A second pony???

[atlantis]

Right HHO... you're always so bloomin helpful in helping me think things through. I've not been on for a little while but appreciate opinions. This will be long as my posts always are!!!

I'm pretty settled with Lottie at the moment. We moved to a local assisted DIY yard with the most amazing off road hacking (for our area), a lovely school, nice fellow liveries (with nice children), I've set up a track around the edge of her field which I will keep up as long as I can into winter. The groom is lovely and looks after them to a high standard when I'm not there, yo is nice and pretty normal... I'm pretty much happy there and she's pretty healthy. Farrier was very happy on Friday, 4 strong feet and called me a big worry wart lol. I'd like Lottie to have some company in with her, she has horses either side but it's not the same, that's the only thing I'd change at the moment.

Which leads me on to... I'm thinking about getting DD a pony. She is 6 and has been off the lead rein at the local, very good, riding school (and pony club centre) for the last 9 months. She can walk, trot and canter most of their small ponies and enjoys it. I'd love to do ponies with her now and join our local, extremely good, pony club.

I'm pretty busy with work but only for 3 days a week so have 2 week days and the weekend with ponies. The other 3 days they'd be fitted in as my mare is now (hence riding in a hail storm this afternoon, no other time to ride, hoped we'd miss it... we didn't!!!) DD would be able to ride 3 days a week after school plus weekends.

I'm thinking a 12.2 ish to last us a little while, maybe 1st-2nd pony, native type so it fits in with Lottie, to do all pony club with. Ideally on loan, mainly as I don't think I could ever sell a pony as I'm a great big softy, but could give it back once outgrown. However obviously very open to buying if needs be.

Any tips or advice? I'm thinking after Christmas (or for Christmas if the right pony comes along) and paying for the stable next to us which is currently available until then.

Is two twice the work? People tell me not... any tips on what to look for, how to fit riding in around school (and other after school activities)?

All thoughts welcome. I'm excited about this but worried about taking the big step to 2 horse ownership. It's daft I know.

Thanks guys.

 

[Equi]

I think with ridden animals it really is double everything. Double your livery, double the time, double farrier etcetc. Personally from your post I'd leave it another while and if you think kid is ready to do more then get involved with a pony club at a riding school so she can use them - you don't need your own pony to do pony club. I know a lot of people who buy a pony and become involved in that and end up having to loose their own horse cause there's just no time. They say never work with kids and animals, and when you do both say goodbye to your own life lol

 

[atlantis]

Good point equi. DD is already involved with pony club centre, does all their activities and loves it. Not any competitions as yet but they're more geared up to the adult dressage side of things for that.

My initial thought following on from what you said is no, we need pony soon / now. I love this forum for making me think. DD comes with me at the weekends anyway and rides my mare (who is 14.2) or a friends pony and I feel it'd be great for her to join in with her own.

I'll also admit it's me that wants this pony. Lottie was bought as a 14.2 for DD to progress in to if she is still riding by that time.

Thank you for your thoughts I'll bear it in mind whilst I'm charging around the next few days/weeks lol.

 

[MouseInLux]

We just went from one easy to deal with pony to having 6 year old horse and a pony. It's a lot more work and I don't have to do chores, just turn up and have fun with my horse. My daughter rides her pony 4-5 times a week, an older girl (same level) rides him twice and on my horses day off I school her pony as even though he's amazing for her he is only 7 and still needs to learn things. I can only do this because I don't work.

 

[atlantis]

We just went from one easy to deal with pony to having 6 year old horse and a pony. It's a lot more work and I don't have to do chores, just turn up and have fun with my horse. My daughter rides her pony 4-5 times a week, an older girl (same level) rides him twice and on my horses day off I school her pony as even though he's amazing for her he is only 7 and still needs to learn things. I can only do this because I don't work.

Yeah the issue would be my workdays. Pony would be ridden by daughter one of the days (and I'd ride my mare) and I would lunge / work in hand one of the other work days with my mare being worked the other.

Work days I don't do full chores anyway, only muck out and turn out (and ride) on my later start day.

 

[TheMule]

If your daughter is having fun at the PC centre then I'd let her just carry on there. I personally think 6 is a bit young and she is more likely to enjoy having other little people and doing the fun things, not riding with you- if the pony experiments with being a bit naughty, it becomes more about chores than having fun riding etc then you'll put her off for good. Wait until she's begging for a pony, then wait a bit longer, then cave in- really wanting it is very motivational when it comes to thr cold, wet days

 

[crabbymare]

I would let her stay where she is and have a variety of ponies to ride as it will do her more good at this stage than having one of her own. Work time will be more than doubled with a pony as when your daughter is there you will need to go at her speed and let her do things for the pony herself so that she learns care as well as just riding, so bringing in, grooming, picking out feet, saddling up and all in reverse after riding will be at a childs speed not yours, plus you will need to supervise which will slow you down. Does the riding school do pony days in the school holidays as that sort of thing can teach them a lot?

