You are going to get your child what for Christmas? Did you say a Pony?

How often has your child ask you for a pony? Are they asking Santa for one now? It is clear that some parents just can't take on a responsibility such as owning a horse. Is it possible you can? If you do want to get your child a pony for Christmas, what kind of pony should you consider? What information do you need to make a wise decision?

This article was written to assist you and here are some answers that might help you make the right decision. More ill words are spoken about ponies than any other type of horse. Everybody has heard about ponies that kick, bite, run off, and can actually be ornery. There are wonderful ponies that have carried children safely on trails, in horse shows, and in parades. The main advantage of a pony is that they are not intimidating, in size, for small riders and should they fall off, they don't have as far to fall. It should go without saying that there is no such thing as a totally safe pony for a child, or even an adult. Even though ponies are small, they still possess amazing strength. The younger the child, the more vigilant you should be with the child's interactions with the pony, no matter how sweet, and trustworthy, the pony may seem. You may think you have the most well behaved pony in the world but, would you really be willing to bet your child's safety and health on it?

Make sure that your child knows how to approach all animals, whether you own them or not. Teach your child to respect their animal friends, and you will minimize potential problems for everybody. When you introduce your child to a pony, keep a close eye on your child and the pony. Teach your child to stand on the side of the pony and not directly in front of them. Never allow them to stand behind the pony or by the back legs to prevent your child from being kicked. Teach your child to recognize the visual signs a pony might be upset or irritated. Some indications may be putting their ears down flat down, penning their ears back, or tossing their heads. All horses show their emotions and you can use this to your benefit to increase your safety and riding experience. Always remember -- safety first!

The following are questions you should ask the current owner when looking for a pony

How old is the pony?
What is the extent of the pony's training and how often has he been ridden?
Do you have veterinary records of vaccinations and health problems?
Why are you selling the pony?
Does he tie, load, and stand for the ferrier?
Can he be clipped?
What are their vices?

Other Things to Look for When Buying a Pony:

1. What is it's personality like?

2. Look at his hoofs and legs and ask about hoof problems.

Ask them to lead the pony so you can observe if they walk straight or have a limp.
It is a good idea to get a Pre-purchase Examination. Your Veterinarian will probably check, Mouth, teeth, eyes, heart, lungs, Joints, Hoofs, Tail and Movement.
If the pony has not been tested for Coggins, do so.
Some people like to have a blood test for the presence of drugs such as tranquilizers, painkillers, or steroids.

Equipment you will need:

1. A Halter

2. Lead Rope

3. Bridle with an appropriate Bit

4. Child's Saddle

5. Saddle Blanket

6. Grooming Equipment: Clippers, Lots of Brushes, Combs, Shampoos and Conditioners

7. Fly-Control Supplies

8. Medical Supplies

9. Hay and Grain

NOTE: You should start your pony off with the food, that the previous owner was feeding your pony if you are going to change the ponies food. Start mixing the old brand of feed with the new feed. Also, check with your Veterinarian and local feed store. Your pony will also need to be wormed on a regular basic.

I suggest a good helmet and riding boots for the child. You’re going to need a place for your pony. Will you have your own place or will you be boarding? You will need a regular Veterinarian and a Farrier.

You are now ready to look at the different breeds of ponies.

CONNEMARA PONY

This breed originated in Ireland.

Connemaras are strong, sturdy, and muscular with powerful hindquarters. The Connemara is considered hardy and agile, with good jumping ability. The Connemara described as intelligent, has a lively, eager temperament, and tends to live a long life.

Connemaras in North America range from 13 to over 15 hands. Recognized colors are gray, bay, brown, and some other colors as well.

The Connemara is best known today as a sports pony. Ridden by both children and adults, it is considered to be a very versatile pony breed, competitive in and show jumping, dressage and eventing, but also with the stamina for endurance riding. They are considered excellent mounts for children.

HACKNEY PONY

The Hackney Pony was originally developed by breeding a Hackney Stallion with a Fell Pony in 1866. Hackneys were also bred with Welsh Ponies. First known as Wilson Ponies, they were usually kept out all year, wintering in the inhospitable Fells of England, with little food or care. This developed the breed's toughness and endurance. By the 1880s the breed was established and was highly desired for its great trotting ability and class.

