Need reassurance.

C

Christmas_Kate

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Went to see another pony this afternoon. It was fine being ridden by owners, but bucked my eldest off. He landed quite hard and has broken his riding hat. Just a little shaken and bruised.

Do safe ponies really exist? I just want something that's so quiet it won't do anything but plod. You'd think I'd be getting used to diappointments now, but each time I see something I like, it's just not right. Maybe I'm expecting too much in asking that it doesnt bolt / buck / prance about and something that wants the quiet life and enjoys being groomed.


ets: this pony was advertised as 100% safe, quiet, first pony.
 
I went through 9 months of horse searching because I needed a reliable 17 hh!!! Was hell!!
They do exist! My RS has just bought a fair few from a dealer near us, they are brilliant. So what are you looking for exactly? in what area?

ETS: the pony you saw has probably bucked before, the owner just knows how to handle it. Its comepletely wrong to sell it as a ploddy childs pony
 
They are definitely out there (we have one
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), you just need to keep on looking. You will find one!!
 
I'm looking for something about 11-12hh, safe as houses, preferably ex riding school plod, been there done that, you know the kind. Something that would enjoy coming in at night and being pampered, and would enjoy slow hacks on the LR.
In the east midlands (northants, leics, warwickshire, beds, cambridgeshire).
 
What size are you looking for again kate?

And your budget? PM if you'd prefer. I saw an ad at my feed place the other day and thought of you. Can't remember the details but next time I go I shall take them down
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Hope your son is ok and not too put off by today
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If you were near me I would reccommend a dealer my RS uses. Most her horses come to the RS and can be used in the riding school within 1-2 weeks!! Will have a look around for you though I am always browsing horsie adverts for fun!
 
I don't really have a 'budget' of sorts, but as I'm after the above, I really don't want anything that's a supermodel etc, just a shaggy friendly type, I'll pay whatever seems a decent price for it.

ETS: he was a bit shaken, but we've had a giggle about it now, that at least we know the hat was good!
 
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I think they knew!! They didnt seem suprised about it.

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So wrong! someone at our yard was looking for a pony like that. Her son is very tiny so one of my friends who is very tiny went and tried them all out first because she can most things! We are at a RS though so have plenty of choice of extra jockeys!

Hope your sons allriight
 
Ok, if the ad is still up when I next go to the shop I'll take down the details
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I know how you feel though. I've been horse hunting for aaaaages too. It does get disheartening, but hopefully we will both feel it's worth it in the end.

H. xxx
 
Thats horrible! I dont know if this is any help, but I am Derbyshire based and a riding school about 30 mins away from me has just closed. I have never been there so I dont know what they have in terms of little ponies, but it did have a good reputation, and they were selling off a load of horses/ponies!

Think it was called Curbar stables, based in Hope Valley, it might throw up a phone number on google Or someone in the CR may have more info, but I cant remember who it was I was talking to!
 
Oh dear - hope you son is ok!
They are definitley out there. Have you asked/advertised at your local PC or riding school?
 
What can I say but 'ask the local RS'
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If it's a big sort of place they'll either have a spare one hanging around, or will know of one
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Don't worry, they do exist - I've been on brilliant ponies, not too expensive either!
 
Sorry to hear you are having trouble.
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What do you think of this little fella? I know anyone can lie, but he looks pretty chilled
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http://www.horsequest.co.uk/images/DawesFirstPnyDec.jpg

11.2hh chestnut gelding, 9 years

Super pony that a child can lead, handle, pick out feet etc

Excellent on lead rein and very well trained on lunge

Done many Pony Club camps, rallies, shows including cross country (on and off the lead rein) and has great jump

Lives out and good doer but no Laminitic problems

Same home nearly 6 years so sad sale

£2,000

expensive, but ponies you're looking for are worth their weight in gold!

Best of Luck, I will keep my eyes open for you.
 
Plus, PC ponies are often sort of racey - Which I presume you don't want?

Like I said, ex-RS ponies are usually pretty bomb-proof. Maybe you could give the instructor some money if she can find one for you? We might do the same thing with a near-by trekking centre when we buy our cobs
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http://www.horsequest.co.uk/images/LeechSparkyCol1stPonyNov.jpg

If you are looking for a Genuine First Pony then look no further!

Sparky is the most delightful pony you could ever own

He will go on or off the lead rein or bareback in a head collar

He will play cowboys and indians or hack out

Won and qualified Chaps lead rein and first ridden with a 5 year old

Completely unflappable!!!

All this and quality and superb paces

At 11 hands he is ideal for little ones to do themselves

Happy to keep until Xmas if you are looking for a real Christmas cracker

Priced to sell at £1,500 to a 5 star home

Staffs
 
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Whereabouts is it? I'm not too bothered about things having done x country etc, so long as it hacks out alone and in company and is safe!!

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NewBury/Basingstoke
 
my mum viewed two horses, looking for one suitable for an eight year old and herself and me to learn on (i was a v small child then) she saw two 1st ponies, 100% traffic novice etc. one reared in the yard over concrete, the other bolted with the owner. both owners said "well, it's never done that before" it put her off for over ten years!, we went looking in september and one that was bombproof in traffic was twicsting and turning in the middle of the road at the sight of a bush! another one was quiet, responsive and a 1st pony. he bolted with me when i rode him with a slightly longer stirrup and i almost broke my leg. but not long after that we found our angel and she is the sweetest thing, she's only five and yet has the confidence of one twice its age. it just takes time. we had two failed vettings before getting ours and viewed about ten. the one for you is there somewhere. keep looking!
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I saw a lot of nutty TB types in my search for a safe sensible beast (the conversation that comes to mind is - 'are you sure it hasn't raced?' 'no dear, we don't race here, not round these parts' - while at a yard barely a mile from Lambourn...). But my beast, advertised as an ideal first horse, perfect manners, bombroof hack etc., is an absolute saint. She can be a little bit of a bugger with me, but she knows I enjoy it really, but with my Mum (nervous novice) she is an angel!
So yes they definately do exist, mine was only £3,000 as well (15.3hh 10yo)... good luck finding yours! Perseverance!!!
 
I am so glad your son is OK. Poor boy!
I had trouble finding a pone, but I would recommend Pony Club, but as you say the good ones all go so quickly.
I bought an ex show pony, hes lovely, but a bit sharp, well schooled though and unfazed by boucny castles/flags etc., etc. It can be worth speaking to showing bods, they may know of one retiring or not fizzy enough.
 
Complete nonsense Mid. The last type of pony I would look at is a jaded, institutionalised ex RS pony. The very best place I would look is the PC, I've known lots of absolutely super safe PC ponies, which are sold through PC word of mouth and PC website.
 
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