 

[atlantis]

I would let her stay where she is and have a variety of ponies to ride as it will do her more good at this stage than having one of her own. Work time will be more than doubled with a pony as when your daughter is there you will need to go at her speed and let her do things for the pony herself so that she learns care as well as just riding, so bringing in, grooming, picking out feet, saddling up and all in reverse after riding will be at a childs speed not yours, plus you will need to supervise which will slow you down. Does the riding school do pony days in the school holidays as that sort of thing can teach them a lot?

Yes she's done pony days for the last 18 months, has lots of badges etc, including a day for older children when my oh booked her in for the wrong day lol. She was jumping a little course and poles etc that day.

I'm a little surprised by the answers if I'm honest. I thought people on here would be more positive. Is it really that much more work that it's not worth it? I get the riding different ponies etc and difficult to motivate in the cold weather hence waiting for later in the winter for this year...

I suppose I feel she needs her own pony to love and I want to share that with her. She'd also like to ride more than once a week and she dies ride Lottie off the lead but she is obviously too big lol.

I do think it's pretty sensible to wait but I'm not one for sensible all the time lol. Are there not people out there with ponies for smaller children and their own, who work and has a lovely time?

 

[SO1]

There is a big difference riding once a week in a supportive group with other children compared to more independent riding. What is the set up on your yard in terms of other children who ride at a similar level. Does your 6 yr old really want to ride 5 days a week in all weathers and would she still have the chance to play with non horsey friends. I had a loan pony when I was 6 but she was kept at home and there was no pressure to ride. I think this 2nd pony sounds like it if for you rather than your daughter. Maybe work our the costs of keeping 2nd pony and then invest that in extra lessons for your daughter for a few months and see how she gets on or see if the PC know anyone who has a pony that needs riding a couple of times a week.

 

[katastrophykat]

I'll be your positive!
My LG is 20 months. I was going to do the same as you, riding lessons etc, and there was going to be no pony bought until she was at least four.
However, I like babies, breaking/groundwork/bringing on and I like to know the horse inside out, especially if my child will be riding it. So I bought her a baby pony last year. He's a yearling now and a sweetheart. She cuddles him, brushes him with assistance and gives him carrot sticks. If we're out in the car and within a mile of the yard she pipes up 'Erbeee, whereareyouuuuu!!' (Pony is called Herbie!) and he comes galloping to the gate when she arrives to shout him in. I'm glad I've chosen to do it 'my' way.
Then we realised how tall she was and went back and bought his older brother. So my toddler now has a yearling and a two year old.
However, they will also be my driving pair. So when in work I'll be driving them as singles and pairs. I'll break them to drive and back them myself and I have a lovely local producer set up to bring them on for ridden work on and off LR
They're not a lot of extra work, especially if you have access to reatricted grazing for them, doing chores for two isn't double the time than for one however the cost is.
I'd do it. Especially a loan pony, but maybe wait til the worst of the winter passes for ease and comfort. Says she who just bought the two year old home from the stud yesterday, while she still has a broken leg in a big boot and can't drive!

 

[atropa]

Honestly OP I don't mean to be negative but it sounds to me like you want to live your dream of a second pony through your daughter. I'm another who thinks there's a big difference between pony club at the local riding school and owning your own at 6. I'd look for a schoolmaster share first before taking the plunge and buying a second. I have two myself and they are definitely double the work and cash. Plus I find looking at the bigger picture it really actually restricts me in terms of moving yard etc as you need to find somewhere that suits both with 2 spaces, it's something I never considered at the time of buying my second.

 

[zaminda]

If having costed it, including a lesson once a week, and you are happy I would say go for it. Approach the local PC, and have a chat, one question is do they have a good mini section? I teach a lot of tinies, and the ones with their own ponies improve an awful lot more, and seem to really enjoy it. I will say this though, you will find you need transport and it all adds up.
As to how much the pony needs riding, the right pony will be fine on 2 week days plus weekends, that is more than an awful lot round here get, although it depends on turn out. Can pony live out? I would also suggest going for older if at all possible, although my friends 12.2, who is about 12 is wonderful, steps up a gear and has done junior dressage and jumps happily around 80cm, but will take a tiny and go into dobbin mode happily.

