Pony shopping hints please!

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wilde2

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We are possibly moving yards, and if so, would need a companion pony that would be happy to be left alone when other horses ridden. My 8 year old niece rides, and I was wondering about looking to long term loan (maybe buy) a pony that was suitable for occasional light ridden work. The pony's main job would be as babysitter to horses, and to be fussed over - so ideally suit pony looking for an easier life. I don't want to look for a riding pony as the main aim, because I don't think my niece will ride often - maybe once a week/fortnight - so I don't want a young pony, or anything that needs a lot of exercise. We've had horses for 10+ years, but I have never looked for a pony before! Just after advice really - I am not sure if this will happen, and if it does, won't be until October. I would try the re homing charities and presume a pure companion would be easy - but am I asking too much looking for something that was up to light ridden work too? Would I be better off looking to buy - and if so, how on earth can you assess a pony that I'd be far too big to ride?! I presume this is something parents have all the answers too - but I have no children - so all hints gratefully received, thank you.
 
I would have thought the rescue centres would have something that suited, 3 of the main ones i'd try are rspca, bluecross and world horse welfare. Good luck with the move.
 
Thanks - once we have everything confirmed I will try that approach first then. Hopefully we should know by the end of August, so that should give me some time.
 
The Blue Cross had several posters up at the PC champs, with different ponies looking for homes. Several were rideable, and if you get from a good charity you know they are honest and would tell you of any problems first.

Otherwise I would perhaps try the PC website, maybe with a wanted advert. You might however be inundated!

As regards riding it, anyone wanting a quieter life for a pony should be willing to let you have it on trial, so you can assess whether it will be a kind companion and also straightforward enough to be ridden. I have several older ponies that could do with a nice home, but mine all have too many problems (lami, lame, mad etc) otherwise I would be round in the morning with a selection for you!
 
Thanks for that - could well be worth a try too. I had not thought about pony club. I have just been looking on the various charity websites to get a rough idea as well. I am happy to buy if I need to, I am just hoping that we can offer a really nice home to an outgrown older pony, or a rescue case - particularly as coming into the winter, I am sure the charities could use the space sadly if what you read all the time is even partly true.
 
We have an outgrown pony, 11.2 14 years old, wasted at the moment as no rider for her, very quiet can be ridden every day or left for weeks, still the same, hacks out, been to pony club camp, won lead rein, first ridden, dressage. Looking for top home on long term loan, can live in or out, can be left when others ridden, good to box, etc, no shoes. Chestnut with four white legs, very flashy. Cheshire area.
 
Thanks delliam - she sounds wonderful. We are a long way from you though, so I think it would be too far for you to come and inspect home etc (assuming this yard move does go ahead) - as we are in Hertfordshire - but its great to know that loaning does sound like it could work out. Thank you
 
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