What are people looking for in a beginners pony?

Question

I breed, train and sell ponies for beginners and all the ponies i have sold on have been 100% successful, but i'd really like to know what other people think. Please give as much detail as possible. What are the key points you look for? Would being able to take the horse on trial help? Just anything you think is relevant.

Answer 1

A pony thats gentel and calm like the person above stated. i would also like one that can do it all you know? in case they change their mind like english or western small jumps or barrells.  

Answer 2

Totally gentle with awesome manners and 'bomb proof'. Kind of an all rounder, will let you do anything to it. Is quiet around other horses and in new settings.  

Answer 3

When I'm looking for a beginner horse or pony, I usually look at temperament first. Does he/she spook easily? Will he/she tolerate riding skills that aren't as perfect as they could be? For example, horses that can tolerate off-balanced riders or maybe riders that cling with their knees. I also think that horses that are easy to take care of usually help beginners. For example, horses that do not have vices, horses that don't attempt to bite when the girth is getting tightened, horses that are well mannered! Horses that also have comfortable gaits also helps beginners and people friendly horses. By people friendly I mean that they have easy, laid back personalities and accept that people are here to take care of them and all that. Hope this helps and I hope you get what I'm trying to say!! Good Luck!

Answer 4

A pony that is gentle and calm would be at the top of my list for a beginner.

Answer 5

I would want an experienced "bomb-proof" pony around the age of 15 as a beginner pony. Having a trial period definitely helps, and lets the potential buyer know that you aren't going to force the pony onto them if it doesn't work out.

I would definitely NOT want a pony that had been used day in and day out for lessons, and I would NOT want a pony that had been used for birthday parties or summer camps.

I would want a pony that could jump safely and would have concern for the rider's safety. I've seen all sorts of ponies that have had no concern for the rider on their back, and those usually didn't end up staying with that owner long.

Vices are a definite no. Why pay for a pony that will cost you more in the long run due to property damage than a pony that has no vices?

What else... I'll probably add more... it's a lot to think about.

Show experience would be great.

Anything dead-sided or hard-mouthed would not be considered.

Probably a sturdy breed with a shorter back and a heavier bone structure, since the beginner, to be getting a pony, will probably be a little kid who will go through growth spurts. The pony should be of the right structure to carry a small adult.

Answer 6

well they look for a pony that they can love, and is a "i want to please you" pony. one they can put their beginner kids on, and teach them to ride.

for new owners, its nice for the pony to come with tack (saddle, bridle, etc)

depends on the person if they consider a younger pony. if its one of those "4 year olds that acts like they're 12) then yea.

Answer 7

Ideal beginners pony:

Broke, bombproof, "been there done that" attitude. Has done a little of everything. Shown (doesn't have to be big, just knowing it's seen the atmosphere). Such good ground manners a three year old could lead it around with no problems. Easy to catch, lead, tie, groom, tack. No snarky-ness about the girth. Preferably ground ties (for kids who drop lead lines lol). Stands quiet for mounting. No spookiness. Excellent brakes. Can be a little lazy. No vices. 10+ years old.

How much would you be willing to pay for the right horse or pony?

If I were looking for one and it were show quality pony hunter: $10000+

Not show quality, just a backward safe beginner pony, suitable teacher and decent enough for low end shows: $1000-$3000

What horse gear would be useful to get with a new beginners pony?

Kids saddle, pony bridle, saddle pad, cute little halter and lead, grooming kit.

Would you consider a younger horse or pony (4 - 6 yrs) if it was quiet enough? Why? Why not?

No. At that age a horse is still in its young impressionable years where they learn from the rider. It will learn bad habits easily and compromise its training.

Answer 8

We're just looking for some beginner schoolhorses right now. I'll try and be as in depth as possible as to what we're looking for.

Appearance + Physical

-Between 8 and 14 years old.

-Nothing above 15.3hh. Basically, it can't be a big strong horse.

-Decent conformation. Must be sound.

-Must be able to jump to 2', 2'6. It doesn't matter if it can jump any higher than that.

In hand

-horse must be easy to catch, easy to lead. It absolutely should not try and drag around the handler, and it should not act viciously or territorial when it is being caught. Pinning ears back isn't good.

-horse should stand still when being tacked up. I don't mind if they pin their ears back when the girth is done up or something or shift around a little, but it should not be swinging around.

-it must be easy to pick up the horses feet.

Under Saddle

-horse must go foreward. I don't mind a little lazy, but if you have to use your whip and the horse bucks when you do-- not good.

-horse must be bombproof. It's not like a little spook here and there is bad, but we've rejected horses because they've bolted and taken off at a full gallop before under saddle.

-horse must be willing to learn and advance with the rider.

-horse must be PATIENT! and forgiving.

-horse must NEVER, EVER rear.

YES, being able to take the horse on trial would help.

Answer 9

bomb proof

fully trained

loving

gentle

i personally like head strong... it helps learn how to control, so when you get a harder horse you already have expiernce.

Answer 10

Hi

most people want a not to young and not to old pony to learn on...

no dirt at all in it

100% sound for a child to walk,trot and canter

jump on bareback with no hassle

just a fuss free pony

no vices at all