Do genuine first riddens exist for under £3k??

[Meoldmucka]

Looking for a bombproof first ridden for my six year old to take her off the lead rein as she needs a confidence boost. Does such a unicorn exist for under £3k? If anyone knows of one in the northern half of Scotland please can you let me know??
Or hopeful stories that you have found the perfect one for your child etc.... Much appreciated!

 

[Cutgrass]

The only ones I know of are with people on full loan rather than sold. They've done pony club, etc., with the owner's children and then they can't bear to part with them but want them to have a nice life doing what they enjoy rather than stuck in a field. They're worth their weight in gold!

 

[EventingMum]

In short, not in the current market IME. I have been looking for one and I'm prepared to spend a bit more but can't find anything. I recently bought one for £2.5k but she's pretty green and needs schooling so not a first ridden ... yet! I haven't seen many for sale at all regardless of budget, there are a lot of youngsters and a few second ponies but nothing in the genuine first-ridden category.

 

[TPO]

My friend has had a lot of free/very cheap/loan ponies for her kids as they've grown up (still just 4 and 5).

She is central Scotland but of you wanted to PM me your requirements I can pass it on. She has a knack of finding good ponies!

I think it's a case of spreading the word and building a network as well as being able to see a Diamond in the rough and not expecting a world beater.

 

[Meoldmucka]

Thanks TPO I've messaged you

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

There is an interesting pony lease person, who doesn't sell but they lease out ponies who have a full CV and are matched to the home.
Chiffy on here used them (or her daughter did) for tiny granddaughter not that long ago with great success.
I think it was Morrigan Lease ponies? On Facebook.
Worth a sideways thought? Monthly lease would eat into future purchase fund but could prove helpful in interim?

 

[oldie48]

Ours was a loan, had been 16 for many years and needed quite a lot of TLC. He came via PC, did a wonderful job for my daughter and went on to teach many other children. Good luck in finding one, they do exist.

 

[HeyMich]

I asked on here when I was looking for a LR/FR for my kids 3 years ago, and someone suggested putting an advert on the Strathearn Pony Club 'for sale and wanted page' (thanks for whoever suggested that by the way!) and lo and behold, I had a call within 2 hrs of the advert going live with details of a fantastic wee pony, who is still with us now showing child#2 the ropes. We actually found the next pony up for child#1 using the same contact, so it really was a fantastic suggestion! I think the advert was up on the PC website for 3 weeks in the end, and I actually had another 4 folk contacting me with other wee gems for sale. The people contacting me were from all over Scotland (Central Belt to Northern Highlands) so I wouldn't let the Strathearn location put you off. Definitely worth a try!

 

[Leandy]

I agree with HeyMich. Have you tried local pony clubs - ring up the secretary or DC? Many golden oldie ponies pass around (whether sold or loaned) between pony club homes via word of mouth and without ever being advertised.

 

[Meoldmucka]

I agree with HeyMich. Have you tried local pony clubs - ring up the secretary or DC? Many golden oldie ponies pass around (whether sold or loaned) between pony club homes via word of mouth and without ever being advertised.

Yes we're members of our local club but no luck there.

 

[Meoldmucka]

I asked on here when I was looking for a LR/FR for my kids 3 years ago, and someone suggested putting an advert on the Strathearn Pony Club 'for sale and wanted page' (thanks for whoever suggested that by the way!) and lo and behold, I had a call within 2 hrs of the advert going live with details of a fantastic wee pony, who is still with us now showing child#2 the ropes. We actually found the next pony up for child#1 using the same contact, so it really was a fantastic suggestion! I think the advert was up on the PC website for 3 weeks in the end, and I actually had another 4 folk contacting me with other wee gems for sale. The people contacting me were from all over Scotland (Central Belt to Northern Highlands) so I wouldn't let the Strathearn location put you off. Definitely worth a try!

Thanks for the tip, good idea! X

 

[conniegirl]

They are about but i suspect you will have to travel a lot further to get one.

 

[windand rain]

timely question as OH was asking what his pony might be worth on the open market, Possibly a bit slow for most first riddens as she really looks after her rider so tends to stand still if they lose balance can be a bit frustrating for a better but wobbly child she jumps 70cm easily and loves just to trot and potter around the school will canter into jumps but only does so while the rider is balanced she is beautiful, registered and 6 years old I think she is worth her weight in gold but know no one will pay it

 

[Meoldmucka]

timely question as OH was asking what his pony might be worth on the open market, Possibly a bit slow for most first riddens as she really looks after her rider so tends to stand still if they lose balance can be a bit frustrating for a better but wobbly child she jumps 70cm easily and loves just to trot and potter around the school will canter into jumps but only does so while the rider is balanced she is beautiful, registered and 6 years old I think she is worth her weight in gold but know no one will pay it

I think someone will probably pay whatever you ask as I can barely find one for any budget. What is your asking price?

 

[Supercalifragilistic]

I have half an eye on the market as will be looking for a FR later this year. This little chap popped up in my alerts this morning, seems like an honest advert and might be worth a look?

https://www.nfed.co.uk/cgi-bin/clas...lay_db_button=on&db_id=166779&query=retrieval

 

[Meoldmucka]

I have half an eye on the market as will be looking for a FR later this year. This little chap popped up in my alerts this morning, seems like an honest advert and might be worth a look?

https://www.nfed.co.uk/cgi-bin/clas...lay_db_button=on&db_id=166779&query=retrieval

Thanks, looks ideal! But there's no way I'll be able to persuade the OH to go to Somerset for a viewing ?

 

[Supercalifragilistic]

Ah yes sorry I hadn’t seen your location!