When is the right time to get your own horse?

[Jottie]

Hi there

I have been having private lessons for the past year after a long break from riding (age 39), also have a 5 year old who is learning and a keen 2 year old who sits on the riding school Shetland. We have room for horses and a menage on our farm for lessons, we have other livestock here but never had ponies so not very experienced in their care. We could get in extra help with a groom/exercise if needed.

I'm wondering when it might make sense to get myself a horse, and/or my daughters a pony to share? Would it be easier to get a pony & companion shetland first? Or shall we keep on going with regular lessons or perhaps a riding school share? - what do people think about these?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Shay]

Riding school shares can be a bit of a con. Depends on the school of course but through PC I am aware of several issues with horses not be available for the sharer, being too tired from other lessons etc.

Even if you are really small and lightweight it will be difficult to get a pony that you can really share with a 5 year old - so you might be better off getting something that suits you, has the temprement to be around the kids, be groomed, played with etc. Not too big so they can reasonably have a sit - and a companion shetland or two. Then as your older daughter grows you can get other ponies either permenantly or on a loan basis.

Having a first pony on your own land can be quite a struggle. You have no-one around to ask for advice, no support when things go a bit wrong. You might be better off looking to start your horse journey on a local livery yard so you have that support rather than on your own land. (In which case of course you do not need the companions..)

Another alternative might be to look for a horse to share locally and start your journey there?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would avoid a riding school share, they can be either difficult to find a time when you can ride, or the poor animal is already overworked when you do get a chance to ride.

If you are used to livestock, I can't see that you will have much of a problem looking after a straightforward pony/horse but you might be more comfortable getting a pony and a Shetland companion while continuing with your own riding lessons. The difficulty is that children often prefer the social aspect of group lessons. Do make sure that you read up about feeding/stable management/first aid but so long as you understand the differences between horses' digestive systems and those of other livestock, I would think that you will be fine looking after equines. Just be aware that they do NOT need rich, fertilised grass. They cross-graze more successfully with sheep than cattle ime.

 

[Jottie]

Thanks for the replies, that’s really useful info.

I wouldn’t attempt a share with my daughter, sorry I probably didn’t word that right! I’m 5ft 5/10st 7 and our daughter is tall for her age, 115cm and 3st 3.

Finding a friendly livery might be a good option then. Our 5 year old struggles with anxiety and tends to freeze up in groups so I think it will be a while before she can enjoy pony club type activities but one on one lessons seem to be going well and we’re hoping to to do some lessons with a friend.

If we did decide to look for a first pony and companion Shetland where is the best place to start looking when we aren’t that experienced? Do you recommend dealers or are there people who can help find perfect ponies?! We don’t have any horsey friends yet unfortunately.

many thanks