Which pony?

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lilaclomax

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We are looking at ponies for my 7 year old who is wanting to do more ground work herself and who needs her confidence building... also my very confident 3 year old who is willing to jump like her sister!

I have 2 ponies in mind...

1) 14 years old 12.1hh Welsh section A, same home for over 8 years and used as a first pony, very sharp pony but safe. Could easily become a great games pony in the right hands, great personailty and has been well looked after, not done anything for the last year as outgrown but I doubt it would take much to get him fit again and he would be on the lead rein to start with too.

2) 21 years old 11.1hh Welsh section A, used as a nanny pony for many children, as safe as they come - still need to ride him but sounds like he is a plod, again unfit as no jockey but would go straight out with a little on on board.

I want a safe pony that will help build confidence and yet at the same time I do not want to have an outgrown pony within 18 months - ???
 
I personally would go with the first pony . The second pony sounds great, but he is getting on a bit and you say he is already a plod, so how long before your son wants some thing with a bit more go.

Our new sec a sounds like veryuch like the first pony and the same age, so as long as my 5 year old stays light enough I am hoping that they will have very many happy years together.

Good luck
 
I will say either the 2nd or look at others.
If a pony is known to be very sharp you could struggle when your child goes off lead and the child may have to be held back with her riding because of this.
The quieter one would give confidence for a year and then could be used for younger child and get the next step up for older one.
I have seen so many children loose confidence on sharp ponies I would rather see them having fun on a kickalong than crying because they are worried .
A good safe pony will always find a new home at any age,
Good luck with your search I know how difficult it can be to find the right one.
 
I would say 2nd one too. Would rather have a plod for little ones than something a bit sharp - it may get more lively when upto fitness too. My friend bought her daughter a 19yr old as a confidence giver & she's still going strong doing pc with younger kids now & she's 24! Age wouldn't bother me if it was safe xx
 
Actually my gut instinct is probably 2nd but not SHARP 1st?? Age of horse

And I think I would look elsewhere....so also Neither....sorry Try pony club as they tend to get passed on and around
 
Neither. I wouldn't want to let young children loose on a pony described as 'sharp'. And the second one might be a bit small. Also, you might be better looking at something a bit younger, but don't rule out older ponies altogether. Hope you find something soon. :)
 
Thank you for your replies :)

I am having the same thoughts, hopefully confirmed tomorrow and I will be asking if he can come on a loan, if not then pony 1 could come on a trial... you never know he may settle with work. Our current 13.3hh boy is with us for life (he has been with us since he was 3) he is great ridden although can have his moments, just too strong for my daughter to lead from the ground and will take the mick! He will be perfect in around 4 years time but I need to fill the gap until then and beyond for my youngster (around 8 years).

I do have others lined up but the one I really like the sound of is 80 miles away and they will not allow him to come on trial or on loan :(
 
The best advice I was ever given is buy a pony for now, not the future. There is nothing worse than a small child struggling with a slightly too big/too sharp pony. So the older one gets my vote, and will probably still be going strong for your second child.
 
Small and slow- I'd much rather see a child razzing a pony up and looking a bit leggy than one looking a bit small and scared. Far more fun- PC is all about doing all the mad silly things at that age with gymkhana games and hunting and fancy dress. You want a pony who'll tolerate all that with good grace!
 
2nd pony - no contest- better to have an overly confident child than one that's scared (unless your aim is to make them quit thus saving thousands of pounds in the future! :)
 
Neither unless you know the ponies well or have them recommended by someone reputable a PC instructor etc as they have both been out of work for so long that you won't be able to test them properly.

An unfit pony when fit may behave completely different when fit.

I would try and find a pony that is currently being used as a young children similar to your own or has just been out grown.

Maybe ask the local pony club if they know of anything suitable.
 
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