 

[scats]

I don't find 2 horses too much work, but then I've had 2 or more for the last 18 or so years. I currently have 3 but one lives out so I have 2 on the yard.

However, my friend who has 1 really finds it hard when she looks after another for a couple of weeks. She says it's quite a shock to the system.
If you get into a routine, it can work really well.

 

[eggs]

It does rather sound as though it is you wanting the pony rather than your daughter. I went down the route of telling myself that two horses isn't much more effort than one - trust me, it is a lot more effort than one.

If you definitely want down the route of getting a pony I would certainly not do it right now - wait until the spring when your daughter is more likely to want to spend some time up at the stables. In my experience cold, wet winters do not encourage young children to want to spend time down the yard.

 

[Fiona]

Mt son has had his pony since he was two, but the first couple of years it was just extra work for hubby and I lol, with a 20 min 'hack' up the lane or walk and trot round the school and over poles on a Sunday morning if the weather was nice. At one stage over a wet winter he didn't ride at all for about 6 weeks.

However we do go to PC (big branch - has great mini section) and he loves riding with his friends there. Over the past year especially, he is very keen to ride, to jump and to go to competitions. He's been on hacks in the forest with us, and XC schooling.

However.....
**my hubby's work is based from home so he does a lot of the day to day poo picking and mucking out in winter.
**pony is elderly and doesn't mind at all not being ridden through the week in the winter.

My son (though this may be a boy thing) isn't terribly interested in stable management, and though will muck out or groom sometimes, I couldn't rely on his help.

I've also found myself (I have a new pony for me) saying no its OK I won't take Fionn to xxx this weekend, we'll take DS to pony club instead..... Very self sacrificing lol, but not great for baby pony's education.

I definitely wouldn't look for a pony at this time of year unless the ideal one just pops up. Start looking in the New Year......

I don't know any littlies who enjoy ponies/riding when the weather is bad....

Fiona

 

[atlantis]

Honestly OP I don't mean to be negative but it sounds to me like you want to live your dream of a second pony through your daughter. I'm another who thinks there's a big difference between pony club at the local riding school and owning your own at 6. I'd look for a schoolmaster share first before taking the plunge and buying a second. I have two myself and they are definitely double the work and cash. Plus I find looking at the bigger picture it really actually restricts me in terms of moving yard etc as you need to find somewhere that suits both with 2 spaces, it's something I never considered at the time of buying my second.

It does rather sound as though it is you wanting the pony rather than your daughter. I went down the route of telling myself that two horses isn't much more effort than one - trust me, it is a lot more effort than one.

If you definitely want down the route of getting a pony I would certainly not do it right now - wait until the spring when your daughter is more likely to want to spend some time up at the stables. In my experience cold, wet winters do not encourage young children to want to spend time down the yard.

It does sound that way doesn't it!! I'll be honest I definitely want this and experience this with her, not sure there is anything wrong with that though. But I'm not looking now, Christmas at the earliest.

She does come dowe the yard with me anyway. She helps me out and plays with her friends on the yard (aged 4,6,7,9 and 10 from 3 families) and they do chores together. Sunday evenings are pole night where she rides one of the others and enjoys it.

Local pony club is brilliant. Huge with mini camp. My friend is local instructor who will come to teach us, and she used to teach dd on lead rein on friends pony, but we went back to rs to come off the lead as he wasn't suitable.

 

[Leo Walker]

Get her the pony. Shes there already, shes got to a basic level and is still keen, why shouldnt she have one? Lots of kids have them from before they can walk. My niece had one at 2yr old. Shes given up and restarted in the ten years since but shes currently 13, mad keen and has 2 of her own.

 

[Aperchristmas]

Not sure why people are saying it's such a bad idea - it sounds as if the daughter is keen, the OP does have the time & willingness (bar the working days which are easily manageable with a bit of help) so I think you should go for it. I would have loved a pony at that age and ponies aren't THAT much hard work anyway, particularly if you're already used to the issues that come with having a very good doer.

 

[OldNag]

My kids got first pony at about the same age. But once my kids started getting out and about to shows and events, my own horse had to go.. Just could not fit it all in. Just beware! (Though they had a pony each, so that was triple work).

 

[Dubsie]

I'd leave it till your child is able to do the whole pony thing herself unassisted by you. Otherwise you're making a rod for your own back, and adding to your workload. At 6 I don't think any child could.

 

[Fiona]

I'd leave it till your child is able to do the whole pony thing herself unassisted by you. Otherwise you're making a rod for your own back, and adding to your workload. At 6 I don't think any child could.

That was my parent's attitude, hence I got my first pony at 16 ......

