Never thought buying a L/R pony would be so hard!

Curragh

Curragh

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Hi,

I started to look for a lead rein pony for my children a few weeks ago. Well, not enjoying the experience if I'm honest! Can't believe how much some of them are and as soon as we phone up they have already been sold or are 100's of miles away. I'm not after any thing flash, just a small shetland or small welsh to lead around the lanes, do local shows and pony club. If any one knows of any thing please get in touch :)
 
Definitely keep an eye on preloved got my L/R from there and a very reasonable price to, problem i had was when i wasn't looking for one there was loads for sale but as soon as i wanted to buy one they all dissapeared.
 
Reason they cost a fortune is cos your paying a fortune for safety, regardless of ability or looks. Especially if you want one that you can let off the lr. Ones my daughter rode or loaned when tiny had waiting lists!
 
Faracat said:
Have you looked on Preloved?
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I have looked on there, freeads, horsequest, horsemart, horse deals.

Yes there are plenty of lovely ponies but I'm not prepared to over £600 for one, most of them are at least 2k!

Do you think my budget is unrealistic?
 
If you're not fussed about looks/breed etc, how about looking at rehoming a charity horse? Then you will free up the space for another horse in need. I think LR ponies aren't too hard to find, but safe FR are a whole different ball game. Good luck. :)
 
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Try the main pony club website or your local pony clubs site. Or pop into your local riding school one if it's just lead rein you want they may have something that's looking for a quieter life.
 
Unless its really old or has something wrong, like sweetitch, lami etc that needs managing, or windsucks etc, then yes, I think at £600 you'll struggle. Might find a young or green one that is showing the right attitude to be a lr pony, but for a proven one that's up to pony club etc & has nothing wrong with it you'll struggle.
 
curragh said:
I have looked on there, freeads, horsequest, horsemart, horse deals.

Yes there are plenty of lovely ponies but I'm not prepared to over £600 for one, most of them are at least 2k!

Do you think my budget is unrealistic?
Click to expand...

It's not unrealistic but it may take you abit longer to find one that is suitable and what you are looking for, do you have a age limit as i got mine of preloved for £550 inc tack and rugs but she was quite young.
 
curragh said:
I have looked on there, freeads, horsequest, horsemart, horse deals.

Yes there are plenty of lovely ponies but I'm not prepared to over £600 for one, most of them are at least 2k!

Do you think my budget is unrealistic?
Click to expand...
As the owner of what is probably exactly what you are looking for - a small pony that loves children, is perfect to handle, in traffic etc, will go off lead as a first ridden, do a smart dressage test and jump 2'6 all day and has taken children hunting on and off the lead (from another horse), yes, your budget is unrealistic for the sort of pony I have. If you just want something that the kids can sit on but won't teach them to ride or look after them or put up with them losing balance etc then you should be ok paying a few hundred.
 
mulledwhine said:
I put my own wanted add in preloved and got loads of replies, some good and others redicilous.

We got our pony initially on loan and have now bought him.
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I've done this, keep getting offered newly backed ponies. I'll keep it running hopefully some thing will come up!

I think I'm struggling because we are in Devon and I'm not prepared to drag my 3 year old and 4 year old all over the country!

I'm ringing the DC of the local pony club tomorrow, I've looked on the website...phew..We can't afford those ponies!!

Keep the ideas coming, thanks every one :)
 
With your budget you might just have to buy something that still needs a little producing... I realised this when i was looking for the budget i had i had to make a sacrifice somewhere but can honestly say buying the pony i did was the best decision and both pony and child have grown with there rididng together. The pony is a dream to have around and when anyone asks her age they can't believe she is only young. :)
 
Dee O'Dorant said:
As the owner of what is probably exactly what you are looking for - a small pony that loves children, is perfect to handle, in traffic etc, will go off lead as a first ridden, do a smart dressage test and jump 2'6 all day and has taken children hunting on and off the lead (from another horse), yes, your budget is unrealistic for the sort of pony I have. If you just want something that the kids can sit on but won't teach them to ride or look after them or put up with them losing balance etc then you should be ok paying a few hundred.
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Thats probably too good for what I want, I don't want to spend a huge amount and then the kids lose interest. So thought if I brought a pony just able to do L/R and then if they still enjoyed it, I'd invest in some thing like you have for the next step.
 
missdarcy said:
With your budget you might just have to buy something that still needs a little producing... I realised this when i was looking for the budget i had i had to make a sacrifice somewhere but can honestly say buying the pony i did was the best decision and both pony and child have grown with there rididng together. The pony is a dream to have around and when anyone asks her age they can't believe she is only young. :)
Click to expand...

I'll keep this in mind, thank you :)
 
Have you looked on adhorse?
Did a quick search and these popped up, little over your budget but hopefully worth a look

These are my favourites ( and closest to your budget)
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47797.html
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47780.html

http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47611.html
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47750.html
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47472.html
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_46533.html


Also could it be worth ringing local riding schools?
 
Dizzyblonde99 said:
Have you looked on adhorse?
Did a quick search and these popped up, little over your budget but hopefully worth a look

These are my favourites ( and closest to your budget)
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47797.html
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47780.html

http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47611.html
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47750.html
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_47472.html
http://www.adhorse.co.uk/horseforsale_46533.html


Also could it be worth ringing local riding schools?
Click to expand...

You star! I'm off to make some calls, thank you! :)
 
If you're experienced with ponies, it really is worth looking at your local auction. I've bought a couple of fantastic, safe ponies for my girls in the past. Get in the pen with the animal and run your hands all over, especially the kicky, bitey areas. You can ask to see the pony trotted up and ridden. A minor unsoundness is not a problem with L/R's, for a small child, unless you intend showing seriously, which it doesn't sound like. You could be saving a pony from who knows what, whilst saving yourself a lot of money. I'm sure people will advise to to spend out and know exactly what you're getting, but I can only speak from my own fulfilling experiences.
 
Definately ask around locally - are there any Facebook pages that cover your area? We have a 'Horses and ponies for sale in North Wales' page on FB, very handy for buying and selling and most on there know someone who knows someone you know, so perhaps a bit safer than buying from complete strangers.

Friend has just bought a little lead rein pony for £150 as a result of a wanted ad on our area FB page. Smashing little lad he is too, lots of people know the pony and can vouch he is sane, so friend is very pleased with her purchase.
 
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