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Selling beloved pony and how to do it!

32 replies

Ponyclubkick · 05/02/2022 11:40

My daughter has outgrown her beloved pony who we have had for the last 5 years and it’s time to decide what to do next which is absolutely breaking my heart.

I wish I was in a financial position with the option of keeping him with us or putting into long term loan but unfortunately we are not and with two girls and two ponies we now need to decide what to do next.

He is absolutely great and PC all rounder with a great jump and no doubt we will find him another local PC home which of course be vetted to an inch of its life but just not really sure how to go about it and also what to ask for him.

For context He’s a 12.1 19 year old Irish sports pony lots of life, energy, cheek in him, he’s done everything from camp to area dressage to PC games, and has qualified for mini champs with both my girls.

Would you sell locally enough/into the same PC so that’d you bump into him weekly, is that fair on anyone, or would it be better to have home close by so girls would still get to see.

What do I ask for him? He is obviously an older pony (not that you’d know it) and I want to ensure he’s going somewhere fantastic. Home obviously comes ahead of the money but I’m wondering if asking for that bit more will give me a bit more reassurance that his well-being is priority...

We also need to find something else for daughter and will obviously need more that buttons!

I could really do with some advice as just can’t think about if objectively without the emotional attachment involved.

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Oogabooga123 · 13/03/2022 22:34

DDs 14 hand pony was £500 when we bought her aged 21.

It was more a nominal sum to cover the cost of her saddle.

I wouldn’t have wanted to pay more than that as she is now 25, and despite still going strong she could easily live another 10+ years and she will be retiring after this summer. Taking on an oldie is amazing but it comes with the huge commitment of seeing them through their retirement and the end of their days. Finding a home willing to do that is worth far more than the money.

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2012860363 · 04/03/2022 10:36

Hi @Ponyclubkick can I ask, did you see your lovely pony?

On the lookout for a 12h for my daughter who does PC Smile

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CountryCob · 22/02/2022 19:34

A pony can go on until 30 as in it is possible in the same way a 45 year old woman can wait until then to try for babies and manage get pregnant straight away, which having had many infertility issues and been told this I feel it is not too insensitive to say. So it is possible but for every pony that does there are quite a few that don’t. Year after year of PC activities take their toll. Meanwhile everything from laminitis to breaks and muscle trouble get harder to deal with and likelihood of Cushings increases……. Sorry I realise that sounds blunt but I think the idea that ponies can go on forever because a few do is not as straightforward as often presented…..

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Catinacupboard · 22/02/2022 07:48

If you are in a pony club I would talk to your DC, they can often help find the right next home within the club (and next pony for you). I think you are getting a hard time on here, I am fortunate enough to have my most special childhood pony still, but many people sell on. If the home is well vetted and aware of what they are getting and the pony will enjoy being ridden and loved by another child that's much better than sitting in a field. A pony at 19 could have 15 years still to go, I know plenty of games ponies competing internationally up to 30. Loaning and leasing can be a bit of a minefield, if you have the contacts it can be great but I would be reluctant to do so to someone I didn't know. (Also there's not much point in getting a vetting done yourself before sale as many people would want to get their own done if it matters to them).

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Leonberger · 22/02/2022 07:30

Could you loan him out and save the £££ costs you would have spent competing etc to save for another?

It’s a difficult one, I’ve sold many many good ponies in my time as I used to break, school and sell for a hobby but I would struggle with an older pony. I would have happily loaned out to a pony club family though, he could have loads of children out there to teach.

Saying that I have a retired 15.2hh that’s spent the past 10 years doing nothing…he’s almost 30 now!!

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BertramLacey · 21/02/2022 13:40

To me @Dobbysgotthesocks very much sounds like an equestrian. Not everyone in the world of equitation buys into the idea that children should have a 12 hand pony, then a 13.2, then a 14.2, then a horse. Not everyone wants to buy and sell them, particularly as they get older. I had my last horse for ten years, six of them he was working, the last four he was retired. I still rode but I didn't have a horse of my own in that period. I appreciate it's more difficult to ask a child to do that. But I don't think you can castigate PP for not being an 'equestrian' simply because they're not chanting the received mantra.

So essentially you are asking his new owners to commit to him for life, which is what you are saying you can't do, which doesn't quite sit right with me.

I think this is what makes a bit uneasy too. I've seen it happen with a lot of horses and ponies. They get to a particular age and people sell them because it's the last chance to sell them without it being completely clear that they'll need to retire soon. It does mean that other owners can get the opportunity to buy a fantastic older horse or pony but I do think that unless that kind of home comes along, we do need to step up and take care of our equines, even if it means we don't get to do exactly what we want.

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BillyCongo · 19/02/2022 22:28

I'd quite happily buy a 19 year old pony, if it was a good one. I couldn't bloody find one! Currently have a 36 year old pony who I took on loan as needed a companion for my horse. We adore her and she will have a lovely home to end of her days with us. Unfortunately she's just too elderly to be ridden by DD. There are good homes for older ponies out there.

