Young ponies and novice riders

[clairelouisehorses]

Just wondering if any experienced mums out there have brought a unbroken pony to bring on for thier young children to ride, my 5 year old daughter rides my Shetland at mo but trying to find her a little pony to move onto but it seems the only ones for sale in my price range are the unbroken ones, I'm after some success stories if there are any

 

[MiCsarah]

I didn't break one for my own child but broke a pony in who was then brought by somebody for there 7 yr old son. The pony was awesome! I made sure he was used to everything and he became completely unfazed

 

[Jericho]

I'll let you know!!!! We have just taken on a 4 1/2 yr old who has been hacked out a few times over the last six months. After having supposedly 'safe' childrens 1st older ponies who we found out knew all the tricks of the trade and knew that little uns werent strong enough to stop them doing anything and were too small for me to ride to install some good manners I went for a young 13.3hh gypsy cob who is an absolute dot. He hasnt learnt any bad habits, is generally eager to please and my 7yr old novice daughter has so much more confidence on him after just 3 rides. Granted he is of much much steadier character than previous welsh As we have had but I am hoping with regular schooling sessions from me he wont pick up the bad habits. I think as long as you expose the pony to lots of different situations and experiences long reining / on lead rein and you do lots of ground work and install the basics very well then I think its a good idea. Good luck!