Newbie!

[DarcyMoo]

Hi all! I gave up horses 3 years ago due to nerves getting worse as I got older. So... Ive just bought my 6 year old daughter a pony. When I had my horse she would help out, lead, muck out etc so she has the confidence.
Anyway Ive bought her an unbroken 12.2 gorgeous pony. She is not a complete blank canvas, she is halter broken, has had tack on, picks feet up etc. So my plan is to get my daughter weekly riding lessons, and in between, do loads of groundwork with pony. Any suggestions please? Im hoping in a year, it will all come together and my daughter is ready to go! Sorry for the long post lol! 😊

 

[Rumtytum]

Hello DarcyMoo! Don’t have experience to offer suggestions, just wanted to say she’s a lovely little pony!

 

[DarcyMoo]

Thank you! She is a real sweetie! 😊😊😊

 

[Upthecreek]

Buying an unbroken pony for a 6 year old will certainly test your nerves! Presumably you have a professional lined up to break her in? If not that would be my suggestion. Confidence is a fragile thing and most children have it in abundance with ponies until something goes wrong.

 

[DarcyMoo]

Yes I have a professional to break her in. Its just the groundwork I am going to be doing with her. I want to involve my daughter as much as possible to get a nice bond between them which is why I wanted something that was not ready to get on and ride 😊

 

[Trouper]

With the dark evening approaching I would be reading as much as possible about groundwork for youngsters - people like Richard Maxwell and Kelly Marks have some really useful books to give you ideas on developing a well-mannered horse on the ground.

 

[DarcyMoo]

Thank you! Will have a look for some! 😊

 

[rascal]

If you gave up your horse due to being nervous, buying an unbroken pony, may not be the best way forward. The pony will be looking to you for confidence when she meets new things or goes to new places.

 

[DarcyMoo]

Sorry I meant to add I'm 100% confident on the ground, it's just my nerves when riding! 🙈