What is a true first ridden pony

[windand rain]

What qualities would you expect it to have to win a HOYS class
I have a friend with a superb welsh section a pony a big winner in hand, kind and ridden off lead by her 7 year old who is good in every way it has a small splint due to a kick in the field about 4 years ago at the end of its in hand career. Backed and ridden away by an adult and really is a super pony. Stands down the line presumably for the splint.
I have seen kids thrown off ponies, run off when they have spooked at something and others that have spun and bucked when motorcyclist rode by the horse ring to go to the main arena these ponies still go on to win classes
So should first ridden ponies be temperament tested before allowing them into the arena with their young jockeys

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

To win a HOYS class? Perfect conformation, be lunged for hours then ridden in by an adult for hours to make the pony so dead tired it can do nothing but behave and hold it's head in the correct position because it knows nothing else.

A true firs ridden? A pony a kid can get on and off as and when they please, do what they want on without fear of falling off, go anywhere, do anything and yet still have a character.

 

[Billabongchick]

Following with interest..

 

[OldNag]

To win a HOYS class? Perfect conformation, be lunged for hours then ridden in by an adult for hours to make the pony so dead tired it can do nothing but behave and hold it's head in the correct position because it knows nothing else.

A true firs ridden? A pony a kid can get on and off as and when they please, do what they want on without fear of falling off, go anywhere, do anything and yet still have a character.

^^This. We only do very local small shows. At first I was horrified to see beautiful ponies that bucked in the ring placed above safe, sensible fuglies.

If I was judging, my criteria would be "would I want to put my child on that?" and "would it give my child confidence to progress?" (Though not be completely push button).

I sometimes wish there was a first ridden type class based on that criteria.

 

[Bobbly]

At a recent county show FR kids ponies were scattered in all directions, jockeys dumped etc when the flying display by very large and low aircraft, more than once passed over. Carnage. A small sec B pony that I adore from afar, was worried but apparently stood her ground with her young lad attached. She's gorgeous, I want her for my mantlepiece, she's qualified for the top shows.....and she's for sale!!! If only my daughter weren't 22 and six foot tall now

 

[Miller1979]

At a recent county show FR kids ponies were scattered in all directions, jockeys dumped etc when the flying display by very large and low aircraft, more than once passed over. Carnage. A small sec B pony that I adore from afar, was worried but apparently stood her ground with her young lad attached. She's gorgeous, I want her for my mantlepiece, she's qualified for the top shows.....and she's for sale!!! If only my daughter weren't 22 and six foot tall now

You could buy her for my 7 year old daughter! Safe first ridden ponies are like looking for a needle in a haystack! My daughter loves horses like me but she also has a nervous side so after 2 years of lessons she is only just coming off lead rein after moving to a new riding school with safe first ridden ponies. So I'd love to find her a very safe pony who will help to bring her on. Though she has taken to cooling off my lad after I ride him so I could end up losing him to her in no time even though he is 16hh!

 

[showpony]

This totally!!!! I think we have as close to the perfect first ridden from a safety point of view!! Mini has had her since she was six & a half... by no means is the pony push button but has taught her to be a much better rider. Pony safe as houses & is that trustworthy they have hunted, hunter trialed , show jumped in big arenas etc.... and pony superb out & about ... They will be doing Dublin this year but prob wont stand a chance as its quite common for alot of the first riddens to be lunged within an inch of their lives before going into the ring

Also a big thing for me when it comes to first riddens is being good hacking out and in open spaces aswell...

To win a HOYS class? Perfect conformation, be lunged for hours then ridden in by an adult for hours to make the pony so dead tired it can do nothing but behave and hold it's head in the correct position because it knows nothing else.

A true firs ridden? A pony a kid can get on and off as and when they please, do what they want on without fear of falling off, go anywhere, do anything and yet still have a character.

 

[Miller1979]

Gorgeous pony and just what my 7 yr old needs! Have to look at the finances!

 

[showpony]

buying a first ridden is a total nightmare.... we made massive error last yr before current pony... am a firm believer in a trial period before purchase when it comes to kids...

Gorgeous pony and just what my 7 yr old needs! Have to look at the finances!

 

[Miller1979]

buying a first ridden is a total nightmare.... we made massive error last yr before current pony... am a firm believer in a trial period before purchase when it comes to kids...

Couldn't agree more. I've seen so many kids tanked off with on naughty ponies and can't believe their parents allow them to be anywhere near them. I wouldn't say I'm over cautious having had 2 bad falls myself and still riding but I know my daughter would love to find her dream pony to dote on and gain confidence riding.

 

[mirage]

I've got one,but she will never win HOYS as she is an unregistered Section C of unknown parentage and uncertain temper.She is super safe even when others charge past her out hunting,she won't get silly and try and follow,she'll do as her rider asks.She'll do PC,x country,SJ,hunt all day,fancy dress,games,barrel racing,hack and herd sheep and cows.We've had her nearly 3 years and she has never given me a moments worry under saddle.

 

[Fools Motto]

I think my pony could be a potential first ridden. She may only be four, but she goes very soppy and calm when the kids are about. The other day my daughter was doing hand stands in front of the pony - it looked like pony was giving daughter tips. Pony never moved! Pony also had daughter on - learning rising trot, pony never faultered.

Trouble is, can a 4yr be a first ridden?

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Trouble is, can a 4yr be a first ridden?

Yes to an extent. I had a Shetland that I backed and took out showing as a 4yo - he did everything I asked of him - bombed about, jumped, did in-hand, ridden FR up to Opens. He was totally bombproof which considering he grew up in a field in the back end of nowhere and the only time he saw traffic was the tractor that went through to check the cows every day shows just how level headed he was. The nature of the pony is what makes it a first ridden, not life experience.