9/11/2023 0 Comments I regress show poniesWhat is my childâs riding ability?Ĭonsult your childâs riding instructor about their ability. If you have a teenager or tall child, then buying a pony that is 14hh+ as a parent/child share might also appeal if you also want to ride. Older childrenĬobs and native breeds are generally good âweight carriersâ, so if your child is not confident on larger ponies, then this could be an appealing option. Add two inches to this, and the pony you buy should see your child through the next two years. Your childâs instructor should be able to offer advice on a suitable size, and the size of the pony your child currently rides. Suitable riding ponies can range from 10hh Shetlands suitable for a three/four year old to 14.2hh Welsh cobs, strong enough to carry an adult. You don't want to purchase a pony your child has outgrown in six months. This is a far trickier question than it seems, simply because children grow faster than ponies. What is the ideal size of pony for a child? Read our tips about how a deal might work if this could be an option for you. You might also be able to find a horse or pony on loan - you take full responsibility but for a limited time. Shared ownership may also be a way of finding a suitable home for your pony if your own land and facilities are limited. Sharing ownership with someone else could lower the costs and spread the work you or your child does to look after the horse. You will want a pony with a calm, kind temperament.Īlso consider whether buying is best value for money - would your child receive more benefit at a lower cost from regular riding lessons on someone else's pony? Sharing and loaning - alternatives to full ownership You should consider four key factors before deciding to buy: the ponyâs size its purpose your childâs ability and the selling price. Make them stick it out, without help from you for at least three months, preferably into winter, to show that there is no âlet upâ from the responsibility. If possible, find a school that encourages volunteering and enrol your child as it will give them an understanding of everyday duties. Many riding schools allow young teenagers to volunteer with mucking out and grooming the horses under safe supervision. You child may be enthusiastic to ride now, but will he or she be enthusiastic to muck out stables on a cold, dark winter afternoon? Will you be willing to lend a hand?Īlthough you should be able to sell any animal reasonably quickly at a fair price, bear in mind that your commitment could be over several years. Caring for a pony that lives throughout the summer in a field is very different to caring for one that is liveried throughout the winter. You will need to decide whether your child is likely to contribute their time to the ponyâs upkeep and whether you can fit the commitment into your daily routine.īear in mind that initial enthusiasm might wane as your child grows up. Ultimately, as the real owner, it is your responsibility to care for a pony. However, very few have an understanding of the costs and commitment involved. They might have been to riding lessons for some time and their instructor might be full of praise about their progress towards being an international show jumper.
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