Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1900-04-26
Raising Shetland Ponies.

From the time the pony is born un-
til it reaches the age when it may as
sume the dignity Of harness i re-
ceiyes the best of care. There is a
farm in Wayne county, Indiana, where
about 200 Of the little animals are
produced every year. There are warm
barns with long rows of straw-httered
stalls; overhead are mows Of sweet
smelling hay, and trough Of pure
running water sparkles aud surgles at
one end of the barn.
Every stall contains a pony, and
they are all as quiet and well-behayed
as a thoroughly disciplined school of
children. If a stranger enters the
barn it is instantly known by every
pony there, and there Is tuning Of
heads and switchiugof tails indicative
Of restrained curiosity.
There is a broad and long space Of
clsan flooring between the two rows
of stalls. To walk along this floor and
Inspect the ponies from the rear re-
calls the remark of famous man about
Cinnamon They all look alike until
seen separately"
When the attendant, whose sole
business is to wait upon these small
equine aristocrats, leads out one after
another and explains its distinguish
ing features, the difference is then
quite perceptible.
Here is one that has been especially
trained for some little girl who is
nervous and timid. Its dainty step
and intelligent dark eye indicate fine
style and tractabIe, dociIe DISPOSE
ton. Its glossy coat shines like satin
and its little hoofs are like black
ivory.
Another is shown, sturdy, robust
and strong Fully as beautiful aud
intelligent, it is not so sensitive as the
first. 1t has natural qualifications
suitable for the disposition aud use Of
the boy who is not at all nervous or
timid aud who may wish to ride or
drive long distance IN a day, and
who may unthoughtedly speak loudly
or rudeIy or drop the whip too heavily
acros. the ponys back and still not
really wish to have a runaway. There
are grades between these two extremes,
in which a pony may be found snita-
bic for any sort of boy or girl.
Ponies of almost any color desired
may be found, but the favorite colors
are bays and blacks. There is no de-
mand for the soIrcls with large cream
colored spots, such as were quite com
mon some years oqo. The solid colors
are regarded as more beautiful, and
are the only cnes now sought by fas-
tidious buyers.
In training the ponies kindness is
under all circumstances.
When the little ponny colt, which a
man can take up in his arms and
carry about, Is strong enough TO run
and play with its mother, little hal
.er is put on it and it is taught to lead
and start and stop at the word. When
t grows stronger, but not yet fully |
yrown, little set Of buff harness, with |
silver buckles, is fitted omit, and it is
lriyen about with Iines. A gentle
pressure OF the bit on the tender mouth
s sufficient to guide it.
Later on it is hitched to little
yellow cart and trotted about the
mooth gravel drives that wind among
tately trees in every direction. 1t is
AIKEN close to putting locomotives and
.longside queer-looking vehicles, and
nto the neighborhood Of shops where
here is the sound Of changing iron and
pounding hammers and ringing bells.
is actions under all these conditions
ire carefully noted and recorded, and
IS special qualifications for particular
purposes fully ascertained.
It has been learned at this farm
hat a pony's natural characteristics
ire not easily changed, although vici-
,us propensities may in a measure be
ubdued, and timid, shrinking spirit
encouraged by kindness to assume
more confidence and aggressiyeness.
It is never attempted to teach the
,onies any special tricks, the sole pur-
Jose being to make them useful, tract
.ble and safe under all circumstances.
When a pony is sold and started away
rom the only home and friend it has
.ver known the purchaser is recon-
nended to be kind and considerate to
t at all times.
The ponies in the barns are kept
here to supply immediate demands-
They are groomeI aid trained and