Oh gosh, where to start. Trying to buy a pony for a shy 11 year old!

[ester]

While it might be 'ideal' sometimes you just need to do that. Also remembering that different horses take the leg up differently- I look too big on my Mum's 15hh, fine on my own 14.2 who isn't even that wide but has more depth of girth/generally chunkier/from photos friends thought he was 15.2 ?

 

[bonnysmum]

While it might be 'ideal' sometimes you just need to do that. Also remembering that different horses take the leg up differently- I look too big on my Mum's 15hh, fine on my own 14.2 who isn't even that wide but has more depth of girth/generally chunkier/from photos friends thought he was 15.2 ?

Yes, you're right, I think I do need to widen my search criteria.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

What about a shorter but chunky, cob type that would take up her leg?

ETA - What ester said.

 

[Lipglosspukka]

Realistically, a 13.2 will be easier to obtain within your budget.

As an adult who regularly rides a 13.2, I think you should reconsider your decision to write off a smaller pony. A 13.2 native type could be her ride forever if she wanted it to be and IMO are just as capable of jumping as big as the average 14.2 anyway.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Start by finding an experienced person, (instructor or a friend) who will go with you to the viewing. Don't take your daughter, she doesn't know enough about ponies to make a good judgement, even if she does know more than you. And tbh, I would think that your daughter needs a ploddy type of pony, rather than something that is going to destroy her confidence within a couple of months. As others have said, don't discount the golden oldies, who will teach daughter all she needs to know about having her own pony. Have you contacted any of the welfare charities about rehoming one of their ponies?

ETA, I am always suspicious about instructors who say 'you need to buy x so that I can ride it', however they disguise it. Your daughter doesn't need a pony that needs bringing on in any way, she has only been riding for a year, she needs a pony that will allow her to learn what she needs to know.

 

[bonnysmum]

Have you contacted any of the welfare charities about rehoming one of their ponies?

To be honest I assumed a welfare charity wouldn't touch us because we have no experience with owning horses, and I figured that those horses may have an unknown history and hidden vices that might show themselves unexpectedly in a dangerous way.

Definitely not discounting golden oldies, or even plodders (within reason). I would view anything like that if I could get a look in (but going a bit smaller might well help, so thanks for all that advice everyone!). My friend will say "I told you so".

 

[Gloi]

Start by finding an experienced person, (instructor or a friend) who will go with you to the viewing. Don't take your daughter, she doesn't know enough about ponies to make a good judgement, even if she does know more than you. And tbh, I would think that your daughter needs a ploddy type of pony, rather than something that is going to destroy her confidence within a couple of months. As others have said, don't discount the golden oldies, who will teach daughter all she needs to know about having her own pony. Have you contacted any of the welfare charities about rehoming one of their ponies?

ETA, I am always suspicious about instructors who say 'you need to buy x so that I can ride it', however they disguise it. Your daughter doesn't need a pony that needs bringing on in any way, she has only been riding for a year, she needs a pony that will allow her to learn what she needs to know.

100% this especially the last paragraph. If her instructor is saying this I am not sure she is the correct person to take with you either. Speak to the pony club people about outgrown ponies coming up.

 

[ester]

ETA, I am always suspicious about instructors who say 'you need to buy x so that I can ride it', however they disguise it. Your daughter doesn't need a pony that needs bringing on in any way, she has only been riding for a year, she needs a pony that will allow her to learn what she needs to know.

yup that too.

 

[wren123]

I had a non horsey family and my instructor found a first pony that was a bit of a kick along but to be honest she was perfect. She was definitely a step down in responsiveness from the ponies I'd been taught on. She never put a foot wrong and I used to go hacking with my friends for hours with no problems. She was then very easy to sell to another beginner when I was ready for a more speedy pony and I got so much confidence.

So what I'd advise is do not over horse, go for a smaller pony that will probably be cheaper and easier to find and be prepared to sell it in a year or so to buy something more challenging.

 

[bonnysmum]

100% this especially the last paragraph. If her instructor is saying this I am not sure she is the correct person to take with you either. Speak to the pony club people about outgrown ponies coming up.

So is this a reasonably common thing then with an ulterior motive? It sounded sensible to me, especially as we won't be able to get there to ride the pony every day. That's a bit disappointing actually, makes me doubt the other advice. My daughter is having a lesson with the pony club lead instructor this weekend so I will certainly talk to her. My friend has offered to come to viewings, but again when we're talking about day trips that feels like too much to ask of anyone. Having said that, given the mess I made of it yesterday I do think I need someone. However I also think my daughter needs to be involved, I trust her instincts as much as anything (in respect of her comfort zone).

 

[blitznbobs]

Speak to someone like Becky Oneill (who is a great dealer) and see if they can find you something … there are a few really good dealers out there and they will really help you out. Not all dwalers are the devil incarnate!

 

[ester]

It does sound sensible but it's probably best to understand that we get a fair few posts on here of over horsed kids, instructor being paid to ride the horse they suggested was bought and essentially making a fair amount of ££ out of the situation - so we are probably more suspicious that most!

