What is he?

[sphillips]

This is Bean. I got him in October last year, he will be 2 in July. I was told he is a mini, but already too big for that. He has some Shetland traits, wide set eyes, small ears, grows a double winter coat. But, he's not built like a Shetland. Thinking Welsh cross? He's 40" tall at the withers, weighs about 290 lbs. Doesn't matter what he is, we LOVE him. Just curious as to what breed(s) he may be.

 

[chickengirl778]

I know nothing about horses but he sure is a cutie!

 

[Bunnylady]

You were told right - he's a mini. Well, his parents probably were. In order for a mini to be registered, it must be under a certain size (34" or 38", depending on the registry), but they can and do grow bigger than that. My girl Syd's parents were both registered minis (her mother barely measured in at 38"), but Syd's easily 40". There are lots of oversized minis out there.

As far as how a Shetland is put together, they may not look like you think. This is a Modern Shetland:

Moderns have a bit of Hackney influence, which you can see mostly in the head.

Classic Shetland:

(Incidentally, it is possible for a horse to be both a registered Shetland and a registered Miniature Horse).

 

[sphillips]

You were told right - he's a mini. Well, his parents probably were. In order for a mini to be registered, it must be under a certain size (34" or 38", depending on the registry), but they can and do grow bigger than that. My girl Syd's parents were both registered minis (her mother barely measured in at 38"), but Syd's easily 40". There are lots of oversized minis out there.

As far as how a Shetland is put together, they may not look like you think. This is a Modern Shetland:

Moderns have a bit of Hackney influence, which you can see mostly in the head.

Classic Shetland:

(Incidentally, it is possible for a horse to be both a registered Shetland and a registered Miniature Horse).

 

[sphillips]

What beautiful horses! I can only hope Bean turns out like that. He's in a very wonky growing stage right now, looks silly. He has a while to grow still, but looking at his body and legs (minus the baby belly), he looks more refined and fine boned. Just hard to say at this point what he will look like!