So exciting!
We love our mini but I will say, she is high maintenance! But oh so much fun!
1 Like
I have one of those. I got it to exercise the lesson ponies (large minis and Shetlands) during the Covid lockdowns and never really went back. Most fun ever doing yard work!
I also drag the arena with a couple of them, take the recycling out in a cart, etc.
The minis do better in lessons when in regular work - with someone other than little humans - and they are also a lot of fun to work with (I personally have a soft spot for the Shetlands but my lesson kids who help with chores appreciate the sometimes “easier”/more amenable mini temperament).
I even inherited one of those gang reel lawn mowers in horse size when my Amish farrier moved to a different community where the bishop thought those contraptions “too worldly” (!) but I mostly use the VSEs if I am honest (easier to harness, hitch up, etc).
Mine are large minis and Shetland/mini crosses which probably helps with the health side of things. I wouldn’t get one of those 28 inch toy ponies I sometimes see at sales (I wouldn’t have a use for them) but sticking with the 36’’-40’’ size has worked for me so far (they are dry-lotted of course, grass hay, and a few of the older ones are on Prascend but that’s not uncommon for larger ponies/horses of the same age either).
2 Likes
Our landlords at the time were the sweetest, most bewildered gazillionaires. “But don’t you want the grass for them?” responded the son when I asked if it would be ok to convert the 30’ x 30’ barnyard into a dry lot.
“NOOOOO, NOOOOO! TOO MUCH GRASS!!! KILL THE GRASS!! THE GRASS MUST GOOOOOOOO!!!”
Poor little gelding foundered after the barn caught on fire & I ran everyone – great & small – out into the adjacent field. Cried while soaking his little feet. I was so upset. 
3 Likes
Ok I’m intrigued and our lawnmower has been giving us headaches all season. But I’m not sure it would be fun to try and drive my mini through grass? He’ll just want to eat the whole time.
1 Like
This is what they are talking about. If you can drive the mini or pony in a grass arena, then you can mow the lawn.
5 Likes
Yes, mine is very similar to this (bought it at a local auction). I would say though, compared to a “traditional” riding lawn mower, you can’t really get away with letting the grass grow too tall. You sort of have to keep on top of it - but other than that it works really well (and my ponies are “very” greedy but they don’t try stopping for snacks when we do this! 
).
2 Likes
My hubby would love to have that! Thanks for posting it.
3 Likes
I wish I’d had one when my ponies were still around. That would have been a fun way to mow.
5 Likes
This almost makes me want another mini!
5 Likes
If some of you are interested in “putting your minis to work”, I should also mention these walk-behind version. Works fine + you get your steps in (or at least that’s what I keep telling myself when I get tired ).
It’s easier for the barn kids to maneuver than the gang reel mower (and it’s cheaper).
9 Likes
That’s amazing! I have a pony that needs to earn his keep, where do you find such a thing?
1 Like
Amish neighbor ordered it for me from a catalog. Let me see if I find the references!
EDIT: ok, found it. The brand of the mower is “Clipper USA” and we got it through Georgetown Sales in PA (they deliver). I can’t find a website for them - but they do have a catalog you can request (if anything you may get a kick out of looking at the various things they stock!): Georgetown Sales, LLC, 375 Old Dam Road, Christiana, Penn. 17509 (phone: 610 593-5193)
Happy shopping!
1 Like
Thank you! At the least, I will order the catalog and take a look at the neat stuff I could get my pony to do. He already drives, but has mostly retired since my kids have stopped doing anything horsey. He needs to burn some calories.
1 Like
I use mine like I would use an ATV. They seem to actually enjoy having a “job” and it makes chores more entertaining on my end!
Have fun! 
1 Like
Mine get used to move manure in the winter. I’d love to try a mower but I’m ashamed to say they’d spend their time trying to eat 
. They’ll step right out for DH though.
2 Likes
