Next Pony/Horse?

Question

my daughter is giving up her pony after 5 years, he was a very strong cob, and she felt she had come to the end as far as what she felt able to do on him. She was afraid to X country, as he tanked off, and jumping, which she loved on her previous pony was a bit of a white knuckle ride.

We have found someone who wants a rocket powered pony! so we are happy for him to go to this loving horsey family, but where would you suggest she goes with her next one?

She would love to get back into jumping. What should she be looking for ? I don't want to influence her!! ant advice greatly received!

Answer 1

Firstly sit down with her and make a wish list of what you want from the horse.  For example size, build, what she wants to do, just jumping or a bit of everything, budget, the facilities you can offer it (will it have a stable, etc).  

From what you say about height and weight a horse from 14.2 upwards would be better and around 15-15.2 whould be probably the ideal.  If she wants to jump any has had a bit of a confidence knock then the new horse needs to be an experienced jumper who is sensible and quiet over them.  

Then start to look at the adverts online and in your local horsey rags.  Call up or email about them and only see the ones that met all or most of your criteria on the wish list.  

Watch someone else ride and jump before your daughter gets onboard herself and if she isn't comfortable getting on the horse then leave it. Go back at least twice to see the horse before buying and try it not only in the school but also on the roads if you hack and in a field, etc to see how the change of environment affects the horse.   It is a good idea to take an experienced friend or instructor with you to act as the head as it is hard not to let your heart take over when looking and the other person can then be the voice of reason if needed.  

Good luck

Answer 2

You should get her a school master it means a horse who has already learnt to do EVERY THINK!!!!! she will fell safe as the horse is 'bombproof' and will take her far in her riding!!!! and i recommend not a high spirited breed 2

I HOPE I HELPED*_*

Answer 3

try and find a horse that is a confidence giver, because if shes had a strong cob, then its best to get one. and maybe get one that a friend knows so you wont get conned into buying it. also, dont try and get a really strong horse with a big bit, if it responds well to a snaffle, that should be fine.

Answer 4

Go to http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/search

Select breed, color, temperment, discipline, etc

Pick your area and see all of your options. Or look at boards at your local equestrian center and see if there are any for sale. Chooze wisely! Good luck.

I don't think breed should be a huge part of the deal, but make sure she is comfortable riding him/her before the big purchase. She could lease the horse for a few months before buying, or buy from a friend.

Answer 5

I'm a man, but when I was 12 or 13 I ran barrels and even did pole bending. I had a lot of fun and the competition gave it even more excitement.

Answer 6

as she may have lost her confidence in x country and jumping perhaps getting a horse (as she is 5'5 and nearing 16) that is a 'school master' and has done everything to enable her confidence to return. when you go to see horses make sure that you havethem checked by the vet and have an experienced horse person with you to ensure that you ask all the correct questions and to ensurethat the horse is safe, what vices it may have(if any) and to ensure it is suitable for your daughter. A tip from me is to go down to fine details such as simply having the horse tacked up whilst you watch, being lead to the field and being tied up, in a stable. i say this because becuase a friend in the past wen to buy a new horse. the owner had it ready for her and he was fine to ride. she was unaware that he was terrified of being tacked up and the owners had to trick him into it. she ended up buying a horse that she couldn't ride and her confidence was knocked. obviously this was an extreme case but best to be safe than sorry. good luck and i hope you find the horse you and your daughter are looking for.

Answer 7

How tall and what kind of build is she? I would suggest maybe a New Forest pony, they are extremely versatile and hardy, and make very good allround ponies. Don't look at Thoroughbred or Arab types, they can be quite flightly and might not give your daughter her confidence back. Maybe look for another cob - they are not all that strong and also make good allrounders. At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is write down a list of everything you want from the new horse, then look at adverts and go and have a look at a few. NEVER buy the first horse you see and always take an instructor with, plus get a vetting. Take your list along with you and compare it with each horse. Also, if you have access to one, take a video camera, and film your daughter on each horse - it helps a great deal with the final desicion!

Answer 8

if she's 16, you should consider getting a horse instead of a pony, or she will grow out of it fast!

look for ads in your local tack shop, or get a farming newspaper which has ads for your area

i would suggest you get: a gelding (i have a mare and shes certainly not the most pleasant horse whem shes in season - shes  bit mad!) about 15hh and over 10 years old (usually quieter)

none of those can guarentee you will find a quiet horse though- it really depends on the horse itself

If you arent really concerned about the size, you could try a 14hh pony, as it wouldnt be as strong, so it might be easier to control

good luck searching!

Answer 9

look for an online "for sale" board in YOUR area this is how i found my last three barrel horses and they are all GREAT! but make sure to have a vet or someone that knows ALOT about horses come along if you decide to take a look at a horse so you dont buy the WRONG horse for your daughter...

Answer 10

You should look into buying a more experienced horse. Not old, because they might be limited on jumping, but well trained. It will be more money but well worth it.