Would I be mad to consider a 4 year old to bring on?

[billylula]

We have one pony, he's mainly ridden by my 13 year old daughter. I have two other daughters who love ponies and riding but aren't as committed as the 13 year old. I need a companion for pony, but I'd like something the younger girls can ride. I've been looking for a bombproof 12.2 that they can do pony club on - but to be honest, I don't think my 9 year old would be that interested. Today I was thinking what I'd like is something sweet natured I could fuss over and look after and if they turned into a nice riding pony then all the better. So I was thinking maybe a 4 year old native would be good, we could show her and maybe do lead rein without having to do full on pony club. Then in a couple of years my youngest would be 8 and could ride her on a bit. 13 year old could ride her to a higher standard and teach jumping if necessary. Also, a 4 year old would be much cheaper to buy.

Is this a silly idea?

 

[grandmaweloveyou]

Hi.

A friend of mine recently bought a 4year old fine coloured and I thought she was mad as she had wanted a safe solid plod chunky (like mine I guess although I hate to call him a plod) however they are doing soooo well together her mare is wonderful and coming on so well!!

So yes it can be done and no its not silly but you said it would be cheaper? Depends on how much you are willing to / needing to spend on lessons & schooling etc I suppose?

Keep us posted

 

[staceyn]

Not at all I had a welsh cob who was 4 he was unbelievably bombproof had kids riding him my dad who has not got a clue he was fab I had to sell him and he went as a first pony and 6 years on they still love him as much as the first day so no if u can find one go for it he was bought saying he needed bringing on but he didn't need to be at all

 

[Hunters]

Most four year olds are weedy and unsure of life. I tend to find that five year olds can be more confident & bolshy. Base your decision on the horse and it's character not the age

 

[Littlelegs]

Depends entirely on you & the child's experience, & also on the pony. My daughter backed her pony last year when she was 6 & pony 4. Long story but that wasn't ever the plan. But had pony from being a yearling, & they have an amazing bond, always have. I teach anyway & have done plenty of breaking & schooling so was on hand the whole time. And daughter ridden all her life, & already riding second pony types. Plus I have the perfect nanny mare. Pony has come on very well, & I'm glad daughter was stubborn enough to insist she was having her for her own. But unlike your 8yr old, she is obsessed, & always wanted to spend every hour with her. If you & your eldest have the experience & want to do it, fine, but wouldn't buy for youngest kids to ride from what you've said. I can't imagine it would be easy to force a child who hasn't asked to ride daily, or not give in when a youngster has a moment.