Today I was taken to visit a guy who has a small herd of Shetland ponies that belonged to his wife, who has left him (how could she abandon them?). He wants to get rid of them fast as he has sold the house, and doesn't seem to care what happens to them. He has given some away but there is a 7 year old stallion, a two-year old colt, and a mare in foal with a foal at foot. I am debating putting them on my fields. But am I mad? They have never been ridden, but are quite tame, they came to me in the field and nuzzled, and will take a halter and head collar easily. They are not shod and when I asked the owner when they were last wormed he looked rather uneasy and said a year ago! They are in good condition though, from an external look. They have to go within a month and I am worried that they may be put down if no one takes them. But I have never looked after Shetlands and my experience with them has been limited to helping out with children's classes at my local riding school, when most of the Shetlands were vicious little brutes. The only times I have ever been kicked or bitten seriously was by Shetlands. So should I take them? Does anyone have any advice? I have field shelters and enough grazing, but I also want to get two riding ponies next spring so maybe I should wait and ignore their fate. But can I do that? What should I do? I have said I will call the guy in a day or two and let him know.