Dare we own a pony?

[Fudgeball123]

We live in the countryside and have a small field and are surrounded by fields.
The children (age 8 and 11) have been going to a riding stables for a year and 'sharing' so riding 2-3 days a week and at the stables for 7-8 hours per day. They love it and have made good progress with riding as they are riding 4-6 hours per week.
The stables is closing til Easter for the 'wet' season. And DD is getting anxious that they are planning to sell the ponies and do liveries rather than pony lessons.
So the children are asking about buying a pony / two ponies.
I totally understand that in winter they would only be able to ride at weekends in term time. The ponies at the stables are out all year round (with rugs) as there are no stables (they would need to build those to do livery!).
So I wondering if we have the land / can rent it directly behind our house. If we build a stable / tackroom / shelter but keep the ponies outside all year round. They can hack from our house to woods with paths. Of course we don't have a menage but we do know people a 15 min walk away with a menage so we could walk to that.
Our kids are currently spending some 16 hours a week outside in all weathers with ponies. I know a chap who sells small bales of hay for £3 each.
I realise the additional costs of farrier, vaccinations, insurance etc. And we would need a trailer for transport.
Is this a good idea or still a nightmare and a time sink? (Of course I will wait to see what happens with the stables as its my preference they continue with that).

I think it's a fair comment to some extent about the negativity and I think it's something you see on other boards too e.g. going by a lot of posts on the doghouse 99% of people should never own a dog . I am aware I come across that way myself sometimes and I do try and give a balanced view but on MN especially there are a lot of non horsey parents who feel almost obliged to get their DC a pony or they somehow aren't supporting them which needs countering IMO. And on other horsey groups and forums (not here to be fair) there can be quite a strong anti riding school vibe where people imply that children will never progress in their riding without owning their own, which simply isn't true. So people coming here for advice like the OP should carefully weigh up all the options and fully understand the costs and risks of ownership as well as the benefits before taking the plunge which I think is where some of the off-putting type comments come from. But of course horse ownership is also a huge joy and delight, particularly if you have deep pockets and good support and advise so I really hope OP isn't too put off doing it one day if not right away

Start with your ponies at livery so that you have support and guidance and facilities whilst you get to know your new ponies. Your children will enjoy having others around them and they will build a good confident relationship with their pony.

During this time you can prepare you facilities at home. it is likely that you will need to move you ponies at some point during the year to rest your land and let it recover. - It is likely to get very muddy and sour with year round use.

If you buy new ponies and take them straight back to a 'novice' home there will be teething problems (there always are) which may well result in a loss of nerve and backwards steps.

Yes - they are a time sink and a HUGE money pit BUT they are a fabulous hobby and lifestyle choice!

oh yes - sign them up to the local pony club. They can do all their stable management badges and start learning.