Fiona

 

[ester]

I guess partly because once you have one if she loves it you are stuck if it doesn't work out for you work wise! But I also get that you have one that requires specific management that means she is on her own (been there). Everyone else at my DIY yard had two, it worked out well for them as they never had to worry about theirs being left etc .

I would agree with a previous poster that I would definitely get something that doesn't care if it has a few days or a couple of weeks off here and there in the worst of the weather. I'd mention it at pony club now so people know you will be in the market for one.

 

[Merlod]

Tbh an additional pony isn't the same as having 2 big horses in full work. I have a sec D and a shetland; the shetland uses a pittance of the hay and bedding, makes less mess, he's only trimmed not shod, I can worm him from the leftovers and doesn't need hard feed and I can drag him along with my big boy when turning out/bringing in. I think getting her a little pony sounds great, especially as you seem to have a good local pony club too. The only thing I would consider is maybe having a sharer.. possibly an older child to keep the pony working reasonably well and exercised or alternatively a ride and drive so you can exercise it too!

 

[milliepops]

I guess partly because once you have one if she loves it you are stuck if it doesn't work out for you work wise! But I also get that you have one that requires specific management that means she is on her own (been there). Everyone else at my DIY yard had two, it worked out well for them as they never had to worry about theirs being left etc .

I would agree with a previous poster that I would definitely get something that doesn't care if it has a few days or a couple of weeks off here and there in the worst of the weather. I'd mention it at pony club now so people know you will be in the market for one.

agreed ^
I'll never have one on its own at livery again, 2 similar ones is much easier in terms of management etc and as others have said, if you are clever it's about 1.5 times the work rather than twice. Can't get away from the cost though!
Would Lottie be up for doing some ride and lead if your daughter didn't want to ride on some days? That's a timesaving way to get 2 done.

I can see why some think you're doing this for you, OP, but if your daughter wants to ride more than she can do now, it seems like a good option especially if there are other kids of a similar age at the yard. I was about 7 when I started disappearing off to play ponies with friends, huge sense of freedom and it just got better and better when I got my own a couple of years later

 

[Aperchristmas]

I'd leave it till your child is able to do the whole pony thing herself unassisted by you. Otherwise you're making a rod for your own back, and adding to your workload. At 6 I don't think any child could.

It's not just about the workload though, it's about what can be gained for parent and child. Yes chores will take longer with a child "helping" but it's a great education to learn how important it is to look after another living being properly, they'll be outdoors lots which is good for you, most children find many of the chores quite fun too and it's an opportunity for the OP and her child to spend quality time together. The benefits for health, happiness and growing up well are endless! At age 6 I loved "helping" as much as I could with a local riding stables and would have been the same with my own pony.

 

[LaurenBay]

Sounds like you have already made your mind up OP.

If you can afford it then go for it. You could always look at getting a little sharer for the pony if your daughter can't ride all the time.

 

[atlantis]

I guess partly because once you have one if she loves it you are stuck if it doesn't work out for you work wise! But I also get that you have one that requires specific management that means she is on her own (been there). Everyone else at my DIY yard had two, it worked out well for them as they never had to worry about theirs being left etc .

I would agree with a previous poster that I would definitely get something that doesn't care if it has a few days or a couple of weeks off here and there in the worst of the weather. I'd mention it at pony club now so people know you will be in the market for one.

Absolutely, at present I have to time bringing in with when others are or end up paying for bring in etc, that I wouldn't need, due to her neighbours not being out. I'm looking for an older sane pony, not a youngster really.

Tbh an additional pony isn't the same as having 2 big horses in full work. I have a sec D and a shetland; the shetland uses a pittance of the hay and bedding, makes less mess, he's only trimmed not shod, I can worm him from the leftovers and doesn't need hard feed and I can drag him along with my big boy when turning out/bringing in. I think getting her a little pony sounds great, especially as you seem to have a good local pony club too. The only thing I would consider is maybe having a sharer.. possibly an older child to keep the pony working reasonably well and exercised or alternatively a ride and drive so you can exercise it too!

Good idea. Actually my friend is looking round the yard for her to get a horse, she has horsey children and would like something for them to share, not a bad idea to consider...

agreed ^
I'll never have one on its own at livery again, 2 similar ones is much easier in terms of management etc and as others have said, if you are clever it's about 1.5 times the work rather than twice. Can't get away from the cost though!
Would Lottie be up for doing some ride and lead if your daughter didn't want to ride on some days? That's a timesaving way to get 2 done.

