Miniature Shetlands… small but definitely not cheap.
A lot of people think because they’re small and can sometimes be bought cheaply, they must be easy and low cost to keep.
In reality, they can actually be more complex — and the costs soon add up.
They are small and cute… but they are far from simple.
Here’s a rough idea of average yearly costs for a Miniature Shetland:
• Farrier (trim every 6–8 weeks): £200–£400
• Vaccinations: £40–£80
• Dentist: £50–£100
• Worm counts & treatment: £60–£120
• Feed & hay: £300–£600 (can vary massively depending on grazing)
• Bedding (if stabled at times): £100–£300
• Insurance (optional but recommended): £150–£300
➡️ Average yearly cost: £900 – £1,800+
And that’s before any unexpected vet bills.
Mini Shetlands are very prone to laminitis, so their diet and grazing has to be carefully managed — which can mean extra costs like grazing muzzles, restricted turnout, and close monitoring.
We’ve experienced this first-hand with Daisy. When she became unwell, the costs around that time came to roughly £14,000. Sadly, despite everything, it wasn’t successful — but she’s now enjoying her retirement and living her best life.
And that’s without paying any livery charges. Imagine what that would add over a pony’s lifetime.
But it’s not just about money. You also need to think about who will look after them if you’re not there. What happens if you’re poorly? If you want to go on holiday? There’s also the ongoing responsibility of field and site maintenance, fencing, water, and daily care — it never really stops.
That’s the reality people don’t always see. It’s not just the day-to-day costs, it’s the ongoing responsibility and being prepared for when things go wrong.
Then there’s the time commitment… daily checks, managing grazing, poo picking, feeding routines, monitoring weight — it’s constant.
They might be small, but they require just as much care, knowledge, and responsibility as a full-sized horse.
Small doesn’t mean simple… and it definitely doesn’t mean cheap.