If friend is offering take her! She might enjoy the day trip

 

[bonnysmum]

It does sound sensible but it's probably best to understand that we get a fair few posts on here of over horsed kids, instructor being paid to ride the horse they suggested was bought and essentially making a fair amount of ££ out of the situation - so we are probably more suspicious that most!

Wow, this is even more of a minefield than I thought! Thanks for the warning though, and all the other advice. Really appreciated.

 

[Gloi]

It does sound sensible but it's probably best to understand that we get a fair few posts on here of over horsed kids, instructor being paid to ride the horse they suggested was bought and essentially making a fair amount of ££ out of the situation - so we are probably more suspicious that most!

If friend is offering take her! She might enjoy the day trip

We have just this situation at our yard at the moment. Novice child and non horsey family arrived with pony instructor had found for them . Pony needed lunging by instructor each time child was going to ride . Pony was beautiful but too sharp for child. Child now has broken arm.
It is also not unknown for the instructor to be taking a cut from the sale without buyers knowledge.
Be careful who you trust.

 

[bonnysmum]

We have just this situation at our yard at the moment. Novice child and non horsey family arrived with pony instructor had found for them . Pony needed lunging by instructor each time child was going to ride . Pony was beautiful but too sharp for child. Child now has broken arm.

Blimey. To be fair to our instructor, she has steered me away from a couple of ponies I've showed her the ads for (before I became familiar with all the code words!) so I do think her heart's in the right place, and she does seem to genuinely want to help my daughter. She's been so understanding with her over the sessions where she hasn't wanted to push herself at all, just wanted to groom & hack, can read her like a book in terms of her mood and whether she can be challenged that particular day or not. But warning definitely heeded, I will seek other input too.

 

[Gloi]

It is wise not to take a child to the first viewing. Don't even say you are going to see one. Once you have found something you think may be suitable , then take the child. You will be able to be more objective without them there and not keep getting their hopes up.

 

[TPO]

Just sent you a PM about a sane and sensible 14hh for sale in Scotland

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

So is this a reasonably common thing then with an ulterior motive? It sounded sensible to me, especially as we won't be able to get there to ride the pony every day. That's a bit disappointing actually, makes me doubt the other advice. My daughter is having a lesson with the pony club lead instructor this weekend so I will certainly talk to her. My friend has offered to come to viewings, but again when we're talking about day trips that feels like too much to ask of anyone. Having said that, given the mess I made of it yesterday I do think I need someone. However I also think my daughter needs to be involved, I trust her instincts as much as anything (in respect of her comfort zone).

There is another thread running at the moment when a young owner doesn't think her RI 'will allow' her to sell her own horse, which is obviously too much for her.

ETA horsey people usually enjoy going to view horses for other people, so feel free to take up your friend's offer. I really wouldn't involve your daughter at the 1st viewing stage, she isn't experienced enough to make that judgement. If the vendor will give you time for a 2nd viewing you could involve daughter then, or take her along to the vetting and if she really doesn't like the pony(!), cancel at that stage.

 

[splashgirl45]

my sister searched for a first horse for her daughters who were 16 and 14 and had been riding for about 5 years. my sister is horsey so knew what she was looking for. she viewed a few without my nieces as she knew however unsuitable it was the girls would want it. my sister found something that seemed suitable and took the girls,they loved her obviously and the result was horse was good for their ability but could step up to successfully competing with both of them. i am afraid a child who has been riding for one year does not have the judgement required to decide on a ponies suitability....i had been riding and owning for 40 years and still made a mistake when i bought my last horse, its easily done when you fall for them however much experience you have..

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

OP, I think the problem is that you don't know how to judge whether the pony is suitable for your daughter, so are thinking that if she 'clicks' with the pony, that could be your criteria. It's actually one of the worst ways of choosing a suitable child's pony. You need someone who is used to buying horses or judging them and who can see what needs to be seen, which is always easier if you are not emotionally invested in the purchase.

 

[coblets]

Just a possible idea: what about if a horsey friend, or your instructor, takes her to the viewing instead? I used to be very anxious in public too and my parents only made that worse. No fault of their own but they would expect me to be nervous and try help me, that only made me more nervous etc. Whereas when I was with non-family adults, I knew I just had to crack on with it. And I would think that a good instructor should be able to get her out of her head and start thinking about the pony not the people.

 

[Caol Ila]

Just adding to the chorus of people saying buy the horse your daughter needs now, not the one she'll need in the future or that your instructor will have to 'bring on.'

When my non-horsey parents bought me my very first horse (I was 13), my riding instructor heavily emphasised to parents that buying a horse that the kid can grow into is just about always a bad idea. It is lovely, thinking you'll buy the horse that the kid will keep for the next twenty years, but it's super rare. However, kids are more resilient and practical than you think, even the anxious ones. Don't flap about whether or not it will still be the right horse for your daughter in four or five years and her being too attached. She'll figure it out if she needs to. Horses teach the best lessons. Of course I loved my first horse and wanted to keep her forever, like all teenage girls, but when I outgrew her (in terms of riding goals, not height, as she was a 15hh quarter horse), I was able to be practical and tough-minded enough to make the decision to sell her and buy a dressage horse. The one we bought would have been a terrible first horse, but she was an awesome second horse, and I had her for the next twenty years.

