Advice please

[Pabby52]

I'm looking to buy a pony (first pony) for my daughter who's been riding about 2 and a half years now. Although she is a good rider she gets very nervous so we obviously need one that's suitable for a novice. I just wanted some advice on the type of pony (cobs have been recommended) that would be suitable and what sort of age? I've had some people say we shouldn't buy anything under 6 years old and others have said it entirely depends on the horse - my head is spinning a bit lol 😂. Also we are based in South Wales if anyone has any recommendations on where to start looking? Thanks X

 

[be positive]

You will get so many opinions that it does get confusing so my suggestion would be to get her instructor involved with the search and forget everyone else otherwise you will never know what is best.

My thoughts on what to look for would be 1) buy the pony she needs now not one to "grow into" it is a lovely idea but if the pony is too much from day 1 she will struggle and her confidence will plummet before she gets to grips with it.
2) look for a pony that is coming from a similar home, ideally that has been teaching another child the ropes and that is now genuinely outgrown, ask for evidence to prove it has been there and done it, so photos and videos plus references from the PC instructor or regular instructor for the time they have owned it.
3) I would always recommend an older, 8+ pony, as a first pony unless there is an experienced sibling or adult who can help bring it on, don't be put off buying/ loaning a late teen or 20+ pony if it ticks all the boxes, it's experience will be invaluable as a first confidence giving pony, a good younger pony may do the job but if it has not had much experience your daughter may struggle when doing something new.
4) type depends to an extent on the size and weight of the child, a petite girl will usually find it easier to ride and enjoy a pony that is narrower rather than chunky, whereas a larger child may feel best suited by a chunky cob, my preference would be a pony of native type, not necessarily a registered pony, that can be very versatile, usually easy to care for and will suit most children.

There are many places to start looking, local FB seems to be popular, the main PC site always has a good choice, check your local PC pages, then the ads on here, Horsequest, Horsedeals and Horsemart are a few of the main sites, you will need to put in your area as they cover the whole country.

 

[Pabby52]

Thank you very much for the reply! Lots to consider lol. Will certainly ask at the local riding school and see what they suggest. I just don't want to make the wrong choice! She has a pony on loan 2 days a week at the moment but it's only 6 years old and far too strong/spooky for her. Claimed to be suitable for a novice but clearly not 😁. Thanks again.

 

[be positive]

Thank you very much for the reply! Lots to consider lol. Will certainly ask at the local riding school and see what they suggest. I just don't want to make the wrong choice! She has a pony on loan 2 days a week at the moment but it's only 6 years old and far too strong/spooky for her. Claimed to be suitable for a novice but clearly not ��. Thanks again.

A riding school may not be the best place to ask for advice as what they can put up with or desire is often completely different to what is needed in a privately owned pony, the 6 year old being an example of traits that will be ok in a RS environment but could become worse if you bought it, an instructor who has experience outside of the RS would be more helpful.

I will take a look through some websites later and come back with a few ponies that may suit but would need to know the age of the child and have some idea of budget, you can pm these if you prefer.

 

[Pabby52]

How do I pm?

 

[be positive]

How do I pm?

Click on the user name and several options come up, then click on the pm option.

 

[Pabby52]

Can't seem to do it on my phone! Daughter is 11yrs old and small build. Budget up to 2k.

 

[PorkChop]

I would look for a much older pony, one that is currently in work and I wouldn't look for any particular type tbh.

You could try a wanted ad, we found a super pony this way

 

[be positive]

I have looked through most of the sites and found virtually nothing in Wales let alone south wales, as so often once you start looking and weed out the unsuitable ones there are very few left.

A couple that may be worth asking for more info are linked below but the first is not in your area although looks a sweet type, the second may be nearer and has been in the same home a decent length of time and seems to know it's job, it may be a bit smaller than you are looking for but is chunky so would last a while.
http://classified.pcuk.org/details/fun-pony-club-allrounder-13-2hh/

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/-superb-13hh-allrounder-pony-/Horses/473176#V2sVs8ldDwUEHRBM.97

 

[npage123]

I would suggest contacting these lovely people (they have got generations of experience with horses) as they sometimes sell off their older 'been there done that' horses, which is something to consider. Not sure about if the budget of 2K may be too much of a stretch for them, but you never know!

http://www.transwales.com/our-horses/horses-for-sale/

 

[be positive]

I would suggest contacting these lovely people (they have got generations of experience with horses) as they sometimes sell off their older 'been there done that' horses, which is something to consider. Not sure about if the budget of 2K may be too much of a stretch for them, but you never know!

http://www.transwales.com/our-horses/horses-for-sale/

They are all horses and mainly cobs, they may be nice but not suitable for a slight 11 year old who needs a first pony, they may be worth contacting to see if they know of anything in the area that will be coming up soon, word of mouth is useful as are contacts within the horse world.

 

[Pabby52]

Brill 👍🏻 thanks everyone. Will let you know how I get on 😊