Does the perfect pony exist??

rushyj

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I have been looking for ages for the perfect pony for my daughter (11 years old). All she wants is a new best friend, to do a little bit of everything with. The trouble I am having is every time we see a pony it has been advertised as an ideal first pony it is anything but!!!

She is a lovely little rider and I don't want her confidence knocked but we are looking for a pony between 13.2 and 14.2 loan with view to buy....but obviously a lot tend to be really gassy second ponies.. I have looked on the usual websites but don't seem to be finding the right pony for her.. Any suggestions on where to look????
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They definatly do exist but unfortunatly many don't come onto the market as if they change hands its done through word of mouth. Have you considerd looking on carriagelink? http://www.carriagelink.com/ there are often smaller ponies on there but provoiding your not looking at scurry type animals a family r&d should be pretty chilled and bombproof.
 
Ask local pony club, they oftern know of a few allrounders suitable for first ponys. These ponys are usually tried and tested.
Hope that helps
 
They do - but in that height range they do tend to be second ponies. Any really good first ponies tend to get passed on through word of mouth - ours certainly did. I would talk to local Pony Club and let as many 'horsey' people as possbile know what you are looking for - signs in local tack shop etc. I'm afraid they are like rocking horse poo and will get snapped up quickly. Most first ponies also tend to be in the 11 - 13h size range - how big is your daughter?
 
Thank you she is quite tall she looks perfect on a 13.2 new forrest type at the moment. She rides very well and is even starting to jump bounces and doubles (2') on my grooms pony but she is not ready for the really gassy type. Something that will pootle around happily will suit her down to the ground...
 
I have one but at 12.2 he is sadly too small!!! The problem I have is people ringing up and making arrangements to either call back or view and never hearing from them again!
Good Luck in your search.
 
Not sure where in the country you are but have you checked the PC websites?

I have recently been told of a 14hh/14.1hh (can't quite remember) pony for sale but he is a BSJA pony i think but that doesn't mean to say he's overly fizzy. I don't know any more info on him though (can find out) as was told by a colleague at work.

I was also told of a 13.2hh for sale (lancs way) a few months ago aswell - not sure if he's still for sale or not but he sounded very nice.

If you are anywhere near (ie North) I can find some more info for both.

Just had a quick nosey on PC site and there are a few that sound nice

http://www.pcuk.org/index.php?option=com...5&Itemid=85

http://www.pcuk.org/index.php?option=com...5&Itemid=85

http://www.pcuk.org/index.php?option=com...5&Itemid=85

http://www.pcuk.org/index.php?option=com...5&Itemid=85

There seemed to be plenty more too.
 
I think the trouble you will have is that people want to sell not loan - it is very hard to find ponies for loan.

A NF would probably be good for her why don't you have a look at the New Forest pony society website sales list.

I have a super forester but unfortunately he is not for sale!
 
They are out there ,it took us over six months to find the right one and many miles on the clock and he eventually turned up just down the road. Unfortunately he isn't for sale because he would be right for you!
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Problem I found was that these ponies are being outgrown by confident older children who whizz them up and a lot of them weren't prepared to take the step back that is needed for the next younger child.
Good luck in your search and make sure you don't compromise on the things that are important to you. PC website is very good by the way.
 
I know of the best pony who is up for sale, don't know if they would consider loaning. She is 14.1 and is absolutely amazing in everyway, really can't fault her at all. Every class she is entering she is being placed. Where abouts are you?
 
that size range is quite hard to find, expecially 14.2s

well thats what i found, especially in norfolk!

so we ended up going to warwickshire and getting wilma, probably not ideal for a first pony, but she has taught me loads and i am much better rider for it....

sometimes spending time and getting a pony that is slightly not perfect is for the best in making a good rider!!!!
just dont buy one thats too difficult

id also have a look at local tack shops and riding clubs/events
if i was loking for another thats what id do, especially if it was for my sister!

pony club is also a great idea!!

xx
 
You should pm Binkybex on this site who I think still has a really nice little 14hh (or just under) New Forest which has hacked, hunted, jumped - is just a fun little thing that could be ideal
 
They are hard to find - as others have said at that height they are often whizzed up by the child who is outgrowing them. There is a lovely grey 13.2hh that looks safe sensible and talented on horsequest or horsedeals - saw it in the last few days though I don't know the pony.

Another problem you'll have which I'm sure you're aware of is the loan with view to buy. I would never go there with a loved and trusted family member. I guess that if you found something in your area you could go and try it a number of times and that might make more ponies a possibility.

Good luck!
 
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Thank you she is quite tall she looks perfect on a 13.2 new forrest type at the moment. She rides very well and is even starting to jump bounces and doubles (2') on my grooms pony but she is not ready for the really gassy type. Something that will pootle around happily will suit her down to the ground...

[/ QUOTE ]

If you'd only been looking 8 years ago, we'd have had the perfect pony for you
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My Shandy was lovely - 13.2 NF mare - and she was everything you've described; happy to pootle around, but would take the rider on and do more advanced stuff when they were ready
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She taught many, many children around our way after I outgrew her, and was always in demand! Sadly she's fully retired now, bless her. But keep looking - they ARE out there! You just have to be patient
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I'm in the same boat. We are looking for a 13.2 - 14.1hh confidence giver for my nearly 11yr daughter.
All the ones I've liked on websites so far have already been sold when I've phoned up (very annoying!)
 
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