So your Child wants a Pony
Ranked #4,055 in Parenting & Kids, #141,653 overall
Please, Please, Please can I have a Pony Please?
If your son or daughter has been begging you for a pony of their very own, you've come to the right place. Here you will find lots of information on finding that perfect pony.Good Luck!
I remember desperately wanting a pony when I was a little girl, but even a little pony is a big responsibility. A well trained pony can help your child build confidence, character and dicipline.
I remember desperately wanting a pony when I was a little girl, but even a little pony is a big responsibility. A well trained pony can help your child build confidence, character and dicipline.
Pony Primer
- Horse Talk -- I Want A Pony
- Besides wanting your child to be truly ready for this type of responsibility, it's important to first ask yourself are YOU ready for your child to have a pony. Realistically much of the responsibility and work will fall upon you, unless you're dealing with an older child with some experience. That being said, and with your willingness to support your child's passion for ponies, there are a number of factors to consider before you go out and buy your child's first mount.
- Equusite.com - Your Child's First Pony
- Your Child's First Pony: what do you need to know before purchasing your child's first pony? Find out in this article...
- Buying A Child's First Pony FAQ
- Frequently asked questions about buying your child's first pony. Tips and recommendations for choosing the perfect pony for your child.
Pony Clubs
- Welcome To The World Of Small Equine
- The American Shetland Pony Club was founded in 1888 as a registry to keep the pedigrees for all the Shetlands that were being imported from Europe at that time.
It has expanded to four separate breeds under one club: The Classic American Shetland Pony, The Modern American Shetland Pony, The American Miniature Horse Registry and The American Show Pon - WELSH PONIES & COBS
- Welcome to the Official Web Site of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America, Inc. We hope you enjoy seeing and learning about the wonderful world of Welsh Ponies and Cobs.
- Welcome to the United States Pony Clubs
- The United States Pony Clubs is one of the leading junior equestrian organizations in the world, represented throughout 30 countries.It is not necessary for a child to own a horse or pony, but they must have access to one when required. Programs are offered in dressage, eventing, show jumping, mounted games, tetrathlon, quiz, vaulting, foxhunting, and polocrosse.
- 4-H
- The official site for, by, and about 4-H youth in the United States
New Flickr Photos
Pony Breeds
Looking for the perfect pony? Who isn't? Good ponies-those who can teach kids the ropes when it comes to horsemanship-are said to be worth their weight in gold.
When looking at ponies, there are several breeds from which to choose. Knowing certain breed characteristics will help you determine if the pony you are looking at is a good representative of his breed. Good luck finding the perfect pony!
What exactly is a pony, by definition? How does it differ from what we call a horse? Well, a pony is, in fact, a horse. Ponies are a sub-classification of light horses, which are those used for riding. The main difference between a pony and a horse is that a pony is under 14.2 hands. To this end, just about any horse who meets the height requirement can be shown in pony classes. However, there are certain breeds where all the individuals registered must meet pony requirements. These are called pony breeds.
Shetland
While this breed originated in the British Isles, it is now quite popular here in the United States. The Shetland has the distinction of being the smallest of the ponies. While it is certainly possible to learn to ride on a well-trained Shetland pony, their small stature means they are quickly outgrown. They also have a fairly bumpy gait, which makes them not so ideal for riding. But don't worry, American Shetland ponies have certainly found their niche! As very fancy driving ponies, you can usually find them pulling carts, carriages and buggies. One of the best things about Shetland ponies is that they are able to grow really thick winter coats. To this end, they are ideal ponies for people in cold climates. According to breed standards, Shetlands can be any color, including multicolored patterns such as the Paint horse.
Welsh
Welsh ponies originated in a part of Great Britain known as Wales. Welsh ponies are considered among the best of the riding ponies, and are known for their smooth gaits and tractable, willing natures. According to breed rules they come in four sizes, which range from 12 to 15 hands. But wait, you say, doesn't a pony have to be under 14.2 hands in order to be classified as a pony? Good catch! In fact, three of the sizes are actually pony sizes. Horses of the largest Welsh size are considered "cobs," or small horses. A cob can be just about perfect for a rider who has outgrown their pony, but is still too small for a horse. Because of this the versatile Welsh pony breed is not only ideal for children, but many adults on the small side have enjoyed Welsh cobs as well!
POA
POA stands for Pony of the Americas. This breed was founded in the United States in 1956. Original POAs were developed by cross-breeding Shetland Ponies with Appaloosa horses, as well as Quarter Horses and Arabians. POAs share the breed characteristics of their founding stock, and range in height from 11.2 hands to 13.2 hands. Because of their Appaloosa heritage, they come in a wide variety of coat patterns. POAs work well for both riding and driving.
Connemara
The Connemara is an Irish pony that has Arabian horses in its ancestry. Connemaras are known for being one of the taller pony breeds, as many of them stand in the 14.2-hand range. Connemaras are often gray or black, although registry rules also allow them to be brown, bay, or dun. Connemaras have very smooth gaits, are willing learners, and are often very athletic. They excel in a wide variety of disciplines, from riding to driving, and are well-suited to both children and driving adults.
When looking at ponies, there are several breeds from which to choose. Knowing certain breed characteristics will help you determine if the pony you are looking at is a good representative of his breed. Good luck finding the perfect pony!
