by Mary Beth

Created on: February 20, 2007   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

I was given my first pony when I was four years old. Of course we lived on a farm and already had horses and ponies. Tiny, the littlest of the bunch was officially declared mine. What is the first memory I have of Tiny? Riding through the field, her taking off at a gallop, and falling off. I would say the first bit of advice is to understand how to control a horse or pony and learn in a small area like an arena or on a lunge line if no arena is available.

It's a plus when other family members are also interested in horses. If not the family, then a neighbor or a 4-H group will be a help to progress in your riding skills. Get some knowledge of how to ride(Stop, turn, go forward, balance would be good starters)

Where is that first pony going to come from? Buying from an auction can be risky. Many a time my Pa took us kids to the horse auctions and we would walk past stall after stall of horses and ponies. Who knows what they are like to ride, or what habits they had. You want to know what I have learned recently? If you look at the horse in the face and see the hair swirl between the eyes, you can pretty much assume that horse is more easy going or easier to train. If the swirl is two inches above his eyes? He may be pretty hard to handle. Another trick is to look at his eyes. Are you seeing a lot of white around his eyes? White eyes can show fear. Are the ponies eyes big and brown? Big is good and may show good temperament. Personally, if I buy at auctions, I like to see kids riding the pony outside. Usually there are a group of kids hanging around their beloved pony that they must sell. You can find out a lot about the horse or pony by just observing the kids riding the pony. At auctions, if you buy one, just be prepared. There are drugged horses that may seem wonderful standing there, but watch out when the drugs wear off. Those ponies could be dangerous. If the pony is quietly standing there with head low, beware.

Buying privately may mean a more expensive pony than one bought at auction, but the health issue may be less. Ask a lot of questions and watch the seller ride the animal. Ask the seller to have some of his children ride it, or other family members. Some horses or ponies are a one person deal. Ask the seller to pick up all of the ponies feet. Is the pony behaving? If he picks up his feet without a fuss, then you know some ground work has been done.

There are some other important consideration to take into account before bringing a pony home. Where are you going to keep the pony and do you have adequate room. I've seen ponies stuck in stalls without a place to run. Also are you prepared to feed it, care for it everyday...even in the coldest part of winter?

Kids come to our barn all the time saying they want a horse and that they know how to handle one. They mount the pony and haven't got a clue on how to ride. Maybe your best start is to be a regular at a riding stable to get ready for the purchase. You will be more prepared with the riding experience, and if you go consistently you will know if you can and want to keep a pony at your place. Better to know ahead of time than have a bad experience or get hurt.

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