Anyone fancy some pony shopping? LR/FR

J

Jinx94

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Hey all! Posting on behalf of a friend.

They're looking for a lead rein/first ridden for their young daughter. She's had an elderly shetland on loan since Christmas, but has quickly grown in confidence and wants to do more than a very brief potter around the field. Shettie is an angel but somewhere in his late 20s, possibly early 30s and isn't up for more than tots having a short lead rein pootle.

Budget is up to £8k (if meets every criterion), essentially looking for a unicorn it seems.

Prospective pony would need to be well behaved enough that the little girl (5ish?) can lead/handle. Ideally no bigger than 12hh but would consider up to 13hh if a saint.

Age isn't a concern, but it must pass a vet. Everything they've seen so far has either not been as quiet as the sellers have said, or has been lame/has other health concerns.

We're based near Banbury and they're not overly concerned about distance, though Scotland might be a bit too far!!

Does anyone have any recommendations? They would also be happy to have a loan!

Family are vaguely horsey but have lots of consistent knowledgeable support.
 
Having been through this stage, and then sold on most of the small ones, I’d just like to add a note of caution on wanting a pony that does both. SOME do. But is that the best option? To have a pony who is a Jack of all trades but potentially loses confidence at the first ridden job when popped back on the lead for many months at the start of a new home?

A true lead rein pony is worth their weight in gold in part because they will not move without the leader and will only follow. That creates a huge safety net for the child. You can then also teach the first ‘off lead’ steps with the child being completely safe. Our lead rein pony was brilliant for this - I got my kids off lead out hacking when they were much too young to make their own decisions, because I knew there was no way on Earth the pony would ever leave me. So I popped kid on pony, hopped on mine in front and they could potter along behind in total safety.

A true first ridden wants to be independent and to teach the child - and will listen to the child over the leader. My daughter turned hers around once and headed home in a snit - off the pony obediently went. I very much missed the lead rein pony at that point! She was 7 when she got a first ridden. Off lead at 5 on a pony I knew would only follow me.

Lead rein ponies are much less expensive. Many go to tiny tot homes though to ensure a longer term home.
 
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