Would be suitable as a 2nd horse/2nd pony. What does this mean?

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As the title really. I'm looking to buy or full loan a horse and have seen quite a few adverts saying "would be suitable as a 2nd horse". After looking at a number of adverts and doing a Google search I'm still not completely clear on what sellers/loaners are looking for. Can anyone shed any light?
 
To me, it means something that requires a little more actual riding than a first horse or pony that is more or less a plod for a passenger to learn on. So in other words, the horse you move on to when you can actually ride a bit and influence the horse, correct the odd challenge or mistake and handle a bit of a wobble (from the horse).
 
If someone is being honest in their description, I would take it to mean that this is a horse or pony that is unsuitable for a beginner and would suit a rider who is confident to deal with any issues that may present themselves, has an independent seat and is able to deal with a horse/pony that is forward going and may need bringing on and/or further schooling to suit their chosen discipline.

On a more cynical note, I would say that it just might fit the description of a horse/pony that has been allowed to get radically out of hand, has issues, and/or is a total lunatic and will leg it for the next county as soon as you've put your foot in the stirrup :)
 
If someone is being honest in their description, I would take it to mean that this is a horse or pony that is unsuitable for a beginner and would suit a rider who is confident to deal with any issues that may present themselves, has an independent seat and is able to deal with a horse/pony that is forward going and may need bringing on and/or further schooling to suit their chosen discipline.

On a more cynical note, I would say that it just might fit the description of a horse/pony that has been allowed to get radically out of hand, has issues, and/or is a total lunatic and will leg it for the next county as soon as you've put your foot in the stirrup :)
 
I always thought it meant like as a spare horse? So not what you'd want as your main horse because it's too small or old or whatever but would suit being ridden occasionally. More like a companion pony that can be ridden.
 
Thanks folks, that helps a lot. So, no '2nd horse' for me then, especially if it might 'leg it for the next county' (that did make me chuckle MiJodsR2BlinkinTite, I'm a bit of a cynic too :D ).
 
It's the next step up from a "first pony" which is what children move onto once they're off the lead rein. It's definitely not a companion pony haha... But I also wouldn't expect it to be crazy. It would be a horse that's just a bit more forward and capable than the ploddy first pony you'd get for a child... And a bit bigger too for when the child's outgrown their first. It's not really a term aimed at adult riders at all.
 
I would describe mine as a second pony, basically if you can ride she is great, you will have no problems. If you are someone who is still learning to ride she is probably a bit much, she does not buck, rear or do anything horrible, but she is pretty forward going and very 'alert' as I call it! You don't really have time to faff with her, just decide and do it, or she decides for you!
Handling wise she is great too, but marish and grumpy and I think a first pony should be very nice natured on the ground, not likely to bite or kick.
I always think she is easy to do and she is for someone who isn't a complete beginner. But when I've let more novicey people ride her there have been problems of a 'disappearing on the horizon' nature. (Novice to me = still learning to ride/think about the basics of what you are doing).
 
Think of it as a bicycle - suitable for a novice means the stabilizers are on, a second horse/pony means you take them off and have to work harder and expect some problems as a result :)
 
I take it to mean that ut isnt a kick along and that you actually have to ride it and be able to deal with quirks or a more challenging ride. I saw loads when I was looking for a first pony, now I'm actively looking for a good second pony,there don't seem to be any about.
 
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