Buying green pony

[I don’t like mondays]

I’m having no luck with horses for my teen novice daughter. Over the past 18m I’ve tried 2 been there done that confidence giver sorts (and both times been totally honest, and actually down played my daughters riding) but found out early on that all was not as it seemed and these ponies that are actually being loaned/sold because they are not up to the job (quirky, too strong, refusing jumps even with an experienced jokey, regularly bucking etc). I’m feeling a bit defeated and wondering if something green with an easy temperament could work? I’d never usually consider this option due to the old saying! But we have a small experienced jockey who can ride/school a few times a week and take to the first show, outings etc. pony in mind has been broken for at least a year but green and wobbly in school but willing. Is this a bad idea? Daughter is definitely a novice but can walk trot canter and jump 60. She’s recently lost confidence. Thanks

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

If she’s lost confidence then no. I did the classic green rider buys green pony and she has the most wonderful forgiving nature. But it’s been really hard and I was 23 when I got her. Had I been a teenager watching my friends compete and have fun whilst I was teaching my green pony the basics I would have probably had a bit of a strop.

My confidence was knocked a lot and I had some real down periods! I had weekly lessons plus a pole clinic and a jump clinic every month. Every ride for about 2 years was a schooling opportunity. It rarely felt like I could just get on and have fun.

I’m glad I’ve done it now, it’s been so rewarding. But I’m saying that as an adult. I don’t think my teen self would have felt the same at the “missed opportunities”.

Can you put the word out through pony club?

 

[Baywonder]

She’s recently lost confidence.

IMHO, I think as your daughter has lost her confidence, putting a green pony into the mix would not be of benefit to her or the pony at all.

Seriously, I would continue looking. Ask around, put the word out that you are wanting to buy, and eventually something will turn up.

I am just glad you asked the question before buying the pony!

 

[I don’t like mondays]

If she’s lost confidence then no. I did the classic green rider buys green pony and she has the most wonderful forgiving nature. But it’s been really hard and I was 23 when I got her. Had I been a teenager watching my friends compete and have fun whilst I was teaching my green pony the basics I would have probably had a bit of a strop.

My confidence was knocked a lot and I had some real down periods! I had weekly lessons plus a pole clinic and a jump clinic every month. Every ride for about 2 years was a schooling opportunity. It rarely felt like I could just get on and have fun.

I’m glad I’ve done it now, it’s been so rewarding. But I’m saying that as an adult. I don’t think my teen self would have felt the same at the “missed opportunities”.

Can you put the word out through pony club?

Thanks Ownedbyaconnie. You make some very good points. The two ponies that weren’t suitable/as we thought were word of mouth private homes. That’s why I feel so defeated

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I would say it’s a big no. A bit like OBAC, been there, done that had the horse equivalent of the Kevin’s at 5, completely lost my confidence and went out and bought an 8 year old who had shown, PC’d, hunted, evented and been outgrown by his teenage rider. Best thing I ever did as I regained my confidence on him and still have the original one now aged 12. He is such a nice pony now but it almost broke me at the time.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Thanks everyone, I was thinking the same but I think I needed validation not to do it!! I think my problem is, when these ponies are word of mouth/friend of a friend I take what they say as read rather than being more suspicious as I would be buying from an Ad. I ask all the questions but both times it transpires things aren’t as they seem. I think I’ve had terrible luck. It’s all luck isn’t it (got one perfect pony)

 

[oldie48]

I bought a 5 year old connie for my 7 year old daughter and then a 5 year old 148 connie/tb for her when she was 10. It and worked for us but and it is a big BUT, she was super confident and I paid for a lot of pro help and we still had the occasional "wobble" (more me than her) I honestly wouldn't consider it for a child/teenager who was having a confidence wobble. There are super confidence giving ponies out there but they are either quite old, very expensive or never come on the market.Your best friend is still "word of mouth" and a decent budget. Keep looking, put the word around, contact PCs and instructors. Getting the right pony is so important, the only reason my daughter was confident was because she had an elderly schoolmaster on loan who knew his job. Good luck.