Buying a pony for my daughter

[Coco's mum]

My daughter who is only 9, is 5'2" and rides a 13.1 pony at the moment. she is a confident competent rider, who competes at pony club level, cross country, show jumping up to 2'6" and dressage. She has sadly outgrown her pony and needs to move on. she wants something with a bit of speed. I would like her to have something like a welsh sec D and have seen a great 14.3 gelding. The only problem is he is only 5. Am I wrong looking at something so young. she rides my 15'2 cob at home but isn't keen as she is a bit of a plod!! Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[be positive]

She is tall for her age but will lack strength as well as maturity and experience, I would be very careful about getting the next pony and a 14.3 cob that is only 5 could be a step too far, she may think she wants speed but that combined with the extra power and size needs to be carefully considered.
I personally would stick to something no bigger than 14.2 so she is still able to compete in pony classes, at her age she needs to be able to have fun with her peers not be on a horse that puts her out of so many things, a good 14.2 with some miles on the clock can enable her to progress and develop her riding without being boring if you find the right one, there are some super ponies around, take your time, she is not really too big yet for her 13.1 so don't rush into something that might suit but is not ideal.

 

[Coco's mum]

Thank you for the advice. I know that your advice is correct, that's the route i will take. I just needed someone to tell me.