 

[Kat]

You have had loads of advice, and l would add to the chorus of err on the side of a pony that is too small and ploddy rather than the other way around. It is easier to make a steady pony more exciting than to make an energetic one calmer. Your daughter will gain so much confidence and have lots of fun with a good pony that she can manage from day one but will be easily frightened by one that is just a bit too much.


I know your riding school won't sell any of their ponies but might they use their contacts to help find something suitable for sale or loan? You could offer it on working livery a couple of days a week to get them engaged in finding a safe pony (cheaper than paying an instructor to ride for you).


I would contact all local pony club branches and any other riding schools in the area to see if they know of anything suitable for sale.

Don't discount all long-term health issues, sometimes being willing to deal with an issue can bring an amazing pony within budget. My YO had an incredible pony for her daughter that would have been way over budget if it wasn't for his COPD. It was more expensive and tricky to manage him but he gave them years of fun and experience in return. Obviously get advice on what is manageable and what isn't.

 

[coblets]

I know your riding school won't sell any of their ponies but might they use their contacts to help find something suitable for sale or loan? You could offer it on working livery a couple of days a week to get them engaged in finding a safe pony (cheaper than paying an instructor to ride for you).

This is a good point. It's difficult finding riding school horses so riding schools do tend to have good connections with a couple dealers who they can trust to provide safe mounts.

 

[DabDab]

There are such things as agents that people employee to find horses for them. Given the current market, that might be worth a try?

Also on the height thing - I was a tall kid and so was always put on horses from quite a young age (didn't have my own so just picked up rides wherever). But I always used to dream about having one of those nippy Connemara ponies I'd seen flying around SJ courses and who always seemed so easy, rather than the latest 15hh reject horse that was trying to kill me. I finally bought my dream childhood pony at age 30 - she's 14.1hh and I'm 5'8, but she's stocky built, carries me fine and is every bit as fun as I thought when I was a kid. Much better a smaller fun pony than a bigger unsuitable one

 

[millikins]

No can do, I've asked if we could loan or share him, but he belongs to the riding school owner and is very much hers. Same goes for the others who are lovely ponies, they all have loving owners who don't want to give them up!

Would the RS owner be able to source a suitable pony? She must have good contacts and knows your daughter's level of ability?

 

[MyBoyChe]

In normal times thats a very good budget, prices are just ridiculous atm, I reckon I could sell my rocking horse for megabucks, hes as safe as houses!! Ill ask my friend to keep her eyes open, her 9 year old is in the local pony club and she often gets to hear about ponies who have been outgrown. I definitely echo others who have said buy the pony you need now though, dont get ahead of yourself and invite trouble

 

[Winters100]

My observation on having advice from trainers and pros is that it is sometimes very useful, but that it needs to be considered whether they have some self interest, and also do they understand why you want the horse (or pony).

I train with one pro, whose company I enjoy and he is an excellent trainer, but I know his 'limitations'. He would like me to buy horses from his connections, and ones which I would need help with. He has also on 2 occasions tried to sell me horses himself, suffice to say that I knew both horses, and did not want to even try either - both far too much for me.

Another pro who I occasionally train with thinks that the best option is to buy horses which I can just about manage, on the basis that as I improve they would become more suitable. The thing is that this is my hobby, great if I improve, but I want horses that I can have fun with today and not risk losing confidence.

I fully appreciate that I could handle 'more horse' than any of my 3, but I don't want to. They are all sane and sensible, and I have had more fun with them than I did with any of the "better" horses that I have owned. There is nothing more fun than jumping on a lovely horse without a care in the world, knowing that you may not be the fastest, but that you can do whatever you want and arrive in one piece. I think your daughter could have so much fun with a schoolmaster or mistress, not having to worry about it being spooky, having had a few days off, the wind being too strong, or just having a bad day. Your trainer needs to be told very exactly what you want from the pony, a safe and lovely animal that your daughter can ride day in day out without any dramas. As she improves it will be a much more positive experience for her to agree to let that pony move on to a lovely new home than it would be to deal with selling a pony on because she could not manage it and had lost confidence.

I would recommend taking your time. Explore all avenues and do not rush into buying something which might be suitable one day. Having no horse is always less heartache than having the wrong horse, and in the meantime you can continue at the riding school.

Good luck!

 

[teapot]

Do not whatever you do base it on what your daughter thinks/says she wants. Have a bit of experience in having to let kids find out in controlled but fair situations that while Snuffles looks and breathes like their dream pony, he was indeed not. It can set a kid's confidence back months, if not years.

Also please don't discount something older, slower, and smaller - first ponies are about having fun and bombing around, the jumping, the bringing on comes later. She'll be as a light as a feather, a 13.2 would be fine for her! Also, rs ponies are of a certain type, your own kept at home/livery can be very different souls so even more important to get it right

 

[black and brown]

Don't entirely dismiss a welfare organisation being an option to consider. Having a support network in place on a yard and an instructor to help will count in your favour. Also, charities are experienced in matching pony to rider and should things not work out will often take the pony back.