What to look for in a First Pony

What is the first thing to be aware of when buying my child's first pony?

To avoid heartache and disappointment your child's first pony must be the correct pony so you must have your thoughts focused without being sidetracked by romantic ideas or trying to impress other parents. It is very easy to pick an unsuitable pony that looks pretty but does not match your child's present needs. The pony must be easy to handle and ride with a kind and helpful disposition. You must avoid a young pony without experience as it is not possible for a young pony and an inexperienced rider to learn together. The young pony will only pick up bad habits and could scare the child. A safe older pony with good manners will be a better choice. A pony of mature age could be both cheaper and safer.

What personal considerations must I ponder before buying my child's first pony?

As well as looking at the suitability of the pony you must consider your own experience. This is best achieved by answering two questions and then thinking about the implications of your answers.

1. Have you ever owned a pony or horse?
    
2. How much equine knowledge do you have?

If you have never owned a horse or pony you may have no experience or you may have riding school experiences. It is good to have happy riding school memories, but you need more than this to make a good pony choice. So, if you have never owned a pony and have little horse knowledge be aware of the pitfalls and what you are looking for.

What will I require in a first pony for my child?

The qualities you require can not be assessed by considering beauty. Your pony must have the following characteristics:

• A kind personality with no biting, or kicking.
   
• Be good to handle on the ground, and this means, no attempting to run off on a lead rein, easy to catch, and prepared to patiently stand while tied up before being easily tacked up.
   
• Be a nice child’s ride, with no napping, spooking, bucking, or rearing and a quiet give-it-go attitude to all things.
   
• Have no significant health issues and with ponies, these are usually obesity-related.

These characteristics can not be assessed without adequate knowledge and a seller's word is no guarantee. In this respect, it is best to buy an outgrown pony that is well-known to have the correct personality and outlook on life. If this is not possible take a professional person along and insist the pony is seen being handled and ridden by a young child.

In addition, there are good horse dealers out there with good reputations to uphold so you could use this sort of person to find the right animal. This has the advantage of being able to exchange the pony for another in the event it just is not suitable.

Always have a vet look at your intended pony to check the age and the presence of medical conditions. Some medical conditions will be minor and easily managed but others will cause you problems so listen to your vet carefully.

Can my child grow into their first pony?

Your pony must be a size that the young rider can handle and you can not expect the rider to grow into their mount. It is simple, the young rider must be able to lead, tack, and mount their pony from the start.

The take-home message

Your child's first pony must be a pony that has “been it seen it, done it and got the certificate to prove it”. In essence, the pony will enable the young child to learn with the minimum risk. A high premium must be placed on a calm pony with a kind personality in all situations the rider and pony combination will encounter.