Questions re buying my first pony

[Jinx94]

Hey all, got a few questions

First of all, I contacted a seller yesterday morning asking if their horse was still for sale, they haven't replied yet, should I contact them again or assume that someone must have already offered on the horse?

Second, I've found a lovely pony that has been out of work for two years and is being sold due to owners ill health, he's a 14.1hh Sec D, I'm 5'7" and 11 stone - is this too tall/too heavy??

And finally, 5 stage vetting?? What are your experiences with it, and can it cause problems with insurance?? (Any suggestions of insurance companies to use or avoid would be much appreciated!)

Thanks! x

 

[Faithkat]

1. How did you contact the seller? If you sent them a text, then try ringing them. Some people won't reply to a text message

2. 14.1hh seems a bit small for a Section D and at 5ft 7 you might look a little "underhorsed"!!

3. Insurance companies usually only ask for a 5 stage vetting is you are insuring for £5000+

 

[be positive]

A pony that has been out of work for 2 years may change once it comes back into work, you may not be able to try it fully so I would avoid as a first purchase as said above it is also rather small for you.

I would always recommend vetting, ideally 5 stage, it should not be an issue getting insurance with or without but can save a lot of heartache by making sure you start with a healthy horse, taking an experienced person to view will also help weed out some issues that may go unnoticed when you try them.

 

[Jinx94]

Thanks for the responses!

Will probably try ringing - but now I've seen this second one, I'm not as sure about how interested I am in the first.

The first one is broken to ride and drive, however has been hardly ridden.

I'm confident that I can bring a horse/pony back into work if they have been previously schooled (am currently bringing two ex polo ponies back into work) but not 100% about schooling pretty much from scratch...

I know that I will get a five stage vetting anyway - from what I've been told, they aren't overly expensive and I'd much rather know about any problems than wing it and hope for the best. I already know who I'll be taking with me to any viewings - one very experienced friend, and my mother who doesn't have a clue - she may well spot something trivial that we would not think about otherwise.

Thanks again!!