| When you have a horse-crazy youngster, it isn't hard | | | | for little kids. Be careful to choose a quiet natured pony |
| to come to the decision that they need their own pony | | | | rather than the flashiest one. |
| to grow up with. On the other hand, buying ponies isn't | | | | Shetlands are another popular pony breed. Most |
| quite the same as buying a horse. After all, you may | | | | Shetlands are small in size, and they can be rather |
| not be able to get on this pony to help school it, and | | | | "ponyish" at times, but they do make hardy ponies for |
| pony trainers are few and far between. So, what type | | | | many children. For larger ponies, Connemaras are quite |
| of pony is best for your child? | | | | popular. They do sometimes go oversized, but most |
| First of all, you need to consider what size of pony | | | | stay in the large range. |
| you need. A lot depends on the size of your child, and | | | | Of course, many of the best ponies out there are |
| how quickly she is growing. A small pony is great for a | | | | crossbreds, or even grade. The breed is nice to have, |
| little one, but most kids will outgrow a small one very | | | | but if the pony is right, the papers don't matter. |
| quickly. Additionally, very few adults can get on a small | | | | A good child's pony should be kind and love children. |
| pony, so any tune-ups will need to be done by an older | | | | The pony may not behave as well for adults, but as |
| child who can still fit the pony. | | | | soon as a kid is working with the pony, he should |
| Medium ponies can be great options, both for young | | | | settle. He should be easy to work with, but you should |
| kids and for slightly older ones. A medium pony can | | | | also have some available means to tune him up if he is |
| manage a lot more size and weight, so many adults | | | | misbehaving. |
| can work with them as necessary. Also, since many | | | | Of course, the pony should have the talent to do |
| medium ponies are broader in build, they often take up | | | | whatever you are expecting him to do with your child. |
| more leg and can last a bit longer. | | | | Ideally the pony should already be trained, as training |
| Large ponies are the most popular size, and to get a | | | | can be difficult without the right sized trainer. |
| pony at the top end of the large range can be terribly | | | | One nice thing about ponies is that they tend to live a |
| difficult and expensive. Many kids who would be | | | | very long time. While a young pony may be the best |
| comfortable on a large pony would do equally well to | | | | choice, you may also find that a pony over 20 is still |
| get a small horse who is around 14.3-15hh. Horses in | | | | more than capable of working with your child, even in |
| this size range are a lot less expensive, and many | | | | the show ring. |
| child-friendly breeds tend to finish in this size range. | | | | Finally, don't forget to look into leases of ponies. Since |
| Next you need to consider the breed. Welsh ponies | | | | kids grow so quickly, many pony owners decide to |
| are one of the most popular breeds, particularly in the | | | | lease their old ponies rather than selling them. That |
| show ring. Section B Welshes are usually medium in | | | | way you will not be stuck with a pony to sell later on, |
| size and can make super kid's ponies. Section A | | | | and will be able to get a bigger pony right away when |
| Welsh ponies are small ponies, but can be a bit fiery | | | | your child needs one. |