Buying a first pony

[Showmum]

Hi
We will shortly be purchasing a first pony for my two daughters to ride we are just waiting for a stable to become available. We are not in any rush as the yard we want to be at is very small and spare stables are like gold dust!
My daughters are 12 (main rider) and 8. The youngest one is just a beginnner and only started lessons last year. the 12 year old has been riding 7 years. She does have confidence issues with new horses/ponies until she gets to know them and we have part loaned before but that finished at the end of last year. So both girls are currently just having lessons at a local riding school and the elder daughter helps out there at weekends.
So I'm thinking of a 14.2 confidence giver/schoolmaster good in all areas as we would wish to show and my eldest daughter loves to jump.
Any recommendations as to what we should be looking for in the classifieds? Or is the perfect pony a myth?
thanks.

 

[minesadouble]

I would Probably go a hand or so smaller if I was you. I would probably look for a 13hh SHP that jumps. It's so important not to over horse novice and nervous young riders.

 

[Morgan123]

I also was surprised by 14.2 but obviously it depends how tall your kids are! I agree not overhorsing is best - could you perhaps look for another share, or even a loan? Always useful because then you can make sure you're right for eachother with less pressure. In your situation I'd be tempted to loan something older (e.g. 18-20ish) that's been there and done everything.

Pony club classifieds are useful for all-rounders. In fact, it may be worth checking in with the local pony club to find out if there are any suitable loan or sale ponies coming up.

 

[Showmum]

Thanks both. I thought 14.2 because that's the size my eldest has loaned and rides in the school? She's almost as tall as me, thought 13h would be too small for her?

 

[be positive]

I would also suggest something smaller for what you want, perfect ponies are very difficult to find especially one that will show, jump and be a real confidence giver, a 14.2 version will be worth it's weight in gold and many will never be sold on.
At the age of your children they are likely to grow out of whatever pony you buy now, either in size or ability so you would be best getting something about 13.2 in full knowledge that it will either go down to the youngest and a bigger one bought for the older girl within a couple of years or be sold on and replaced with a bigger or more talented model, trying to buy one that will last long term is usually a bad idea as it will either be too much now or be too limited later, you may be lucky to find one but they are very rare, the best person to help you is the regular instructor or the YO if they are likely to be involved once you find the pony.

 

[Shay]

As be positive says - these ponies don't really come on the market. Don't rule out a loan. Perfect first ponies tend to have homes for life but will go out on loan or become available for share. I have one - he'd never be sold but has done, and will continue to do, an excellent first pony job for several children now. The local Pony Club DC is going to be the best source there. They will know who has these ponies and when they might be available. Otherwise a good instructor with a wide network of contacts.

If you are set on buying but want to wait on a stable just plan to be paying to hold the stable for some time. Now is the right time to look for something. But finding the right thing is going to be the most important thing and that does take time. Another possible reason to loan or share whilst you look. Good luck!

 

[Showmum]

thanks all some great advice. I have been thinkng about full loan rather than buy as well and will look for 13HH as suggested, makes perfect sense.
One question - what is 13hh SHP? Being dumb!

 

[Shay]

13hh - obviously and the probably Show Hunter Pony? Can't think of another definition.