The hunt for a Pony

[tanzie.m]

I have been looking for a pony for my 4 children for a couple of months now and am getting a little hacked of with the sellers. They state on there adds no time waister's yet don't tell you the truth about their pony.
My 5 year old son would have gotten his head kicked off today had he come with me and my daughter to see the pony, yet another disaster.
Moan over had to get that off my chest is anyone else finding the same or is it just me. Think I'm going to have to travel a lot further after the New Year.

 

[Bikerchickone]

I spent 6 months looking for my daughter's pony and when we eventually found her it turned out later that whilst she was fine on a led rein and great off it most of the time she did appear to have an interesting buck on her! Still, we kept her three years til daughter wanted to go on to first ridden stage and have just sold her to a lovely home as a lead rein only, with the new buyers fully aware that the pony has been known to buck in canter off the lead/lunge.

I'd be inclined to ask to have the pony on trial for a month at least if you think it might be suitable, and to mention that you'd like to do this before viewing. At least that way you can hope the seller will be honest about it! Have to say though, lots of people won't do trials, and for good reasons.

I'd try your local pony club branch, see if the secretary knows of any ponies for sale at other branches within a certain radius, friends, dealers that have a reputation for being totally honest (there are a few, one near us is fantastic, not cheap but took a horse back from a friend of a friend 8 months later when it proved too much for them, money back and helped find a more suitable one!)

I haven't replaced my daughter's pony, mostly because it's so hard to find something light enough on the leg without being too sharp and we didn't have a budget to withstand a £3k pony, but they are out there so I wish you lots of luck finding the right one. Oh last thing, always always ask to see another child handle/ride the pony before you get your children anywhere near!

Good luck.

 

[laura7981]

Hi, where are you from?

 

[Shay]

Contact your PC Branch DC. The good ponies never go on the open market - they get passed on by word of mouth - usually within the pony club. They also have a vested interest in not trying to sell you something unsuitable as (with any luck) your children will be future branch members.

 

[minesadouble]

Good first ponies are like hens teeth! I've just bought one from from the wilds of Scotland - would have been a 14 hour round trip had we gone to see him!! We bought him unseen after many telephone conversations, photos, videos and a vetting. He is perfect on the lead and off and a christian in the stable too

One little caution - the sellers of these rare little ponies are usually VERY particular about where they go. Both this pony and my eldest daughter's first off the lead pony had a lot of interest, both were finally sold to us as we are experienced and have our own place. The owner's of both ponies were reluctant to see them go to a livery yard (both ponies were kept at home by their previous owners). I just have a feeling that if you are looking for a pony for 4 kiddies to 'share' you might find that it could put some sellers off letting their little 'treasure' go home with you.

 

[measles]

We bought the most perfect first ridden pony for our then 6yo son from the other end of the country, flying down to try him. Before we were allowed to do that by his owner they took references about us and they let the few potential homes they initially felt were most suited try him before deciding who they wanted to have him. We were therefore chosen as his new owners.

I didn't mine any of that as I knew they loved him and he was exactly the pony they said. Two years on he continues to be a superstar and another home locally have their name on him when our son gets too big.

We were just very lucky that he was adveristised and we were allowed to buy him as most ponies of his type change home through word of mouth. He is a former m&m first ridden and I would definitely advise to go for a pony who is proven to have manners with a small child. Yes he cost a small fortune but he is a true schoolmaster and nothing could replace the years of safe fun and education he has given.