What breed of pony

[Allover]

OK, i have no idea about ponies so need some advice!!

I look after a group of horses, 3 geldings and 1 mare, the mare is a bit of a cowbag and had a nasty kick, it is not possible to separate them, my boss does not want it, however we are now getting a new mare and turning them all out together i think would cause too many problems and the boss is coming round to having them apart, i think it would also be a good idea to get some ponies to keep the girls company (so hopefully they will not bond too tight and be a nightmare to separate for riding etc!) the question is what sort?!

I need ponies that will

1. Live out in all weathers (with field shelter and rugs if necessary)
2. Will not go laminitic when the grass comes through (obviously i can do a bit of work with them in hand)
3. Calm for the occasional kiddie to get on

Any thoughts most appreciated!

 

[Love]

Connemaras?

 

[Doncella]

Exmoors.

 

[indiat]

Another vote for Exmoors!

 

[spotty_pony]

Another vote for Exmoors!

 

[fjordhorsefan]

Ditto - exmoors!

 

[nativetyponies]

New Forest are more versatile than any other native.

Being able to grow to 14.2 for adults and keep an excellent temp, far more stable than the Welsh C or D.

 

[SO1]

new forests have a good reputation for being friendly and gentle - however all native ponies if they get too fat are at risk of getting lami.

 

[Eriskayowner]

Eriskay!

 

[wilsha]

conemarra welsh mountain new forest welsh cob etc any other native

 

[showjumpergirl]

I'd say a connemara - mine is great to compete but will totally tone his goeyness down when I put my 5 year old cousin on him, but gets podgy quite easily so possibly laminitic
I wouldn't recommend a welsh cob though, my last 2 (including my current one) (one section D, one section C/D cross) were/are worrysome bad doers, who were/are a bit flighty and unpredictable - fine with me but I wouldn't trust them with anyone else and my old section A was a great hunter but needed erm firm handling and quite a lot of work.
Rather than going for a particular breed, find a pony with a nice temperament because all ponies are different and although their breed does affect certain characteristics, native ponies are generally quite similar, so good luck.

 

[Allover]

Thanks everyone, certainly lots to think about!

 

[AFlapjack]

Connemara