I can see why some think you're doing this for you, OP, but if your daughter wants to ride more than she can do now, it seems like a good option especially if there are other kids of a similar age at the yard. I was about 7 when I started disappearing off to play ponies with friends, huge sense of freedom and it just got better and better when I got my own a couple of years later

Yes I'm sure Lottie would be fine for ride and lead. Hacking is amazing no road work and permissive riding around set asides plenty of space for two side by side. She is very good to hack and with the one gate.

The older children at the yard already take dd off to do jobs etc. "I don't want to go home I want to stay and poo pick" has been heard before lol.

It's not just about the workload though, it's about what can be gained for parent and child. Yes chores will take longer with a child "helping" but it's a great education to learn how important it is to look after another living being properly, they'll be outdoors lots which is good for you, most children find many of the chores quite fun too and it's an opportunity for the OP and her child to spend quality time together. The benefits for health, happiness and growing up well are endless! At age 6 I loved "helping" as much as I could with a local riding stables and would have been the same with my own pony.

Yes absolutely. She tells me that I don't have to worry as it will be her pony she will do all the jobs!!! Cute but unrealistic I think lol

Sounds like you have already made your mind up OP.

If you can afford it then go for it. You could always look at getting a little sharer for the pony if your daughter can't ride all the time.

I have made up my mind pretty much. Like I said this forum really makes me think and my reaction to people's posts is what I listen to, not necessarily the posts themselves. However everyone makes very valid points that need consideration. I really appreciate people taking the time to reply.

Definitely on the days I work long days the pony could be shared/loaned/ridden. Also come to shows with us to do bigger / older classes. Worth thinking about. I'd have loved that as a child and would love to provide that for someone.

 

[BBP]

Tbh an additional pony isn't the same as having 2 big horses in full work. I have a sec D and a shetland; the shetland uses a pittance of the hay and bedding, makes less mess, he's only trimmed not shod, I can worm him from the leftovers and doesn't need hard feed and I can drag him along with my big boy when turning out/bringing in. I think getting her a little pony sounds great, especially as you seem to have a good local pony club too. The only thing I would consider is maybe having a sharer.. possibly an older child to keep the pony working reasonably well and exercised or alternatively a ride and drive so you can exercise it too!

Mine is the opposite! I have a companion pony, he can't eat hay like the other horses so has to have haylage specially brought in for him, requires trimming more often than my horse, has terrible allergies and is a real fatty so I am constantly messing with his electric fence to give him the perfect balance, and til I got a young girl to ride him he was taking up as much time to exercise. He poos almost as much as the rest and his stable is a real sh** tip compared to my lovely tidy horse! He walks far too slowly to drag in and out with my other horse, drives me nuts so I take them seperately! Has as many vets bills as the other horse, including 3 hours choke call out on a sunday! So he is definitely double the work of my first horse. That saidf, he is cute, and the perfect size for cuddling, and is rock steady in the field so a good influence on the other horses when they are out late and its wild and windy. I love the little toe rag so as long as you want the pony for you rather than your daughter (as you can't guarantee she will want a full time pony) then I say go for it!

 

[Pinkvboots]

I'd leave it till your child is able to do the whole pony thing herself unassisted by you. Otherwise you're making a rod for your own back, and adding to your workload. At 6 I don't think any child could.

that's a bit harsh I don't have kids but have plenty of friends that do and have ponies for them, I think being a parent having an extra pony to muck out and look after is a small price to pay to see your child get so much joy and happiness from having there own, my parents were not into horses and I never had a horse u til I was able to pay for one myself, I would have given my right arm for a pony when I was a child I wanted nothing else.

I think definitely go for it

 

[pippixox]

I would just be VERY careful what pony you get-not just from a ridden perspective, but a management one.

my 1 year old son sort of has a newforest pony!!! really he is mine (he is a 6yo- I took on him and a mare of same age and breed 2 years ago and was sensible and sold the mare due to lack of time this spring but kept him) and I have a 16'2 appaloosa who i've had for 7 years and a retired ex-racer who was my first horse and is nearly 20.

3 is of course more work than 1...but despite their different sizes and breeds they can actually be managed in the same way-they all live out in the spring and summer, except coming into a barn when it gets really hot.i also introduced a track system this year. i lead all 3 with the buggy to turnout. yes it takes longer, and is more money and pooh! But I get something from all of them.

my friend took on a lead reign who was very well behaved, but turned out she had EMS so had to be kept in, very sensitive to grass and took a lot of management. now she has a welsh a who can go out with her 2 horses- her 5 year old daughter adores her and she also fits in well with the management. so is not so much extra work

If you find the right pony go for it.I have to wait until I was 15 for my first horse!