New horse

[Mrsm1502]

Hi. I am thinking of buying a Connemara for my 12 year old daughter. She is really into her jumping and wants to start competitions. This will be her first pony. Can someone give me some advice as to what age of pony I should be looking to buy? I want one that will stay with us for a long time. I don't want to be looking to buy a new one every few years. Thanks in advance. Sam

 

[Meowy Catkin]

What is her level of experience riding and caring for ponies (eg has she shared or loaned before, only ridden in a riding school)?

What experience do you have?

Do you have a yard ready to keep the pony on and will they support you?


Generally a green (inexperienced) pony and green rider are not a good combination. It's the size of the pony that your daughter is likely to outgrow, although there are a few threads on here about adults riding ponies, so this doesn't always happen.

 

[Mrsm1502]

Hi. She has been riding since she was 4. Can walk, trot, canter, gallop and do some 70cm jumps. She's very excited about jumping higher. She works at the riding school every weekend and has had a part loan before. I'm thinking of a 14.2 HH. She is quite tall, legs up to her armpits lol. We will be keeping it at the riding school she goes to as they have a livery yard and the instructors have horses there too, so I know there will be help if we need it. I used to ride but can't now as I have a bad back. Just wondering what age of horse would be best for her. Thanks.

 

[nikicb]

Exciting times! Regarding age, I would say between 9 and 12 would be good. Still plenty of years ahead of them, but beyond the teenage years which can be a bit challenging with some horses. But don't discount an older horse/pony if it ticks all the other boxes. I bought a 17 year old pony for my older son 3 years ago, and he's still fit and healthy and younger son has just taken over the ride. Good luck.

Eta - Connies and connie crosses are great versatile ponies/horses. I'm a little biased as I have one! But they can be very bright and will test boundaries which is why a more established one which knows the rules would be advisable. Good that you will be keeping it at the RS though as they will no doubt be used to dealing with all sorts of characters.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

In the situation you describe, I would be looking for a pony that has already done the job you want it to do successfully. So looking for a pony who's owner is selling due to going to university or moving on to horses would be ideal. I would like the pony to have at least competed at local shows, hack out safely, good to catch etc... Ponies can live to grand old ages so I would search for 8 years or older, with 10 - 15 the ideal age range. As state above, I wouldn't rule out older than 15 if the pony was perfect in every other way and sound.

 

[Mrsm1502]

Thanks for your replies. I was discounting 9 and above until now so will widen my search now. We are very excited about getting a new family member. Thank you again! X

 

[chestnut cob]

Thanks for your replies. I was discounting 9 and above until now so will widen my search now. We are very excited about getting a new family member. Thank you again! X

Your daughter is young and it sounds as though this will be your first pony so I definitely wouldn't be looking for something young. You definitely, IMHO, need a schoolmaster or mistress. Something that has taught a couple of children the things your daughter wants to do, and is a confidence giver. You don't want something you that needs to learn as well. I'd also be inclined to ask your daughter's riding instructor to go with you for a second viewing before you commit to buying, if you see a pony you like.

 

[hnmisty]

You definitely, IMHO, need a schoolmaster or mistress. Something that has taught a couple of children the things your daughter wants to do, and is a confidence giver. You don't want something you that needs to learn as well. I'd also be inclined to ask your daughter's riding instructor to go with you for a second viewing before you commit to buying, if you see a pony you like.

this. Look for a "been there, got the t-shirt" type. Something that has been with a pony club family and has now been outgrown would probably be ideal. DEFINITELY take your daughter's instructor with you to anything you are actually considering buying. Don't just buy after the first try, go back again another day. I wouldn't look at anything under 9. I wouldn't rule out something active and in its 20s. I got my first pony when she was 23 and we did two pony camps together. She was with us for almost 12 years until she passed away aged 35. She still took off with me on hacks at that age!

just wondering why you are so set on getting a Connie? You are restricting yourself a lot there, and they certainly aren't the only breed that can do what your daughter wants to.

Good luck

 

[Mrsm1502]

I have already asked one of the instructors to come with me thanks. And yes it will her first pony. I'm thinking of a Connemara because they are known to be good jumpers. As my daughter has set her heart on competing. If anyone else can suggest a different breed then I am open to suggestions. Have probably opened up a whole new discussion topic now lol. But will definitely look now for one that is 9 and above. Thanks x

 

[Booboos]

Looking for a first pony is a wonderful time but you need to be realistic.

At 12yo your daughter is young and will probably grow. Also a pony suitable for a first pony will probably be outgrown in 2-3 years and she will need a more challenging pony (especially if she wants to compete). It is unrealistic to think that you will find a pony that will fit the bill now and will still be right in 2-3 years' time. Get the right pony for now and you can re-think your needs in 2-3 years.

Don't focus too much on breed. Yes, Connemaras are lovely jumpers but this is a first pony for a child that has never competed before so really you are looking for a reliable all-rounder first pony, rather than a specialist SJ pony.

14.2hh sounds bit for a 12yo. Even if your daughter is tall she may find it more difficult to ride a pony that is that bit too large for her (if she is slim and tall she'll do better with a more compact, light weight, smaller pony, than a taller, more medium weight pony).

 

[hnmisty]

TBH, at the level your daughter is riding at, I wouldn't rule out any breeds (apart from Arabs...as a general rule they don't make good first ponies...and I don't like them ). You're not after a pony that will get to HOYS, so breed isn't going to have much bearing. It certainly won't stop your daughter from doing everything she wants to with this pony

 

[Pearlsasinger]

In the situation you describe, I would be looking for a pony that has already done the job you want it to do successfully. So looking for a pony who's owner is selling due to going to university or moving on to horses would be ideal. I would like the pony to have at least competed at local shows, hack out safely, good to catch etc... Ponies can live to grand old ages so I would search for 8 years or older, with 10 - 15 the ideal age range. As state above, I wouldn't rule out older than 15 if the pony was perfect in every other way and sound.

This exactly.
But remembering that equines (particularly ponies) can still be working into their 30s. We've had several horses who did so.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

MrsM1502 - search for key words like 'jump' when you look on the for sale sites, as well as the height you want and just pick out the ads that look suitable. Dismiss any 'not for novice' or '2nd pony' ads. Then when you have a few that look perfect on paper, ring up and find out more about the ponies. At this stage you will probably find that some are unsuitable and some are worth viewing. Taking the RI along to the ones worth viewing is a great idea.

There are threads on here that have helpful lists of questions to ask on the phone.

 

[Mrsm1502]

Thank you so much. You have all been a great help. Will definitely take all your advice on board