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ImFree2doasiwant · 19/02/2022 22:07

I think you're getting a rough time here OP, and I say that as someone who struggles to sell on. I currently have a 35yr old pony I've owned since she was 11.

19 isn't "very elderly" . My 35 yr old is very elderly but actually was ridden lightly til last year. Ridden lightly because she was still too much pony for my DC.

My friend has just sold an absolute Saint of a pony, 12hh, aged 14, for 2.5k but judging by the response to her advert, could have added another grand. Proper first pony, that is sage as houses and will also canter and pop a small jump.

I would advertise through PC if I were you

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maxelly · 07/02/2022 12:54

It's a tricky one because at 19 he's on the cusp for me, I am not anti selling on of children's ponies, have done it myself, and while I wouldn't describe a 19 year old pony as elderly - yet! - would be different for a horse - he potentially has up to 10 years working life left, definitely too young to be pensioned off with no job to do, that's for sure. But he is at the age where health problems can start to emerge and when his next rider outgrows him in 3ish years time he will be into his 20s and start to be a difficult proposition to move on safely and responsibly to his next rider after that. So essentially you are asking his new owners to commit to him for life, which is what you are saying you can't do, which doesn't quite sit right with me. I guess if you (or your Pony Club DC) personally knew the family and were really sure they honestly have the facilities, finances and desire to keep a herd of retirees then I would be prepared to let him go at a low ish price to compensate for the fact that they are unlikely to be able to sell on again (for me this would be £2000 or less, given he'd be worth maybe £4-5k if he was in his low teens) - but it would be an absolutely terrible idea to advertise at that price as you'd just be asking for some total fraudster with £££ in their eyes to sell him on again next week for twice the price to anyone that will buy, so I think you are going to have to keep it very discreet, local and within your own network so you can be 100% sure you trust the buyer as genuine, and even then it is a risk because people can always surprise you esp where money is involved. Personally I would not put him on any kind of sales livery or riding school sale for commission arrangement as with the best will in the world their job will be to get him sold ASAP not finding him a home for life so while I am sure they will tell a good story about how they vet buyers etc, they are never going to take the same care and attention over it you are, and from a buyers point of view the dodgy people out there will probably feel fine about spinning a yarn to a 'business' to get a pony at a good price - oh yes we'll keep him forever, we own our own fields and so on, while meaning no such thing. At least if it's someone known to you and who you will sell around the place regularly, they risk having to look you in the eye if they lie to your face? Don't bother vetting him pre-sale, buyers will only have to do their own vetting again (if they're sensible anyway) so that's all money you can save to put towards your next purchase.

And unless the perfect home comes along then I would have to say you'll need to look at loaning him out (as others have said this does come with pitfalls) and then look at a loan pony or share for your DD. I know someone will probably point out the obvious that 13.2 safe fun 2nd ponies for full loan don't grow on trees but there may be someone in your area in the exact same predicament as you, with an older pony they don't want to sell but would prefer not to have the costs of that you could loan for a season. Or you say you already have 2, what is your second pony, I assume it belongs to other DD but are they of an age/ability where they can share for a while? I know this is going to be hard for your DD, but if she didn't have a pony of her own for a bit and you saved the livery costs for 6 months you'd be a good chunk of the way towards the cost of a new pony for her and it might perhaps do her good to have lessons on RS ponies or share some different sorts for a while anyway?

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CountryCob · 06/02/2022 16:18

It is worth saying that loan homes are not always great and can always be given the pony back. If there is no space to keep the pony then that is a risk. With the elderly pony we took on we were known as a caring and competent home and I can say that the stuff the pony came with - rugs/ tack etc were worth more than we paid for the pony. So the sellers were generous and I think got a good deal in that a lot of responsibility was passed on, I don’t think I would have bought the absolutely excellent pony otherwise. I bought lots of stuff after that. Increasingly age was a factor in health and dentistry etc although there were no conditions to treat. It was worth it for us but I am not sure I would do it again having gone through the ponies last days. Ultimately we didn’t have that long with the pony as it’s age caught up with it. Ponies that have done a lot have the bodies to prove it. I have been offered national level ponies at around the price suggested at 17 and am thinking that is a bit much and I will probably take a educated chance on a younger one. But ultimately the answer to the question will come with whether someone is happy to take the pony on. I do think it is realistic to say that a pony coming up to 20 is an old pony and at some point it needs to be accepted that it is a (loved) liability rather than an asset

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Pleasedontdothat · 06/02/2022 14:14

If you loaned him out then you wouldn’t have his livery costs. I know he’s doing well now but he’s at the age where it wouldn’t be surprising if something started to go wrong or he needed to slow down.

So you’re not going to get more than £3-4K for him - for me that wouldn’t be worth the guilt of not ensuring he was well looked-after for the rest of his life. And to be honest if the lack of £3-4K is what’s stopping you from being able to get your dd another horse then is it financially viable at all right now?

