New pony - advice?

[Countrygirl40]

Hi all - we have a new pony joining us in a few weeks, a little section A for my daughter.
Now i've had horses for 30 years but always that, horses! Never a pony so looking at any hints and tips on weight management, lifestyle etc?
My horses have always managed well on my land which is good grass but i appreciated a pony on it isnt ideal!
Have set up some paddocks on the land for him ready but didnt know if they should be a set size? They are currently around 3rd/half an acre each ish.
He will be exercised 2-3 times a week over summer - some with her and some as a lead and walk with my mare.
Any other small pony tips welcome! Thanks!

 

[Leafcutter]

Sounds like you have it all sorted, if weight does become a problem, a well fitted grazing muzzle is always an option. Looks like grass might be less of a problem this year if this rain doesn’t stop soon, we are just acres of mud atm!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

You may find he will need daily exercise when the grass is growing even a 15 minute lunge can make a difference.

 

[Bobthecob15]

You might need to fence off a fat patch if he gets too tubby, they need very little spring and summer grass

 

[poiuytrewq]

You’ll be amazed at how little they get by on!
Flexible fillies muzzles are my go to. Expensive but so worth it.
Good luck with your new pony! Photos?

 

[Countrygirl40]

I can’t add photos - it keeps telling me they are too large

 

[Needtoretire]

Make sure dinky pony can't go under the fencing. I've never had anything smaller than 16h on my yard until this year when a pony arrived and disappeared very quickly under the fencing !

 

[sbloom]

I can’t add photos - it keeps telling me they are too large

You should be able to resize them really easily even on your phone.

 

[Orangehorse]

Make sure he isn't hungry when you daughter wants to ride. This was advice given to me from a real old fashioned dealer/nagsman family. Being hungry makes them grumpy.

You could give him some hay, soaked if necessary.

 

[poiuytrewq]

How's the pony doing @Countrygirl40?

 

[Countrygirl40]

Hi @poiuytrewq hes amazing! Such a dude! He’s adapted to life well and is just such a little Labrador daughter is obsessed with him and is enjoying the rides and cuddles. Weight management is good, he’s hardly out on any so far but I’m keeping a close eye!
Going to start lunging next week, not sure he’s ever done it so that’s a challenge!

 

[Countrygirl40]

 

[poiuytrewq]

View attachment 139367

Aww!! great news! Gorgeous little people