Why can't I find the perfect pony/livery?!

[Mummytotwox]

Or am I being too fussy?

Pony wise, for dd. she's nearly 6, been riding 12months. We have loaned before and got on amazing with pony, but he was only 5. And the owner decided to sell without warning. Leaving me with a very upset dd :(.

I have looked everywhere! I don't want a young pony. I would like a been there done it all, something we could show next year, gelding, who loves being groomed and isn't fazed by anything. (Old pony used to spook!).
A big dope on a rope.

Livery I want somewhere within 20min drive. Preferably somewhere private, very friendly, not £200pm for DIY!, would need turn out- but would prefer live out all year if pony can.

Is it too much to ask :(

Such ponies exist, they just take some finding and despite what everyone says, are holding their price.

Livery is harder, I am beyond grateful for our set-up but it wouldn't be to everyone's taste- no facilities to speak of, ankle deep in mud and rather shabby. Maybe decide what the most important things are for you?

A few years ago when we were in the same position someone gave us the very good advice to wait until DD was 10 as she would then be able to handle pony by herself, and at that age you can get something they won't grow out of too quickly.

I am very glad I listened to that advice. IMO 5 YO is too young to own a pony. I know that isn't what you asked, but it was such good advice I wanted to pass it on.

Yeah tbh I did tell her when she was 10. X

I can't help you with the pony bit, but looking for livery is like looking for a house. You have your 'ideal' in your head, but you need to compromise. For example, when I was looking 4 years ago, I chose atmosphere over hacking. My yard is just amazing and the hacking has improved a lot since I've been there but there is a lot of roadwork and not much off road, I know for some this would be a nightmare, however it was a compromise I was willing to take and it paid off.

Good luck with your search.

Wrong time of year I am afraid. Anyone who has a decent pony would want to wait till spring to find it the best home possible. Selling in the middle of winter, right before Christmas is a terrible time to sell and sends the message that the seller is desperate.

Also the kind of pony you want will be loaned or sold through word of mouth. Have you tried the local Pony Club or the RSs around you in case they have something suitable?

Where abouts are you?

Leicestershire x

Agree with booboos, this is totally the wrong time of year to be looking. And bombproof first ponies who are good enough to show are usually sold by word of mouth. If I were you I'd spend your money on lessons and join a pony club centre (based at riding schools), be as friendly and helpful as possible until you get a reputation for being knowledgeable and sensible, that's how you'll get a decent loan. Good luck.

You might be near me. I agree with the previous posters I'm afraid,wrong time of year as all the decent ones will be off the market until spring now. The Pony Club suggestion is an excellent one and you'll be better placed to hear about any good ponies.

Good luck,I really think that First ridden ponies are the hardest to find.We have a lovely one,but looked for years for another like her and never found one.We've got people queueing up for dpony when DD2 outgrows her,despite my saying that she's going nowhere and the fact that she can be a cantankerous old bag when she feels like it.

Woodhouse Eaves any good to you? Can't help with pony but our livery is fantastic and about £20 a week.

Ponies like that tend to be passed on without being widely advertised, usually just by word of mouth. Everyone wants a really safe first ridden pony with no vices that can do well at shows for their children, and they are not that easy to produce. With the smaller, finer types, even just finding someone small but capable and willing to back them can be a bit of a challenge, let alone all the desensitising work and getting them able to be ridden by a child.

I agree that asking at (and getting involved with) the local pony clubs would be a good idea. I also agree that this is probably not the best time of year to be looking and you will probably find a wider selection of ponies available in spring/coming into summer. Although, if you let us know exactly what you are looking for, then maybe someone on here can help? Are you looking for lead rein or first ridden?

What is your budget like? These ponies are sought after types, and it may be that you are not really looking in the right price range, especially if you want something registered for showing.

Look at it like this:
You have a pony. You've loved it, fed it, cosseted it, trained it and wrapped it in cotton wool the whole time,it is your childs best friend.
Over the years, you've spent a fortune on tack, schooling lessons, pony club, show entries, clothing, days out, he's turned into a solid, dependable little chap who shows nicely and has never tried to kill anyone.
If you ever decided you needed to sell him, even now, he'd be worth several thousand pounds.
Would you be willing to basically GIVE him to a complete stranger? To see him disappear in to the sunset to God knows where, with God knows who, to be spoilt, ignorantly treated, and very possibly ruined, with nothing but an "agreement" and the hope that you might ever see him again and that somebody else wont sell him on and reap the benefits of all of your years of hard work?
Because that's basically what loaning is!
I'd never do it. My animals stay where I can oversee their welfare.
I personally think that you ARE asking a lot.