How to Select a Work Pony

After you have determined that a work pony is just what you need to help around your farm, how do go about finding a good one ? Here are some important suggestions .

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Just as you would take a mechanic with you to check out a car , so it is wise to take an expert with you to check out a work pony .

1. There are some definite points to consider . First off, by the term pony, I mean any horse or pony smaller than a draft horse . Like a pick-up truck compared to a semi-truck . They come in different sizes as well as colors. Color, by the way , is a matter of preference and not a determining factor in selecting your work pony. Would you buy a truck with a bad motor because you liked the color ? Not on purpose, right ? If you know very little about horses or ponies it is best to take an expert with you . An expert mechanic can help you select a good-running truck. A horse expert can help select a good work pony. By expert, I mean someone who has worked with horses almost daily , for years , not a week-end bridle trail rider .
   Determine the pony's sex . A stallion is likely to be high-strung, and harder to handle. If he is working near a mare , that is in heat, there are probably going to be problems . So if you are not planning on breeding and raising ponies it is best not to get a stallion , unless you plan on having him gelded . This is not always advisable for an older horse. Mares can also be a little difficult when they go into heat . This happens about every twenty-one days, unless she gets bred. Gestation is almost a year. During most of that time she can still work . A gelding is a male horse that has been altered, or neutered . If you don't want to breed ponies and want one that will be of even- temperament, a gelding will probably be best for you .

2. Age is the next factor . If you know very little about training a pony to harness, it is best to get one already trained . Unless you know a good trainer . A young, unbroke pony will take a while to train. If you want to start using your pony for work, right away, consider an older one ,that is already broke. But, not so old that he can't work . How can you tell how old the pony is ? This is where the expert comes in handy. The expert will check the pony's mouth. Age is determined by the condition of the teeth . You probably would not want one over 20 years old. One expert told me the best age he found for work ponies is middle - age , that is, between 12- 15 .
   On a 12 year-old, the tops will take on a triangular appearance, and at 15 a groove known as "Galvayne's groove " appears in the third incisor. Just as a shady used car dealer may turn back the mileage on that pick - up truck, some horse dealers have a trick using a hot iron or drill to change the appearance of the teeth, making a pony
   look younger. This is why you need an expert .
   Let's look at the overall appearance of the pony . All parts of the pony's body should fit together harmoniously. If the head looks too big for the neck to carry, don't buy it . The ideal pony should have a compact body , legs not too long, good sloping shoulders and a strong neck . The eyes should be large and wide apart . There should be no lameness, bad feet , wheezing or coughing ,( some wheeler-dealers know how to temperarily quiet the wheezing and coughing so be careful.) The main thing is to use good common sense ( ah...horse sense maybe?) You will not find a pony or horse without faults. Just be sure it doesn't have serious faults .
   Temperament is also important. If you see a pony that tries to bite or kick, he may not be a good choice. If he can't seem to get along with other ponies, he would not be good in a team . Try him out. Is he skittish ? How does he respond to commands? Horses are creatures of habits. It is much more difficult to correct a bad habit than to establish a good one. Check out how the pony moves. Make sure his legs don't touch while walking . Try him in harness . If he is going to buck, kick , bite or bolt each time you attempt to harness him, he may never make a work or pleasure pony , unless you are an expert at retraing ponies .

3. You would not buy a vehicle that had serious mechanical troubles would you ? So be careful not to buy a pony in poor health . A veterinarian is the best judge of a pony's health . Anyone, though, who knows anything about farm animals can usually tell if the animal is healthy . Look at the coat . Is it shiny and the horse fleshed out, not skinny ? Beware of dealers' tricks to cover over these faults . Things to look for are a runny nose, heaving flanks, wheezing, coughing, lumps, abcesses, sores, and scars. Scars might indicate the pony likes to fight . So when you select your pony try to have an expert with you . Use common sense . Private sales, and reputable horse people may be best. References, and some kind of written agreement that the horse is sound and maybe a 10-day trial . This will be between you and the seller . At an auction you usually buy as is with no returns . So just be careful. Most horse people are good honest people, it is just a few greedy ones that make it bad for others . Good searching and I hope you find the pony that is just right for you and your family.

Tips & Warnings

• Read up on work ponies, at the library and online. Try to find people near you who use work ponies. Ask if you can come by to watch how they work their ponies. Ask questions, and listen carefully . They will also be able to tell you where you can buy equipment , and tips on feeding and housing your pony. This may be how you find that expert to examine the pony you want to buy.
• Always be careful around horses and ponies. If riding wear a helmet, especially have your children wear helmets. Never sneak up on the blind side of a horse. It is a good way to get kicked. Talk to it as you approach . Let it get used to your touch. Grooming will become a pleasure for both you and the pony .