The Pony

I'll start this by saying I am not a pony person. Yet, I have one...I've never been a big fan of ponies. They have bad attitudes, their difficult to work with, etc. Just not my thing...until I met our friends Shetlands or Shitlands as she so lovingly called them. She had a buckskin classic Shetland stallion she would always show at our local fair. I loved him! I thought he was so beautiful with his gold coat, long black tail and flashy movement.

Then Doo was born...Doo is a black modern pleasure stallion and he was the cutest pony foal I had ever seen! I instantly fell in love with him. He had big bright eyes and a super sweet temperament. I wanted him so bad, but at the time could have another horse or pony. Luckily he was kept back and I've gotten to watch him grow up and even shown him once.

Now Doo has a brother, named Ace who is another beautiful Shetland. Both Doo and Ace had several foals over the last few years, but Ace threw something unique two chestnut and white pintos. One a filly and one a colt. The colt though, had partially blue eyes. He was looking for a new home as a weanling and after some discussion with my mother we inquired about him. Sadly we were too late, he had sold.

Life moved on and a year went by. Long story short some things happened and this colt was back in my life. He had unfortunately fallen on some tough times and needed some extensive care. My mother and I were took ownership of him in late August of 2024. He wasn't the same pony I had seen a year ago, he was small, not in the best health and scared. We went slow, got him healthy and over time he opened up to me. I decided this pony needed a new name to go with his fresh start, so he was named Teller. Over the last almost nine months I've had him he's grown over 6 inches, had numerous baths, been trailered to play days at a local barn, been body clipped, and has done two shows now. He's also opened up to me even more. He greets me when I arrive and runs up to me when I call his name. I never thought I'd want a pony, but apparently I needed this one.

Teller's Journey as of 7-9-2026

This year has been a big year for Teller. Besides being chosen as an exhibitor for the Midwest Horse Fair, we decided early on that we would attempt the Shetland Congress held in July at the National Equine Center. We began our year prepping for the Midwest Horse Fair early, blanketing Teller to keep his coat manageable and keeping up his work routine throughout the winter.

During the winter I continued his halter and driving training. Towards the end of winter, Teller had begun being ground driven. April quickly arrived and I was prepping to go to the Horse Fair. Teller did awesome, being hauled up by great friends. He didn't mind being there without his pasture mates and even made new friends with a sassy black and white pony next to him and a sweet paint mare behind him.

Midwest was full of fun with great friends and even new friends, but we had some challenges. Teller did an awesome job handling everything, but we did have some rough moments. Once we got home I noticed Teller was more nervous, especially with his hind end. After trying to work with him and having a minor setback I made the tough decision to start him back from the ground up. Unfortunately his confidence had taken a hit and I had to build him back up.

I worked Teller on his groundwork again, desensitizing him to things he had previously conquered. Time went on and our first show arrived. He was definitely nervous (so was I), but he did well. We placed well in most of our classes. He also was shown by a youth who will be showing him at Congress. He did well with her minus not standing well. He spent a lot of time looking around and worrying who was behind him. Overall it still was a great experience for him.

Back home I continued his groundwork and building up his confidence. We spend a lot of time on the lunge line, working through challenges, and slowly working back towards bit work. By the time our next show arrived he was working on the lunge line with side reins and had begun ground tying. This time I would not be the exhibitor, but the groom...and photographer. The young girl who would be showing him at Congress took the reins for this show. Teller was much calmer and stood much better for her. Both did well working together and by the end of the show they were much more comfortable with each other. Teller was no longer looking around or worrying about who was behind him. His confidence was coming back!

After this show, it was time for the final push before Congress. I continued his lunging work with the side reins and sprinkled in some halter work. My main goal was to continue building his confidence and his body up. I wanted him to be in the best shape possible both physically and mentally. At the time I'm sharing this we are about 2 weeks out from Shetland Congress. Teller is looking great, he's confident and calm. He's been standing great for both ground tying and for halter. We will continue working together until the day arrives that we go to Congress. Wish us luck and that all our hard work together pays off! I will post an update after Congress.