Advice on settling in new kids pony arriving tomorrow.

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Field04

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As the title really, the long awaited little pony is arriving tomorrow afternoon. She is arriving late in the afternoon, but I have already brought my mare home so she won't be alone at all.

However, my kids are desperate to brush and ride her. I am not sure whether to let them and the pony jump straight in or should I let the pony chill out over the weekend and get used to her surroundings.

I know what I do when its me, being an adult getting a new horse, but want to make sure I get it right with the kids so it all goes smoothly!!

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
 
Pony is used to going 'out' to events/pc etc?
If so, do a quick brush off, tack up and get some riding in for the children, it will really hewlp everyone (human & equine) to know that 'here' we do work and will also help take some beans out of pony for settling in overnight.

Even if pony not used to going places yet, I'd still be inclined to do a short bit of work with pony as soon as you have waved transport off.

Try to keep the rider swapping down tho, (not sure how many small riders you have?) Tell them when pony arrives that there wil be 2 x 20 min riding sessions (back to back) and thats it - try not to wear yourself out - good luck :)
 
I have 2 kids, so 2 x 20 min sessions would work quite well and would not be too much for all involved!! They are just soo excited, need to keep it all under control:p
 
Depends really on the pony. I have one that you could take anywhere, by anyone & she could be safely unloaded, nevermind handled etc by a toddler. And I've met others the same. However I've known other perfectly good kids ponies that were a bit more alert than usual the first few days in a new home. I'd tell the kids they have to leave the pony alone except for pats till monday, then if she's calm on Saturday play it by ear & maybe let them do a little bit with her. That way if pony is a bit unsettled, they won't be disappointed, rather it will be a bonus if they can do something at wkend. I bet you're all so excited!
 
I have explained to them that if the pony is stressed we need to leave her to settle in, and take it easy. And that she may not be like she was when we viewed her due to her coming to a new home.
 
I think you are going to get a lot of different advice on this. Personally I would have your mare already in a stable and pop the pony in his stable as soon as he arrives. If he comes late and it's nearly dark I would wait until the next morning, give them both sedalin and turn them out in separate paddocks (you should do the handling not the kids, ideally you need two adults, taking one horse each at the same time). If you leave out 24/7 I would leave them out for 24 hours, if you bring in at night I would bring in, repeat the next day and the afternoon of the second day I would lunge the pony. If all is going well on day 3 I would lunge the pony and then let the kids have a little ride in a safe, enclosed space.
 
I'd err on the side of caution. Children can be so easily put off (and they do have to learn that the pony's need come 1st). I'd let the pony settle into its new surroundings with its new companion for at least 24 hrs before allowing the children to do more than pat the pony and then play it by ear. The children can still be involved in getting the stable ready, making sure that the grooming kit is all present etc. In fact a bit of tack-cleaning could be a very useful activity at this juncture.
 
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