Viewing leadrein/first pony advice please

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Horses24-7

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Asa above really started making a short list and going to arrange some viewings this week :)

It's for my 4 year old daughter who can walk and trot on lead rein, pop a tiny jump. How do I go about testing it for when she's improved and ready to come off lead rein? They are in the 11hh region so I'm assuming I'm too big to get on myself :confused:

But want to make sure it's as spook proof as they come, safe and a genuine first little pony. Any advice on what to do etc when viewing most welcomed as not bought a horse in over 8 years and can't remember what to do!!

Thanks all x
 
I would ask if the current rider could ride it to see if it is as safe as they say it is, try to see it being caught and handled by the children and ridden it out and in field etc.
Good Luck! Hope you find the right one you are after.
 
We got our daughter her first pony this year and she is about the same age.

We asked to see the current ' jockey' ride off the lead rein and them asked if we could go on a hack to see what the ponies were like out and about.

To be fair all of the people we saw suggested this to us, so from that I do not think anyone would mind you asking if they do not suggest it.

I also made sure that the ponies we looked at were happy to have little daisy doing her bit to help, ie being a bit noisy and giggly as most 4 year olds are :)

Good luck, we have got a smashing little pony now which suits us to a T.

Hope that helps
 
I went with a client earlier this year. I asked the current jockey to ride. What I asked her to do was to ride like a beginner!! Luckily she was a lovely child so when I told her to ride on the buckle so I could see what the pony would do she thought it was so funny as it's what her instructor tells her not to do!!!! I found this test showed what a pony would do when not really being given any direction by the jockey (which kids just off lead rein don't really give).

Pony they bought is a total star!
 
galaxy23 said:
I went with a client earlier this year. I asked the current jockey to ride. What I asked her to do was to ride like a beginner!! Luckily she was a lovely child so when I told her to ride on the buckle so I could see what the pony would do she thought it was so funny as it's what her instructor tells her not to do!!!! I found this test showed what a pony would do when not really being given any direction by the jockey (which kids just off lead rein don't really give).

Pony they bought is a total star!
Click to expand...

This is ideal also see it in an open field and out on lanes,roads etc.
Seeing how the pony goes for its usual rider and how confident they are is a good guide to a ponys temperament,if regular rider is nervous be more wary as this could be due to a difficult pony.
If it has done PC ask to contact them for a reference.
Good luck you may need it.:D
 
yes def in big open space (pony we saw was in a school without a fence in large field and stayed in school on v loose rein)
 
Thanks guys, so how does this process sound?...

Catch horse
See it trotted up, turn on small circle etc
Groom, tack up
Current rider- ride off lead rein, all paces, pop little jump-ask to ride on buckle etc
See rider walk, trot and canter in open field/on hack
Let my daughter have a ride on lead rein, walk down lane

Points to look out for- confidence of current rider, any spookiness, pulling etc in open field, ... Any more?
 
sounds good.
Do you like it? and do you like the owners,it may sound odd but I find if I like them I feel I can trust them.:D
What bit is it ridden in ,It doesnt have to be a snaffle but I prefer it.
 
would see if you daughter could lead pony too. Also good to see if you can catch it in a field easily.

My son told me that he wanted a pony who would come up to him to say hello and be friendly and that he could go catch / lead on his own. Pony we got back at Easter is great and a true lead rein pony but have just found out that she doesn't like being ridden off lead rein so much and will keep trotting back to the person on the ground! Means rider has to be strong and determined to get her to do what they want.

Maybe see if pony will walk independently of a leader on the ground.
 
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