Buying a Child's First Pony
What Parents Need to Know before Buying Their Son or Daughter a Pony
Owning a pony can be a fulfilling and educational experience for a child. However, there are a number of pitfalls to avoid when searching for a child's very first equine
Many adults have fantastic memories of their first pony. They remember how owning a pony taught them how to work hard for the things that they wanted and how it also introduced them to the warm, satisfied feeling that comes from caring for another living thing.
Even though the prospect of purchasing a pony might terrify the average non-horsey parent, the idea should not be automatically dismissed. Owning a pony can give a child confidence as well as teach him or her some valuable lessons in responsibility and work ethics.
Is the Child Ready?
First of all, the child should have had at least six months of riding lessons, with a professional instructor, before buying a pony is even contemplated. Learning how to ride and control a horse, as well as getting some basics in pony care, will stand all parties involved in good stead and will help prevent avoidable accidents from occurring.
If parents are unsure about their child’s commitment then a good test is to start the child off with a smaller, more manageable animal such as a goldfish. If their enthusiasm wears off after a couple of weeks then it is fair to say that they probably won’t cope with the work involved with caring for a pony. Loaning or leasing a pony is also a good way of assessing whether the child’s passion is a passing phase or here to stay.
Are the Parents Ready?
This may seem like a very simple question but it is one that parents must ask themselves, and one which should be answered frankly and honestly. Ponies are certainly not cheap. They demand food, shelter and attention, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They will need a visit from the farrier every 4-8 weeks and they will require worming every 6-8 weeks. On top of this is the equipment that will have to be purchased, such as a saddle, bridle, rugs and riding wear. Parents should be well prepared for the time and finances that will have to be poured into the new pony.
Pony Shopping
Once parents have decided that they have the time and money to put into a pony, they can move on to the exciting part: looking for the perfect pony! Most equestrian magazines such as Horse & Hound in the UK, Horse & Rider in the USA and Horse Trader in New Zealand will have a classified section, featuring horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes. A variety of online sites have also sprung up in recent times, including HorseQuest in the UK, Horse Deals in Australia and the global site, Equine.Com.
The number one rule when pony shopping is not to take the child on the initial visits. It is inevitable that they will fall in love with the first animal that they see, even if is a completely unsuitable, fire-breathing maniac. It is also recommended that non-horsey parents take a qualified trainer or knowledgeable friend along with them.
Size and Temperament
It can be difficult to avoid being seduced by the prettiest or flashiest pony when searching for a child’s first mount. However, the most important thing is that the pony is a safe and well mannered confidence giver. The pony should be watched closely while it is in the stable, being led out and under saddle. Does it try to nip the handler when he or she approaches it? Does it have its ears back when it is being handled? Does it swish its tail irritably when it is being ridden?
It is also vital that the pony is suitable for the child’s height and build. All too often, parents make the mistake of buying a pony that is too big, thinking that their child will ‘grow into it’. Even a beautifully behaved, push button pony will learn to take advantage if its rider is too small and not able to control it properly.
The Final Hurdle
Finally, the prospective pony should be checked out by a qualified veterinarian. There are some things that are invisible to the naked eye, such as respiratory and other internal problems. After all the hard work involved in tracking down the perfect pony, it is not worth missing out on this valuable component of the adventure.
There are many kind and genuine ponies available on the equine market that have the experience and temperament that is necessary in a child's first pony. It is well worth spending a little time and effort on finding one of these 'schoolmaster' animals. The resulting confidence, self-esteem and selflessness that stems from learning how to ride and care for a horse can stay with a child for the rest of their life.
Follow these links for more information on how to choose a riding school and how to look after horses and ponies.
