Cross Breeds

Do Miniature Horses or Shetland ponies live longer?

Also , which one is more healthy?

Public Comments

1. "Many ponies are long-lived, it is not unusual for a Shetland pony to live more than 30 years. Conversely, their small size also predisposes some individuals to a greater probability of heart problems than in larger animals, on occasion leading to early death. Shetland ponies, like many hardy small horse and pony breeds, can easily develop laminitis if on a diet high in non-structural carbohydrates. Therefore owners must pay careful attention to nutrition, being careful to regulate feed quantity and type." Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_pony Also: http://www.guidehorse.org/faq_horses.htm http://www.mahalo.com/shetland-pony
2. Shetland ponies live longer defiantly. My neighbor has one that's almost 21 years old now. As for the more healthy, I'd also have to say the Shetland. Also, there is MANY more things to do with a Shetland rather than a Mini. I would say invest in a Shetland.
3. Both are very longlived, living to around 30-40 years old average. However, minis are prone to more health issues than shetlands so they do tend to live shorter. Shetlands are the healthier breed.
4. They can both live just as long as the other, but in general Shetlands probably live longer than Miniatures. Miniatures are LITERALLY Miniature Horses, therefore have a lot more inbreeding than Shetland's, who are just ponies (and naughty ones at that xD). Then, again a lot of Miniatures are from Shetland descent, so live just as long. Minis are prone to more health problems than Shetland though.. So, really, they live about the same amount of time (if taken care of properly), but in general Shetlands probably live a little longer. Hope I helped :]