Petsmu

Looking for the perfect pony? Who isn’t? Good ponies-those who can teach kids the ropes when it comes to horsemanship-are said to be worth their weight in gold.

What exactly is a pony, by definition? How does it differ from what we call a horse? Well, a pony is, in fact, a horse. Ponies are a sub-classification of light horses, which are those used for riding. The main difference between a pony and a horse is that a pony is under 14.2 hands. To this end, just about any horse who meets the height requirement can be shown in pony classes. However, there are certain breeds where all the individuals registered must meet pony requirements. These are called pony breeds.

Like other horse breeds, pony breeds vary in size, color, and gait.

Shetland

While this breed originated in the British Isles, it is now quite popular here in the United States. The Shetland has the distinction of being the smallest of the ponies. While it is certainly possible to learn to ride on a well-trained Shetland pony, their small stature means they are quickly outgrown. They also have a fairly bumpy gait, which makes them not so ideal for riding. But don’t worry, American Shetland ponies have certainly found their niche! As very fancy driving ponies, you can usually find them pulling carts, carriages and buggies. One of the best things about Shetland ponies is that they are able to grow really thick winter coats. To this end, they are ideal ponies for people in cold climates. According to breed standards, Shetlands can be any color, including multicolored patterns such as the Paint horse.

Welsh

Welsh ponies originated in a part of Great Britain known as Wales. Welsh ponies are considered among the best of the riding ponies, and are known for their smooth gaits and tractable, willing natures. According to breed rules they come in four sizes, which range from 12 to 15 hands. But wait, you say, doesn’t a pony have to be under 14.2 hands in order to be classified as a pony? Good catch! In fact, three of the sizes are actually pony sizes. Horses of the largest Welsh size are considered “cobs,” or small horses. A cob can be just about perfect for a rider who has outgrown their pony, but is still too small for a horse. Because of this the versatile Welsh pony breed is not only ideal for children, but many adults on the small side have enjoyed Welsh cobs as well!

POA

POA stands for Pony of the Americas. This breed was founded in the United States in 1956. Original POAs were developed by cross-breeding Shetland Ponies with Appaloosa horses, as well as Quarter Horses and Arabians. POAs share the breed characteristics of their founding stock, and range in height from 11.2 hands to 13.2 hands. Because of their Appaloosa heritage, they come in a wide variety of coat patterns. POAs work well for both riding and driving.

Connemara

The Connemara is an Irish pony that has Arabian horses in its ancestry. Connemaras are known for being one of the taller pony breeds, as many of them stand in the 14.2-hand range. Connemaras are often gray or black, although registry rules also allow them to be brown, bay, or dun. Connemaras have very smooth gaits, are willing learners, and are often very athletic. They excel in a wide variety of disciplines, from riding to driving, and are well-suited to both children and driving adults. Continue Reading »

Horse trailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Take into consideration the size of your horse(s) and how far you will be traveling with them when you are searching for a new trailer. Allow your horse to get used to the trailer a few weeks in advance of taking him somewhere. This helps to calm and relax him. A horse that walks into a dark unfamiliar trailer that resembles a cave and then feels it is motion beneath him will not be very happy or calm when you arrive at your destination. Show your love and concern for your horse by giving him the assurance he needs. This means get him use to a surrounding that he is not familiar with as of yet.

Horse trailers can be equipped with lots of things and a wise idea would be to suspend a hay net close so that your horse can have a nourishing snack throughout the trip. This is especially important if the trip is to be a long one. Make sure that the hay net is within reach of the horse’s mouth but not so close that he is likely to get his neck or his mane entangled in it and then injure himself trying to get out of it.

Horses need to be transported in horse trailers that are designed and arranged with them in mind as opposed to the people who care for them. Make sure you carefully inspect the inside of the trailer to ensure that your horse could not get hurt on anything at all, especially if he gets restless. This includes any holes, cracks or splinters. Make sure that all breast and tail bars, as well as partitions are padded to allow for the comfort of the horse or horses.

Despite your best efforts, you may have horses that are reluctant to enter the trailer and they may require a little bit of encouragement. Horse trailers that have a lightly colored interior, as opposed to a darker one, tend to be more inviting to horses. Continue Reading »

Here is a guideline to different breeds, how to care and general characteristics to get you familiarized with your new pet.

Finches - the popular breeds are: gray singing, green singing, society finch, and zebra finch. Cages should be a box-type or they can be kept in an aviary. They need perches and some might need baths. The regular size of such cages range 20×10x12 inches. Some finches are good singers, and many have fine markings and beautiful color combinations. Popular breeds are relatively inexpensive.

Canaries - the popular breeds are: roller, gloster, border canary, red-factor canary and other smaller varieties. They need perches and bath in their cages which range in sizes 20×14x16 inches. These birds can range from the inexpensive to the expensive. Good cage birds can be kept in aviary with other see-eating species, even some softbills. They are brightly colored, sweet singers (if male, though some hens sing a little).

Soft-billed birds (non-seed eating) - One such soft-billed bird is the Pekin robin. It can be housed alone or in pairs in an indoor cage - 30×18x26 inches. These birds are strong, lively and strong singers (particularly males). They have beautiful plumage, couples are quite affectionate and they need water daily.

Shama is another soft-billed bird that can be housed alone or in pairs in aviary. It must stay indoors in winter. They tend to mimic everything from rusty gate to nightingale. They can be quite exuberant.

The Golden-fronted leafbird is another soft-billed bird that can be kept in a cage or aviary with other smaller species. Cage sizes tend to range in 32×20x24 inches. The males sing sweetly. They are brightly colored and easily tamed.

Parrots - The Budgerigar (small species of parrots) can stay in cage size 24×12x16 inches with horizontal wire. They may also house in aviary. Spray the cage on warm days with mist sprayer. They come in many colors and can learn words if taught young. They are affectionate, sometimes noisy and relatively inexpensive.

The Lovebird is another breed of parrots that can stay in a cage size 23×12x16 inches with horizontal wire. They are affectionate if hand-reared. They come in many colors and are relatively inexpensive.

The South American parakeets and Asiatic parakeets can stay in a cage 47×36x36 inches. They are curious and beautifully colored and quite noisy. Continue Reading »