What exactly is a pony, by definition? How does it differ from what we call a horse? Well, a pony is, in fact, a horse. Ponies are a sub-classification of light horses, which are those used for riding. The main difference between a pony and a horse is that a pony is under 14.2 hands. To this end, just about any horse who meets the height requirement can be shown in pony classes. However, there are certain breeds where all the individuals registered must meet pony requirements. These are called pony breeds.
Shetland
While this breed originated in the British Isles, it is now quite popular here in the United States. The Shetland has the distinction of being the smallest of the ponies. While it is certainly possible to learn to ride on a well-trained Shetland pony, their small stature means they are quickly outgrown. They also have a fairly bumpy gait, which makes them not so ideal for riding. But don't worry, American Shetland ponies have certainly found their niche! As very fancy driving ponies, you can usually find them pulling carts, carriages and buggies. One of the best things about Shetland ponies is that they are able to grow really thick winter coats. To this end, they are ideal ponies for people in cold climates. According to breed standards, Shetlands can be any color, including multicolored patterns such as the Paint horse.
Welsh
Welsh ponies originated in a part of Great Britain known as Wales. Welsh ponies are considered among the best of the riding ponies, and are known for their smooth gaits and tractable, willing natures. According to breed rules they come in four sizes, which range from 12 to 15 hands. But wait, you say, doesn't a pony have to be under 14.2 hands in order to be classified as a pony? Good catch! In fact, three of the sizes are actually pony sizes. Horses of the largest Welsh size are considered "cobs," or small horses. A cob can be just about perfect for a rider who has outgrown their pony, but is still too small for a horse. Because of this the versatile Welsh pony breed is not only ideal for children, but many adults on the small side have enjoyed Welsh cobs as well!
POA
POA stands for Pony of the Americas. This breed was founded in the United States in 1956. Original POAs were developed by cross-breeding Shetland Ponies with Appaloosa horses, as well as Quarter Horses and Arabians. POAs share the breed characteristics of their founding stock, and range in height from 11.2 hands to 13.2 hands. Because of their Appaloosa heritage, they come in a wide variety of coat patterns. POAs work well for both riding and driving.
Connemara
The Connemara is an Irish pony that has Arabian horses in its ancestry. Connemaras are known for being one of the taller pony breeds, as many of them stand in the 14.2-hand range. Connemaras are often gray or black, although registry rules also allow them to be brown, bay, or dun. Connemaras have very smooth gaits, are willing learners, and are often very athletic. They excel in a wide variety of disciplines, from riding to driving, and are well-suited to both children and driving adults.
Tips on Buying Your First Pony
1) Expect to pay a reasonable amount, well trained ponies aren't any cheaper for training costs than any other breed including large horse breeds.2)Be reasonable about what your child is capable of, if you have a trainer "LISTEN" to them they can be the judge of what your child needs, otherwise you are just wasting your money, a very well trained pony is always the first choice for a beginner.
3)There is no such thing as a bombproof pony, Horses can be dangerous; kids need to be taught to ride safely and "RULES" for safety. Kids must be supervised while riding until they can make the correct choices. I strongly advise Pony Club, 4-H or any other youth organization.
4)Remember not every seller is ethical, there are those out there who will gladly take your money don't believe everything you hear from a seller check it out ask around, ask other people or ask for references from the seller from people who have bought and are satisfied , listen too your own gut feeling, don't be dazzled by a particular bloodline, bloodlines are just one part of the entire picture when shopping for a childs pony temperament is of the utmost importance.
Buy at AllPosters.com
Ranches and Riding
- Peaceful Valley Ranch International Children's and Ponies' Ranch of Bandera in the Texas Hill Country
- Peaceful Valley Ranch is a real working ranch just for children right in Bandera, TX, the Cowboy Capital of the World. All of our programs are specifically designed for boys and girls, 3-11 years old. A colorful herd of gentle and small ponies, miles of trails for riding or hiking, some friendly pack llamas to carry our picnics, a flock of sheep to round up, a gently sloped pool to cool down in, the river and the creek to explore, themed air-conditioned accommodations, and much more; all the ingredients are there to make each child's visit or stay an unforgettable experience.
- Personal Ponies Ltd.
- A unique non-profit organization dedicated to providing children with special needs, a tiny U.K. Shetland Pony to love and care for, completely without charge. Our ponies make magic in children's lives!.
Great Stuff on Amazon
Pony Gear
Guestbook
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d-artist Jan 24, 2011 @ 12:47 pm | delete
- Great lens and great advice! I feel ponies are actually harder to handle, they are strong and strong willed, but a child can learn a great deal from them...lenrolled to my 'Princess Pony' lens
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MoonShrine
Jan 25, 2011 @ 11:59 pm | delete
- That's a common misconception that ponies are harder to handle, it usually results from improper training, because they are so small people often don't take their training seriously, they require the same level of training as a full sized horse. You wouldn't put your child on a strong-willed horse, why would you put them on a strong willed pony. Taking the time to find a well trained pony is well worth the effort. Thanks!
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vallain Dec 21, 2010 @ 6:48 pm | delete
- Aw, I really, really wanted a pony when I was a kid. Great learning experience.
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MoonShrine
Dec 22, 2010 @ 6:09 pm | delete
- I really wanted one when I was a kid too, I didn't get my first Pony until I bought one for my son!
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GoodInfo
Oct 17, 2007 @ 10:34 pm | delete
- You have a lot of good advice here. Five stars!
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