| So, your little girl has been taking riding lessons for a | | | | If your barn is set up to care properly for a pony, go |
| year now and | | | | ahead, if not, stickwith a horse. |
| (surprise) she wants her own pony. Here's how to | | | | 3. Look in the newspaper, on the internet, ask around |
| begin. | | | | at horse shows orcall other trainers. Many trainers will |
| First, talk to your child's trainer. He or she may have an | | | | help you find the perfect horse for afinder's fee. It can |
| experiencedlesson horse they would be willing to lease | | | | be more expensive, but well worth it in the long run |
| to you. That's a good way toget your feet wet before | | | | tohave professional assistance. Taking along a trainer |
| you commit to the full-time obligation of caringfor your | | | | to look at a horsewith you can give you confidence as |
| own pony. Leasing arrangements vary, but usually you | | | | well as an expert set of eyes andears in the situation. |
| pay amonthly fee for riding privileges any time you | | | | 4. Once you have a prospect located, find out as |
| want, as if it were yourpony. You can ride, train and | | | | much as you can aboutthe horse or pony. What is its |
| show the pony. You may also have to payfor farrier | | | | training or background? Has it showedand where? |
| services (usually a hoof trim and/or reset shoes every | | | | Does it have any bad habits or fears? Is it friendly |
| sixweeks), periodic de-worming and veterinary | | | | towardother horses? Does it load in a trailer and can I |
| services. | | | | do it myself? Does it orhas it ever had any health |
| If you can't find a suitable leasing arrangement and are | | | | problems? Why are you selling now? |
| still interested inowning a pony, here are some tips and | | | | 5. Get a veterinarian check before you buy. This can |
| things to consider along theway. | | | | cost up to $200, if itincludes x-rays, but it can be well |
| 1. What age do you want your pony or horse? An | | | | worth the expense and trouble. |
| ideal age for abeginner rider horse is 10. You can go a | | | | Coming home with a horse that immediately is lame |
| little younger, if you want, but awell-trained 10-year-old | | | | can be a bigdisappointment. Consider the possibility, too, |
| horse has already experienced a lot of life. Heprobably | | | | that the current owner maybe giving the horse bute |
| won't be as frisky as a younger horse and will be less | | | | (horse aspirin) to hide lameness when you arelooking |
| likely tospook or act unpredictably. You are looking for | | | | at the horse. |
| a "bomb-proof" horse,especially for your child's first | | | | 6. Check out the horse unannounced. Show up at the |
| mount. Ten years old is great, as well,because as your | | | | horse's stables orpasture when you are not expected. |
| child grows, the horse will have many healthy | | | | Ask to take the horse for a ride or totrot him on the |
| yearsahead of him for riding and showing. | | | | lead rope to check for problems. Unfortunately, |
| 2. What gender should your pony be? Common | | | | somepeople drug their horses to make them appear |
| experience tells us thatgeldings are the best beginner | | | | more calm than theyreally are. Arriving unannounced |
| mount, however, some mares can beexcellent | | | | helps you see the pony as he really is. |
| babysitters as well. The main drawback to a mare is | | | | 7. Get ready for expenses. Make sure you understand |
| that someget moody during their monthly cycles, and | | | | and budget for allthe expenses associated with |
| can even nip or kick. Theother consideration is if you | | | | owning a horse or pony. There aremonthly boarding |
| are ever going to have additional horsesand plan to | | | | bills, which include food and care. You may also |
| turn them out in a pasture together, it's better not to | | | | wantto supplement your horse or pony with a hoof, |
| haveone mare and several geldings. Even though they | | | | coat or joint supplement. |
| are gelded, the maleswill still want to fight over the | | | | Your horse needs its hooves trimmed or shoes reset |
| mare. You can avoid that headache bysticking with | | | | every six weeks. |
| geldings. However, if you plan to always keep your | | | | You also need an annual check from the veterinarian, |
| horse ina stall in a stable with individual turnout, a mare | | | | which at least willinclude shots, teeth floating and a |
| can work out fine. Ofcourse, a first-time owner should | | | | coggins test. Many owners give theirhorses twice |
| never buy a stallion. | | | | yearly shots, as well as de-worming at least four times |
| 3. Do you want a horse or pony? A small horse may | | | | ayear. |
| be a better optionthan a pony for several reasons. | | | | Of course, now there are expenses for saddles, |
| First, your little one is going to grow upand may be | | | | blankets, bridles, bits,riding clothes, lessons, helmets, |
| faced in the future with having to sell her beloved | | | | riding lessons and showing fees. If yourtrainer will |
| ponybecause she's outgrown him or her. | | | | transport your horse for you, great, if not, add a horse |
| Second, horses are a little easier to care for. Ponies | | | | trailerto the list. |
| are famous forfoundering, a condition that occurs | | | | Finding the right horse or pony can be a long |
| especially when a pony overeats richgrass. The safest | | | | adventure. Don't betempted to pick one out of the |
| bet for a pony is to never let him eat grass. Feed hay, | | | | paper and surprise your child with it at abirthday party. |
| alittle grain and turn him out on dirt. Horses can founder | | | | Considering the investment on your part, you want |
| as well, but notas easily as ponies. | | | | yourchild to fall in love with this animal, so his or her |
| If you have a pasture-only boarding situation, opt for a | | | | opinion needs to countas well. Finding the right equine |
| horse, not a pony. | | | | companion for your child can begin arelationship that |
| Some stables, however, have many ponies they turn | | | | will last for years. |
| out together on dirt. | | | | |