If your child has been taking regular lessons, and you are now ready to buy your own animal, ask for advice from your instructor. 

He or she will be very familiar with your child’s ability and the type of pony best suited to him or her.

If the pony is primarily intended for Pony Club activities, buy it from a family who were using the  pony for exactly that.  A pony that was doing something else could be too sharp or difficult for your child.

Put the word out that you are looking for a pony. Many good ponies are never sold, but go ‘on loan’ from family to family as different riders out grow one pony and need another one.  

Check our BUY AND SELL section in case there is anything suitable there.

Don’t ‘over-mount’ the rider – this means buying a pony that is too big or too athletic for the child,  thinking that he or she will grow into it. The rider may just experience some nasty falls that will put them off riding all together.

Be careful about buying from someone you don’t know, or who does not come highly recommended.  The pony may not do exactly what it says on the tin!

Get the pony on trial if you can.  This means that you can take it home for an agreed period, usually a week or so, so you can try it out in the comfort of your own surroundings, giving the rider a chance to decide if he or she really likes the pony.

While you have the pony on trial, ask other experienced friends to look it over.

A slightly older and more experienced rider than your child will be able to give you a fairly accurate assessment of the pony after riding it several times in a range of circumstances.

Don’t fall in love with the pony until it has passed the vet.  If it doesn’t pass the vet for any reason, you may have to start your search all over again.

See can you buy tack and equipment with the pony – a pony that comes complete with saddle, bridle and winter rugs is a great buy!