Buying a pony...

[HedgeHogFoxBadger]

I am just thinking abut this. Currently sharing a pony, pay £80 a month and can pretty much ride when I want. I have 3 girls aged 17, 13 and 5 (older 2 can ride) I work part time.
My friend who owns my share pony has space for my own one but I am not sure....
The cost, the commitment....

It's going to cost a good bit more. Will the girls help with the work?

Most horse owners I know work full time plus kids, but they are a tie. If you are keeping with your friend, you might be able to arrange to share duties and cover holidays, or pay for full livery for maximum flexibility (likely 4/5x your current monthly outgoing as a minimum mind). If you keep at your friend's yard for free/cheap, just consider what will happen if you are ever asked to leave. Can you afford to go elsewhere? Buying a pony is the cheap part! But I love mine to death and wouldn't be without them, even though mine are currently both field ornaments (one 30 y/o - ex-pony clubber - and a shetland companion).

Thanks. Part livery will be £300 a month including basic feed, hay and straw...
plus vets fees, shoes and insurance

Plus I feel I have a good bond with my share pony now after months of hard work! Im not sure I could give her up

I totally get this. I have a similar situation and it's a heart over head thing. I'm sticking to head ruling for now (sharing!)
Can your girls ride the share pony or is the potential pony for them?

Would you financially be able to afford unexpected costs. Mine had colic recently. Cost £350 for the vet to come out stick a hand up his bum and administer some injections. The excess on my insurance is £250 so there was no point in going through my insurance.