by Shanna Duck

Created on: April 02, 2010

It’s an image off a Victorian postcard: a small child riding around on her gentle pony-friend. The media doesn’t help us here, as it often portrays ponies as anthropomorphic, the perfect “children’s friend.” Add a few stories such as Billy and Blaze and Misty of Chingoteague and some My Little Pony cartoons and you’ve got a full-blown case of Pony Fever on your hands. Somehow this tends to strike girls more often, but boys can catch it as well.  Parents aren’t immune, either.  There’s just something about a cute pony that can loosen parent’s wallet….often to the tune of several thousand dollars.

 Hard-headed as I am, I’m no exception.  In spite of having once been thrown by an adorable white Welsh pony eight times in a single day, right now I’m looking at ponies for my daughter.

Being the parent, though, means that you have to be the voice of reason and not be seduced by large, dark eyes and flowing manes and tails.

Before you surf the internet or visit the local pony farm, consult your pocketbook realistically. The initial cost of the pony is only the tip of the iceberg. On-going expenses can run into several thousand dollars a year. If you live in a rural area and have access to a grassy pasture with a shed or barn your cost will be substantially less than if you’re going to have to board your equine friend. Full board at a stable adds up quickly. Also be sure to include the cost of basic tack (saddle, halter, bridle, lead rope, saddle blanket, stable blankets if needed), farrier services about every six weeks, yearly vaccines and vet care, feed, bedding, feeding troughs, dewormer, supplements, hay, and specialized riding clothing.  You may also need to buy a truck and trailer, if you plan to haul your pony.

If you find that pony-ownership is going to strain your budget, then your child might be satisfied just taking riding lessons at first. If she doesn’t already know how to ride, then she needs lessons before owing her own pony anyway. The instructor can also advise you if your child is too young or uncoordinated to handle a pony by herself; she may need a lead-line pony for a year or two. In many cases, riding can be much scarier to a child than it looks on TV .  Real ponies aren’t pink, don't speak English and don’t have soft hooves; they can seriously hurt and even kill a child even when not meaning to.  Any good riding

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