How to Buy a Pony

They're cute and adorable and can make the perfect gift for a child. But beware; ponies require just as much care and hard work as full-grown horses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Feed/water Buckets
• Hoof Picks
• Horse Vaccinations
• Grain/oats
• 8-foot Lead Rope
• Horse Comb/brush Set
• Pony-sized Halter

1. Go to horse auctions, visit local horse barns, read a book on how to buy a pony, or visit on a few horse-related Web sites. Become familiar with ponies before you pull out your wallet.

2. Get some expert advice before making a purchase. It is difficult to select a sound pony with a good temperament unless you have a great deal of experience with ponies.

3. Pay special attention to the personality of the pony you're considering buying, especially if a child will be riding her. If a pony is nippy, flattens her ears when touched, or bucks up her hind end when you walk behind her, it's best to bypass that animal.

4. Examine the pony for cracked or deformed hooves, a runny nose or eyes, or a lethargic demeanor.

5. Ask a horse veterinarian to examine the pony you've chosen. This is the best way to ensure you are buying a healthy pony. Pay special attention to the hooves during the vet check as ponies are vulnerable to foundering.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider buying a larger-size pony, even if the rider will be a young child. If the pony is too small, the child may quickly outgrow her.
• Avoid miniature horses for children; they are too small to be ridden.
• Consider the new owner's interests. If she wants to ride the animal, choose a tall, well-muscled pony. If she wants to let her pony spend her days grazing in a field, pick out a flashy, colorful, energetic pony.
• Expect to pay at least $600 to $3,000 for an unregistered pony.
• Do not buy ponies for young children unless an adult will have the time to supervise the pony's care. Ponies require just as much labor and commitment as do horses, and it is not safe to leave young children alone with these animals.
• Because of their size and inbreeding, ponies are more apt than horses to have mean streaks and serious medical problems.

on 8/8/2006 Check and find a couple of your favorite ponies and compare them. Once you find the best one, then you should definitely ride it. Also, try to ask the owner to let you borrow the pony and see how it reacts to the new environment (your stables). Some ponies can be attached to their old barn or horse friends.

on 3/16/2006 Ponies are cute, but if you plan to ride them, you better not be a beginner because most are known to do anything to get you off their back, even roll on top of you!

on 2/6/2006 Don't by a horse or pony from a public auction. Some ponies can be dangerous and risky if not ridden by the the consumer personally.

on 11/22/2005 Ponies can be super-stubborn. If the rider is a child over age 12, they can probably ride a horse, not a pony. Horses are often more willing, but if you find the perfect pony, go ahead. Neither is really better than the other.

on 11/22/2005 Meet the pony a few times before buying him or her. Ponies tend to have mood swings. Most people call it "pony attitude."