Finding Your First Pony

This article is from the February 2020 Horse Deals magazine.

You are excited and ready to own your first pony, but my first piece of advice is; do not rush into it. Take your time, look at a few ponies before you decide and take someone with you, such as your coach for example, who should be more than able to advise and help you choose the ideal pony.

What to look for

Your first pony should be easy to handle and to ride. You will need a pony that will build your confidence; so that you can learn quickly and have fun without being afraid.

Some ponies and horses make better children’s mounts than others. There really is not a best breed for a child or a beginner (I do love the Welsh Mountain Ponies though). The decision should be about the pony; by making sure it is safe and reliable to ride.
I have been asked many times, what do I look for when choosing a pony for a child or beginner? First of all, I ask — do you have enough knowledge to take care of a pony? Do you, with your family, have the time to invest in the ongoing responsibility of owning a pony? Do you have a suitable and safe place to keep and ride your pony?

Once all of these, and probably more questions, have been answered you can begin to start to talk about the type of pony that would be best suited for you the rider.

For a small child, a pony breed works well because their size isn’t as intimidating as that of a bigger horse and they don’t have too far to fall — and believe me, you do fall off at one stage or another.

Temperament, manners and soundness are far more important than looks.

A great choice is a pony that has been with a family for a period of time and the current rider has outgrown him and is now looking for a new loving home. As these ponies have been there and done it, with a good reputation, they are quickly snapped up. 

A novice rider on a young or green pony can be quite a recipe for disaster. Ponies are very clever, and a young or green pony may quickly take advantage of a novice rider which may lead to all sorts of trouble. An older pony, who is kind and obedient, would be the much safer choice for you to start off with.

If the seller states that the pony has done lots of pony club events, find out where and which pony club/s, then speak with the event organiser/s and ask for any information with regard to the pony you are considering to purchase.

What to do when looking at ponies

When you go to look at the pony, make sure that you do everything yourself, or alternatively ask a well-informed horsey person, to check the pony on your behalf by catching the pony, leading him from the paddock, tying him up at the tie-up area, running your hands all over him and putting on his saddle and bridle. Do everything that you would do as if it were your pony. 

However, never get on the pony first; always ask the current owner to ride him in an arena and then out in the paddock. If they refuse to ride him, then you simply thank the owners very much and go home.

Don’t be deceived by looks

Even though ponies may be better size-wise, it is still important to remember that a pony can be quite strong and wily. Try not to pick a pony for its attractive colour, cute face or flashy markings. 

You want to buy a pony that is well-trained, well mannered and kind, with a quiet even temperament. Your first pony should be one that nearly anyone can handle and ride; even your grandma.

No matter the price of your pony, have a vet check carried out to make sure he is sound and healthy before you purchase him. A thorough vet check could save a lot of heartache and money in the long run.

The cheapest part of owning a pony is buying him.

If it’s the right pony for you, you won’t want to get off him. However, if you choose the wrong one, you will not want to get on him.

Until next month... happy horse hunting and good luck.

Article by Catherine Shelley

NCAS EA SSTA/ CE Level 2 General Coach, NCAS Level 1 RDA Coach, Dip. of TB racing - Melton Equestrian accredited with EA Ready, Set, Trot program.

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