the joys and problems of rescuing Shetland Ponies.
Today our ponies at Shetland Pony Club are not rescue ponies. They are pedigree (registered) ponies and some of them have come from the Shetland Isles.However, if you’ve been following us for many years, you’ll know years ago we had the most wonderful rescue Shetland Pony called Cupcake.
Cupcake came from a home that wasn’t particularly good, they didn’t know how to look after him properly. We acquired him and he came to live at The Ranch for many happy years.
What are the problems with a rescue Shetland Pony?
Cupcake had not been feed correctly. This effected his:
Coat
Weight
Feet
Teeth
As a result rescue ponies often need a lot more medical attention. They need to see a vet more regularly and this costs more.
Most rescue ponies won’t have been to a dentist before, so the dentist bills are higher.
They need to see the farrier more as their hooves are often neglected and causes problems. They may even need remedial, specialist shoes which is also an added cost.
The cost of keeping a rescue Shetland Pony can be higher than a normal Shetland.
You also need to consider what experience your pony has had and if he is going to be a suitable pony to be around children. They can be frightened of certain situations. We wouldn’t recommend starting out with a rescue Shetland pony for riding for your children.
Cupcake brought a lot of joy, love and a lot of bills!
Although rescue ponies are often free to acquire they have bigger costs to keeping them than a regular Shetland Pony. Find out more about Cupcake here.
From Rosemary, the Shetland Pony Club Team and all the Shetland ponies
Booking update:
Starter Rides– back on for 3 year olds! 45 minutes long and are specially designed as first riding experiences for children. £45/ child. NewAvailabilitySunday 26th June 12:15
Own a Pony Experiences – are two hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old. £65/ child. NewAvailabilitySunday 26th June 14:15-16:15, Sunday 10th July 14:15-16:15, Saturday 16th July 14:15-16:15.
Shetland Pony Parties – back on for 3 year olds! Amazing pony parties for children aged 3 -10 years old. Use of a private facility with 6 ponies, creating magical memories for your child’s birthday. One and a half hours – £650 for 10 children. Extra riding children (up to 18), £25 each. Very popular-Availability from July
Summer pony camp days and weeks – enjoy the whole day with your favourite Shetland pony. Learn to ride him, look after him and enjoy being with him all day long. 9:30am – 4pm, Summer holidays only. Age 5+. £135/day or £540/ week. Please note that camp spaces are filling up fast! Please reserve your space to avoid disappointment.
Shetland Pony Walking is the perfect way for older children, teenagers and grown-ups to enjoy Shetland ponies in the lovely Surrey countryside. Come and spend time, enjoying and leading your very own Shetland pony. £45/ person. Saturday 30th July 2:15pm, Saturday 17th September 3:15pm
Contact us on: 07734 950 309 or email: info@shetlandponyclub.co.uk
We have some new availability for our Own a Pony Experiences during the Easter holidays. We’ve also released more Easter Egg Hunt rides. You can book online or give us a call 07734 950 309
Easter Egg Hunts –New spaces available!Thursday7th April 2:30pm, Monday 11th April 2:30pm, Tuesday 12th April 2:30pm. Come and take part in our fun Shetland Pony Treasure Hunts especially for Easter, with riding along a trail and chocolate eggs to find in the countryside. Easter fun for children aged 4-10 years old. One and a half-hour session- £65/ child.
Own a Pony Experiences – are two hours long and are delightful early riding and learning experiences for children from age 4 years old. £65/ child. New availability Easter Holidays, Tuesday 5th April 2:15pm, Wednesday 6th April, 9am, 11am
Shetland Pony Parties – back on for 3 year olds! Amazing pony parties for children aged 3 -10 years old. Use of a private facility with 6 ponies, creating magical memories for your child’s birthday. One and a half hours – £650 for 10 children. Extra riding children (up to 18), £25 each.
Starter Rides– back on for 3 year olds! 45 minutes long and are specially designed as first riding experiences for children. £45/ child. New availability Easter Holidays, Monday 4 April, 9am
Summer pony camp days and weeks – enjoy the whole day with your favourite Shetland pony. Learn to ride him, look after him and enjoy being with him all day long. 9:30am – 4pm, Summer holidays only. Age 5+. £135 per day or £540 per week.
From Rosemary, the Shetland Pony Club Team and all the Shetland ponies
Contact us on: 07734 950 309 or email: info@shetlandponyclub.co.uk
Shetland Pony Club The Ranch Blue Bell Lane Stoke D’Abernon Near Cobham Surrey KT11 3PW
