There comes a time when every child is attracted to do something outdoorsy or wild. That is why it is pretty common for kids to either have pets, or indulge in various outdoor activities such as soccer, swimming, horseback riding, etc. There is a chance that if your child has developed an interest in horseback riding, they might soon be asking for a pony of their own. Let’s not forget the fact that almost every parent gets asked the question, “Hey, mom and dad, can I have a pony?” at least once in their lives. But if your kid has made it clear that they want nothing but a pony to fulfill their newfound passion for riding, then it’s hard to say no. So, if you have already made up your mind to buy a pony for your child, then there are a few factors, such as the following, that you need to consider before making the big purchase.
1. Evaluate your child’s riding skills:
Your child may be asking for a pony for multiple reasons. However, before you make their wish come true, you must consider your child’s desire, caliber, and skills for riding that pony. Maybe your child wishes to be a competitive horse rider in the future, or they simply want to enjoy a tranquil ride on their pony. Whatever the reason may be, you should sign up your child for riding lessons beforehand. If you are searching for a place for horseback riding in PA for your kid, you’ll be satisfied to know that there are various massive facilities with exquisite horses and Olympic-sized outdoor arenas within driving distance. Such horseback riding facilities will not only train your child but will also help them participate in events.
2. Consider after purchase expenses:
The most important factor that you need to consider when buying a pony is its living expenses. You need to understand that the purchase price of the horse is just the tip of the iceberg. You will have to deal with monthly expenses of boarding, farrier care, lessons, veteran checks, feeding, and other miscellaneous costs. Since getting a pony does not only comprise of the purchase, you must alsoanalyze your budget to examine whether you can afford the after-purchase expenses or not.
3. Compare height and age:
Finding a horse that compliments your child’s physiqueis essential as it will be easier for them to learn and ride on a pony that is suited to their size. Therefore, go for a pony on which your child can safely and easily mount and dismount. On the other hand, you shouldn’t also go for smaller ponies because then your child will outgrow the pony’s size.
4. Get a vet check:
Arranging a vet check with your preferred pony is extremely vital. Whether the horse was highly glorified by the seller or seems in top-notch condition, you should always determine the pony’s health status through a vet check before making the purchase. Make sure that the professional conducting the vet check is a third-partyperson who does not know you or the seller of the horse. The veterinarian should give the horse a basic exam, and your purchase decision should depend on the vet’s report.
5. Hire a competent instructor:
Before the purchase, hire an instructor who is aware of your child’s skills, needs, and budget. An instructor may help you in finding a horse befitting the criteria that you have set. Having a second opinion, especially from a professional, can make a world of difference. Not only this, but they can also refer you to reputable places where you can buy healthy ponies. It’s best to take them along when going for the purchase, so they can evaluate the pony’s physique, skills, size, and breed.
6. Assess where to purchase:
You should know that buying a pony is a financial affair that doesn’t go below a thousand dollars. Ponies are expensive not only for buying but also for maintaining. So, you should do your homework and research before sealing the deal with a seller. You should work by a budget and never buy a pony online without checking it out in person. Also, avoid buying ponies at auctions or from shabby facilities. You should always go for a place that comes highly recommended and reviewed.
7. Access to a good yard or stable:
What if you are cleaning your pony’s dump, and it creates a ruckus in the feeding stock at the back? Surely, you don’t want to spend the whole day managing a pony, do you? Therefore, one crucial consideration when buying a pony is to think about stabling. Your horse needs adequate shelter, proper care, and an exercise area. Moreover, you must also take care of waste disposal, security, and feeding, all of which require a sizable chunk of land that is well-protected and maintained.
8. Decide the type of breed:
Horses and ponies are selectively bred for generations to develop particular characteristics and skills. Choosing the pony’s breed is extremely important because it has a lot to do with your child’s temperament and your requirements. You can go for a pony that’s more docile and quieter if your child can’t manage an energetic one. Otherwise, if your child wants to pursue riding as a career, then you should go for a more spirited and skilled beast.
9. Consider age vs. experience:
The age of the pony matters because you don’t want your child’s skills to outgrow the ponyvery early on. While older ponies are not a viable choice for the long run, they make up for it with their experience. So, don’t wholly exclude older ponies if experience and skills are what you are looking for. You can take your veterinarian’s advice on this one about the soundness of the pony’s health. We would recommend choosing an older well-trained pony if your child is a beginner.
10. Temperament matters as well:
When buying a pony for your child, their safety matters the most, and that is why the horse’s temperament is an essential quality to consider. Again, it would be best if you went for a pony that’s calmer and less skittish rather than a spirited one because your child might not be able to handle it. So, on a scale of 1 to 10, we would recommend buying a pony that is below 5 in terms of spiritedness.
Conclusion:
Buying a pony for your child is no easy feat. But if you have decided to go for one, keep in mind the above important pointers to help make you a better choice.
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