Is this possible or am I dreaming?

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Zippy01

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15 September 2011
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Stockwood, Bristol
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I used to have my own pony during my school and teenage years, but other commitments took priority for quite some time and during my horse free break I’ve got married and had 3 children. Since having children I’ve just had a few intermittent lessons at a local riding school.

Now my children are into riding and have been having lessons and love it.

When I was a child, my sister and I, went pony trekking a couple of times, got the bug and kept on to our parents about getting our own pony and we got one. Completely inexperienced and at a local stables we just taught ourselves with help from others at the yard. Best childhood years and so many happy memories.

I would now like to be able to do the same for my children. I would also love now they are older to get back in the saddle.

My question is, or questions are…

Would it be possible to find a pony suitable for mother/ daughter/daughter/daughter share? I am 5’6, 10 stone and would just like to be a happy hacker on a safe pony just big enough for me.
My eldest daughters are 10 and 8, both small, but I’d like the pony to be first/second pony for them.
My youngest is just 4, and has been having lessons on the lead rein, so the pony would need to be bombproof on the lead rein also….am I asking too much?
I did think a 13.3hh – 14hh New Forest may fit the bill (just as my pony was when I was young).

My second question is, does anyone know of any family friendly yards in South Bristol? With safe off road hacking nearby?

I’m not going to rush and buy straight away I’ve been thinking about taking the BHS Owners Certificate. I was thinking of having the pony on full livery, at least to begin with whilst I refresh my knowledge and whilst my girls learn stable management. I also work full time, so seems the sensible option.

Sorry for the very long post, any words of advice?
 
Sounds like a plan to me!! And I love the fact you are going to do your BHS Owners Cert, I wish more people would do this!!

I think the sort you are asking/looking for is ideal, and if you look hard enough they are out there. Keep up with the riding and see if your yard will let you and the two eldest help out for a few hours at weekends, this will give you loads of experience. Also have a word with your instructor, and they could help you find the perfect family member.

Good luck, and remember "if you dont have dreams, how can your dreams come true!?"
 
Ponies like that are difficult to find but they do exist.

Loan with a view to buy might be a good option for you as it will give you time to be certain that the pony you have found is the right one.

It might take a while to find our perfect pony but he/she will be out there somewhere :)

Follow your dreams, horses bring so much happiness.
 
It does sound possible, and it sounds like you've really thought about it- how lovely that your kids are into horses too. :)

Good luck with finding a pony and taking the BHS cert! Full livery might be a good starting point while you find your feet and get going again. Anyway it'll all come back to you soon enough.
 
You sound as though you've thought it through very carefully, so good luck! I'm not sure whether 13.2/14hh NF would be up to 10 stone plus tack, but I know that Highland ponies of the same size can carry more than most other ponies.

I hasten to add that I am not suggesting that you are in any way overweight!
 
You could initially share a pony so as to update your horse management knowledge. Alternatively iof you want to go out and buy one I would buy a 14.1 - 14.3 cob so that all of you can ride the pony. There are some very safe and sensible cobs about and my advice would be to buy one locally from a private home where the locals know the true temprement of the pony and the real reason for why it is being sold.
 
Sorry, not helpful but had to laugh - we were in exactly the same position, our three girls were even the same ages as yours.
We now have four ponies - BE VERY CAREFUL!:D:D:D
 
We've got a 14.2hh cob who will & does do all you want, as well as drive, jump & show up to county level - so it's perfectly possible.
 
Thank you all so much for the responses, I didn't think they'd all be so positive.

Yes, pony size is the big question and trying to get a happy balance on big enough for me, but not too big for the girls to feel confident riding. Judging by your responses though, it doesn't sound out the question so thanks again.

Like I said, I'm not rushing in, we'll keep up the lessons and I'll do my horse owners cert first and I'll then keep an eye on ponies being sold locally.
 
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