Oh Dear, it's happened - pony outgrown...

DappleDown

DappleDown

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...actually pony (Connie X, 12.3hh) has been outgrown for a while, but is much loved and a really good sort. The kind easy type that everyone wants as a second pony.

So the subject has arisen again about selling and getting something higher with a little more knowledge (shhh! it's not just the child that thinks the world of the pony, I don't think Mum really wants pony to be sold on either), but it's tears time when the subject comes up. However, the youngster, who naturally wants to keep said pony, is developing an enviable Dressage seat and showing a keen interest in jumping, really does need (and wants) a bigger horse who knows a bit more.

Flat lessons are given at home on one of our other horses but unfortunately this horse has an ongoing problem and is not always sound. Jumping is out of the question (shame, because they look good together, they have bonded and he looks after her).

We have explained all the usual that kid's probably hear at this stage about keeping the outgrown pony and having two: time, expense etc.

So, these are the options so far..

Sell pony, buy horse
Keep pony, loan out (pony stays with us), buy horse
Keep pony, but have occasional Dressage lessons on our other horse (when possible) - IF we can find a trainer (but this does not help with the jumping progression).

Sorry if I have waffled on a bit.

As a parent or child who has been in this position, what did you do?
 
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a couple of friends were in a similar situation, and they did a cross-over period of a few months with both new pony and old, and gradually weaned child off old one and onto new one. As soon as kid liked riding the new pony they either loaned out or sold.
 
I've not been in that position, not having kids myself but if you have the space and facilities to keep another horse I'd loan the pony out and get a bigger one for your daughter. I doubt you'll have a problem finding him a good little rider if he's as good as you say. You might find that as your daughter does less with him she will be less resistant to the thought of him moving on to a new family so in a year or so, if you need to, you could sell him then.
 
I'm about to be in this position. We've had pony of a lifetime for four years and DS has grown over EIGHT inches (probably more, I'm too in denial to measure him) since we got lovely pony. He is possibly more in denial than I am. Has said he's not sure if he'd want to continue riding if he can't ride his pony, not interested in getting another etc. I don't know whether in reality he would or whether he would stick to his guns...

It's so tough. I'll be watching this thread with interest and seeing how others have handled it.
 
Explained to my daughter that yes it was sad but that we wouldn't have had the years of enjoyment from the pony had the last however many people decided to keep it instead of letting us end up with it and that the new little girl would have as much fun as she had done, and love the pony just as much.

Backfired slightly as it got kicked in the field and put down months after leaving us but still use the same explaination and she's sad at the time but gets over it.
 
How about loan pony out, loan horse?

That is how we got round moving on from our first... we still have her though she has been out on loan for a few years now! Otherwise the kids would be riding her with rollerskates..

With the rate the kids are growing, I loan.
 
Bought bigger pony and then sold smaller one. Kids are fickle and soon forget about the 'old' pony when they have a new toy, especially if it allows them to do the things they have aspired to. I think it's us mums who get attached more than the kids do. I could quite easily have a field full of outgrown ponies but love to see them going on and giving much pleasure to others rather than languishing for my benefit.
 
DappleDown said:
I shall quote that when the subject comes up next. Thanks.
Click to expand...

It is an excellent quote.
My son never rode again after his wonderful pony was PTS, even though we knew it was coming and I had his next pony here all lined up and ready. I think, as many years ago I was a young girl, that a girl should be more open minded and want to go on and do more.
 
Kid at my yard. Couldn't move on her pony, too tall but not to heavy. Tears, guilt treatment the works if it was even mentioned. Been a year of this and both daughter and mother convinced they would never ever sell or loan. Got new pony. Within 3 weeks old pony was sale, no drama or upset, old pony seen as a waste of money!
 
paddi22 said:
a couple of friends were in a similar situation, and they did a cross-over period of a few months with both new pony and old, and gradually weaned child off old one and onto new one. As soon as kid liked riding the new pony they either loaned out or sold.
Click to expand...

I would also suggest a cross-over period, it is very comforting to know that "your" horse is still there while you adjust to the new horse.
 
We've got a crossover going on at the moment. 11.2h on the verge of being outgrown and the 13h replacement being ridden on and schooled. :)

The little one will go in the spring time. :(
 
We kept our daughter's first pony and loaned her out to my old livery yard for their children. They had her six years. She is now in a local riding school and used for 3/4 lessons a week. She is 21 now and will come back to us to retire!
 
I only managed to sell one. As I had two daughters I ended up with rather a lot, loaned out some, in my experience the longest they stay in a loan home is two years.
I only sold the one because a friend pestered to buy him, then I found out said friend had p-exed him for a new pony.

It depends what you call outgrown, my eldest daughter rode her 11.2 till she was twelve although her legs were long she had little upper body strength and could stop him out hunting, when he would go like the clappers.
 
Kept my first pony until the end. Moved on after. I hate the way ponies do their job and are then passed on to who knows where.
 
Ali27 said:
We kept our daughter's first pony and loaned her out to my old livery yard for their children. They had her six years. She is now in a local riding school and used for 3/4 lessons a week. She is 21 now and will come back to us to retire!
Click to expand...
Lovely.
 
FfionWinnie said:
Explained to my daughter that yes it was sad but that we wouldn't have had the years of enjoyment from the pony had the last however many people decided to keep it instead of letting us end up with it and that the new little girl would have as much fun as she had done, and love the pony just as much.

Backfired slightly as it got kicked in the field and put down months after leaving us but still use the same explaination and she's sad at the time but gets over it.
Click to expand...

"It" says it all for me.:(
 
FfionWinnie said:
Explained to my daughter that yes it was sad but that we wouldn't have had the years of enjoyment from the pony had the last however many people decided to keep it instead of letting us end up with it and that the new little girl would have as much fun as she had done, and love the pony just as much.

Backfired slightly as it got kicked in the field and put down months after leaving us but still use the same explaination and she's sad at the time but gets over it.
Click to expand...

Not Titchy???
 
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