The Hackney pony may not exceed 14.2 hands and usually range between 12.0 and 14.0 hands. The Hackney pony's colors are black, bay, or chestnut.

Many Hackney pony breeders today continue to develop a quality, refined pony. In the United States, Hackney ponies had considerable influence on the American version of the Shetland pony. They were crossbred with Shetlands to produce the American Shetland show pony of today.

Hackneys are inclined to be feisty. With careful, consistent, and gentle handling, these ponies can become very affectionate and reliable mounts for children. Be advised that if a child, or trainer, is going to get into aggressive confrontations with their ponies, these ponies may become highly resistant. Consistency, not hot tempers, works best with these ponies and will lead to a more respectful companion.

HAFLINGER PONY

The breed originated in Austria, where farmers needed horses for plowing and farm work but didn't have big-enough farms to justify huge drafts horses. Some call them "the tractors of the Alps" Haflingers are always red or blond. They have long, thick, flaxen manes and tails. They are known for great disposition, and are seldom flighty or nervous. A Haflinger is an excellent choice for a child. Haflingers can carry a child or an adult.

PONY OF THE AMERICANS (POA)

The POA first was developed in 1954, when an Iowa breeder of Shetland Ponies, was offered an Appaloosa mare that had been accidentally bred to a Shetland pony stallion. The height range is 11.2 - 14.0 hands and the colors are similar to Appaloosas. These ponies are extremely athletic.

QUARTER PONY

The quarter pony has been around for many years and derived from quarter horses not reaching the AQHA's minimum height requirement (14.2 hands) of the early years. Even though the AQHA's height requirement was later phased out, the quarter pony continued, only to evolve into one of the largest and most popular pony breeds in the US today. Quarter Ponies are often seen at 4-H shows in both Western and English riding. They can make excellent mounts for children and small adults.

SHETLAND

Perhaps the oldest breed of horse in Britain is the Shetland pony. Named after the islands where it originated, it is now one of the most popular ponies in the world. They were at one point used in coal mines. Many of these ponies were born and died in the mines. Some literally never saw the light of day.

The average height is about 102 cm (40 inches; unlike other horses, Shetlands are not measured in hands). Maximum height is 117 cm. Most colors, including spotting, are found.

In addition to being gentle and loyal, the Shetland pony is also known for having a stubborn streak. The Shetland pony is highly intelligent, and will disobey a command which it thinks may be dangerous. This is a desirable trait in a children's horse, but a poorly trained Shetland pony will take advantage of an unskilled rider, and can prove difficult to handle. On the other hand, if well-trained, a Shetland pony will make an excellent riding and driving animal and is an excellent starter pony for children interested in pursuing horses.

WELSH PONY

The Welsh Pony is a breed of pony that originated in Wales in the United Kingdom. Evidence suggests that a native Welsh-type of pony existed before 1600 BC. The original Welsh Mountain Pony is thought to have evolved from the prehistoric Celtic pony. Welsh ponies were primarily developed in Wales and their ancestors existed in the British lsles. Bands of wild ponies roamed country, climbing mountains, leaping ravines, running over rough moorland terrain.

The breed ranges from 11.0 hands for the smallest ponies to over 16.0 hands for the tallest cobs. Welsh ponies may be any color except the spotted patterns such as pinto or Appaloosas.

The Welsh Pony is reputed to be trustworthy and to have a good disposition, but is also spirited and enduring. They are known for their stamina and soundness; they generally have even temperaments and friendly personalities. They are usually easily trained, in part, due to their high level of intelligence. This is an excellent pony for a child.

In Conclusion

Ponies can live up to 30 years therefore; they will actually grow with your child. Many families have been known to pass the pony on to other relatives and children. There are a lot of nice pony breeds to pick from. Taking on a pony is a big responsibility.

Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

Sherry Marshburn has been working with horses for over 20 years. She now runs a small ranch, called Paints of Texas Ranch with APHA paints outside of Austin, Texas. You can find information on horse products and tips on horses, such as buying, selling, training, or general care on this Website. For Questions, contact Sherry at sherry@paintsoftexas.com.