|
|
Post by samcspottyhorses on Dec 24, 2006 23:02:31 GMT 1
Hello and Merry Christmas!
I am thinking of getting my niece a pony in the spring. She will be 8 in April and is pony mad, though has not had the chance to ride much before. She has had a couple of lessons, and has ridden my horse (15.2hh) and the yard plod (14.3hh) on a lead rein. I'll get her some lessons then intend to 'bring her on' myself, let her hack out with me on a lead rein at first. She is good with horses, has good survival instincts and it no shrinking violet! I think she'll be a great little rider.
I'd ideally like a 14hh-ish pony which I could school a bit if i needed to (I'm 5'6" and ummm...medium weight) and the pony would need to live out.
I've seen lots for sale and they are way out of my budget, but the pony could be older, (preferably in fact) and would need to be used to beginners and kids. Nothing to show or jump or do much other than quiet hacking, walk and trot, maybe the odd canter after a few months. I would always be there with my niece and would look after the pony most of the time along with mine.
So, how much would I need to pay for a suitable pony? Anyone bought one recently? Any ideas welcome. Thanks!
SAMC
|
|
|
|
Post by KoLaTo on Dec 24, 2006 23:13:01 GMT 1
Depending how tall she is, 14hh may be a tad big for a first pony especially if she wants to tack up herself etc, my daughter has a 12.3 and he is plenty big enough for her, she can ride bigger (13.3) but dosen't feel that safe or comfy to be honest..... and even with orange lad, she can struggle to get his saddle on properly as they have such short lickle arms !
If you are wanting to ride it yourself then how about going for an exmoor or dartmoor cross or even a highland, they carry weight and height far better due to bone density but don't cost the earth and are nice good doers plus neice could do lots herself with a slightly smaller breed?
Pricewise, how long is a piece of string - LOL .... I got both of mine relatively cheaply but thats because they are still babies, bought from a friend and one needed a quick sale.
If you don't mind going a bit older like you say then anything between £600 - £2000 should get a nice little po for you to enjoy.
Have fun, i luurrveee pony shopping and being of the short variety, i can try them out too !!
|
|
suzieq
Grand Prix Poster
The mind is like a parachute, only really useful when open
Posts: 2,124
|
Post by suzieq on Dec 24, 2006 23:20:30 GMT 1
I agree a smaller breed would be more fun for your neice, its so nice when they can reach and do everything for themselves.
How about getting in contact with your local pony club, they usually know the good ponies and if they might be comming up and pleanty of these can be for loan which would get her started on one the right size, that she can grow out of, without the pain of having to sell, as the pony is going home!!
Good luck with the search
|
|
xxx
Novice Poster
Posts: 0
|
Post by xxx on Dec 25, 2006 0:24:30 GMT 1
Agree, smaller definitely! Even an 8yr old on a 13hh (from experience) tends to be uncomfy. I would be getting her about a 12.2hh or maybe a 13h if she's tall.
For a good one? 1500 roughly I'd say.
|
|
|
|
Post by ceiron on Dec 25, 2006 0:36:59 GMT 1
|
|
aceofspades
Grand Prix Poster
My Little Baby Ace
Posts: 1,308
|
Post by aceofspades on Dec 25, 2006 2:01:16 GMT 1
Have you thought about getting something on full loan,other option is getting something at a local sell that hasnt done alot but is quiet,I payed a £120.00 for a newforester and she was realy good and made a nice childs pony
|
|
chloe
Grand Prix Poster
Kai's Mum
Posts: 2,609
|
Post by chloe on Dec 26, 2006 14:12:55 GMT 1
I'd budget about £1000 and go for an older pony. But remember, prices are likely to shoot up again when the weather improves... Not sure where you're based but there are loads of nice sounding ponies on Horsemart at the moment  |
|
|
|
Post by samcspottyhorses on Dec 26, 2006 19:11:10 GMT 1
Niece is 8 in April and the 2nd tallest in her class and has grown 4 inches since she came to our family in February. Think she's having a growth spurt! She is OK on my 15.2hh, not phazed at all being high up, but I agree if she is going to tack up etc by herself, she wouldn't be able to reach very high. hadn't thoguht about that!
The ones advertised seem very expensive. I would love one on loan, then if it doesn't work out and she loses interest, it could go home again, or on to someone else.
Thanks everyone! Great ideas. I was hoping someone might say about £1,000.
|
|
|
|
Post by spottycayuse on Dec 26, 2006 23:29:02 GMT 1
Hi Sam
If your niece looks not too bad on your 15.2hh horse then I'd go with your original thought, something around 14hh. To tack up she can do what I did as a kid, use a step!! Plus, then she may have years and years with the pony instead of growing out of a smaller one and it then being sold on.
However, what about loaning? That seems a good idea and that way you can be sure that whatever you have loaned is right if you then go on to buy him/her?
Good luck.
|
|
heath
Novice Poster
Posts: 7
|
Post by heath on Dec 28, 2006 9:39:23 GMT 1
I am speaking from personal experience. I brought a lovely 13.2 NF pony for me and my older niece(then 10) to share (and then later for the younger niece). My niece had always been horse-mad, had done quite a lot of riding and although not the bravest of riders was fine on any pony she felt safe on which ours was. The pony was a great size for my niece to ride and handle so I was amazed how quickly the novelty of owning and riding a pony regularly wore off.
So what I am trying to say is it might be best if your niece does a lot more riding and horse-care before you 'splash the cash' so to speak and definately look for a loan deal initially.
And by the way our NF pony cost £1500 and is worth every penny of it.
|
|