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Honeyroar · 06/02/2022 13:53

I am another that thinks you give an older horse/pony a home for life. I consider over 18 my cut off. Even if that means not getting another. And I am a seasoned equestrian- I am a qualified instructor and I have a 19 yr old and 24 yr old myself.

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Floralnomad · 06/02/2022 13:39

Well each to their own and fit or not that is an elderly pony that you are looking to sell and at that size lots of people do look to loan because they know the pony won’t last long before it’s outgrown . I must be mighty odd because if my dad had said to me my first horse had to be sold to fund another I would rather have kept the horse and not ridden and we’ve always kept ours on various types of livery .

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Ponyclubkick · 06/02/2022 13:10

@Floralnomad yes I agree that this is the absolute ideal and I’d be absolutely thrilled if I was in a position to do so, owned our own land etc but we are not...

We are in a livery yard and cannot afford to pay for more than two.

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BadgerStripes · 06/02/2022 13:03

@Piggy42

I think at 19 you should put him out on loan. He’s given you the last, best 5 years of his life you need to be responsible for him now.

This
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Floralnomad · 06/02/2022 13:00

@Ponyclubkick lots of people don’t sell on their horses and ponies , I’ve owned continuously since 1979 for this very reason , I’ve seen 3 horses and 1 pony through to the end of their lives and we still have our sons pony living out her twilight years ( son and pony are now 29) .

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Ponyclubkick · 06/02/2022 12:52

@CaptainClover thanks, that’s what thought, about the £4.5k mark.

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Dobbysgotthesocks · 06/02/2022 12:52

[quote Ponyclubkick]@Dobbysgotthesocks I’m not really sure why you’re hanging out around here as you are clearly not an equestrian.

People sell ponies on it, especially good ones that have a lot more to give and have been through PC/RC etc, no one would ever have them if not.[/quote]
I'm a horse owner of more than 20 years thanks!
Just because something happens regularly doesn't mean it's right or ok.

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Ponyclubkick · 06/02/2022 12:51

@Dobbysgotthesocks I’m not really sure why you’re hanging out around here as you are clearly not an equestrian.

People sell ponies on it, especially good ones that have a lot more to give and have been through PC/RC etc, no one would ever have them if not.

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CaptainClover · 06/02/2022 12:45

Do an advert and get your PC sec. to email it to other branches in your area?
19 isn't that old at all for a pony, if he is as versatile as you say he will be worth a decent amount atm.
I've know good all rounder/games ponies in their 20s sell recently for between £3k and £6k.

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Dobbysgotthesocks · 06/02/2022 12:45

[quote Ponyclubkick]@MrsWinters thank you we had thought about doing this.

@Dobbysgotthesocks he’s not a horse, he is a pony and unfortunately as much as like mine or be the acceptance to the rule, children grow!!

it’s really very simple, we cannot afford to buy something new for daughter without the sale of the old, it’s financially not possible for us and she is too big for him!

He is not some old foot sore nag that has been passed to piller to post, he is successful in BSJ, has qualified for some fairly big events even on the last few months and keeps my daughters on their toes daily and has never had a day off sick in the whole 5 years we have had him, he will also have a 5* vetting before we advertise.[/quote]
@Ponyclubkick if you can't afford another one then it's simple isn't it. She doesn't have one! We can't all have what we want. You have a responsibility to the pony. You can't just shrug that off because he no longer suits. Ponies are not machines, they are living creatures who deserve respect and stability. Passing them on from home to home isn't right or fair.

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Ponyclubkick · 06/02/2022 12:41

*exception

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Ponyclubkick · 06/02/2022 12:41

@MrsWinters thank you we had thought about doing this.

@Dobbysgotthesocks he’s not a horse, he is a pony and unfortunately as much as like mine or be the acceptance to the rule, children grow!!

it’s really very simple, we cannot afford to buy something new for daughter without the sale of the old, it’s financially not possible for us and she is too big for him!

He is not some old foot sore nag that has been passed to piller to post, he is successful in BSJ, has qualified for some fairly big events even on the last few months and keeps my daughters on their toes daily and has never had a day off sick in the whole 5 years we have had him, he will also have a 5* vetting before we advertise.

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Dobbysgotthesocks · 06/02/2022 12:25

@Ponyclubkick

I wish loaning him was an option, I really do but we don’t want to loan the next pony up due to bad experiences (Pony been taken back, etc) so financially need to money to buy the next.

Our options are to sell or loan and daughter doesn’t ride.

Can I ask why loaning is not an option? It would be the only fair thing for the pony really.
Personally I think it's irresponsible to sell on horses like people do. If you don't want responsibility for them for life then don't bloody have them and certainly don't sell him and then buy another horse! What example is that for your children?
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MrsWinters · 06/02/2022 12:15

I’d speak with PC of local riding school. A Riding School might ask for a commission but can help in getting a good home. Even if moneys tight it might be worth putting a first refusal clause in the contract when you sell so the next owner comes back to you in the first instance?

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