Where to find a pony?

[Doublechocolatetiffin]

I'm just about to start the search for a pony for my children and I'm at a bit of a loss as to where to look. Last time I bought was before Facebook stopped sales of animals. There were loads of groups you could find ponies on there. I'm looking for a 12-13hh first pony. Where do people sell them these days? There is a world of difference between the pricing of ponies on horsequest vs preloved. I'm wary of dragon driving, are there reputable sellers on there?

Most genuine first ponies are never advertised. They have waiting lists as long as their arm by word of mouth.

Do your children ride already? If so a chat with a good instructor - they will likely know horsey folk in the area and therefore links to PC types that might be outgrown.

The really good ones are as rare as hens teeth, and unless very old will not be cheap. If you find most are £7k and then you see one advertised for £1000 with a wardrobe I’d smell a rat.
There are some excellent dealers out there - Some of whom really specialise in horses for novices.
Whereabouts are you based?

Oh there are also some excellent Facebook groups that somehow get round the rules. There’s one called something like “quality horses and ponies” which does have a lot of wanted ads along the lines of
“I would like Shutterfly but they also need to take my Nan who can’t ride out hacking on the a646 after not being ridden for a month and kept in a box fed nothing but speed and mars vars… budget 89 pence”
However also has some nice horses advertised by generally reputable sellers.

Also join the two main dodgy dealer groups of Facebook and search anyone you come across first.
Run a mile from anyone that asks you for a deposit to view.

Thank you, I'll take a look at that Facebook group. I'm a bit isolated from the equestrian community where I live at the moment (Bucks). Since moving here I've always had my horses at home so I've not got to know many other equestrians in the area. I've also had a lot of children so haven't had time for lessons myself so don't know an instructor yet or had time to join pony club which is on my to do list very soon. We got lucky 4 years ago buying the most amazing Welsh A pony that my girls ride currently. I'm not sure I'll find another like her, but sadly she is going to be pts soon as we've lost the battle with cancer with her. We're devastated as well all absolutely adore her, but I know finding another will be tough so I'm starting the search as I think it'll take time.

We recently bought my daughter's first pony who is a lovely, safe cob mare; an all-round Pony Club-type of pony. She was bloody expensive though despite being a cob. We asked the yard manager of the riding school where my daughter is at to find her. I think we overpaid but safe all-rounder ponies are ridiculously priced at the moment. She is 14.2 though, so a bit taller than what you are looking for. My daughter has just competed on her (unaffiliated SJ) this weekend and she was super.

I looked at Quality Horses & Ponies UK on Facebook, as well as Horsequest and Horsemart. Pony we ended up buying was on Horsequest and Facebook as well.

Now we have her, we're also members of 2 Riding Clubs, and I would in future consider selling or buying 'known' ponies and horses within the club. In fact, it's my dearest wish that we can sell DD's pony to a youngster/family from the Riding Club who we know when DD outgrows her. People also say Pony Club is good for this.

If you stable at home then you probably do have a smaller network, but you can change that....join a club for this season, or attend a few events or training clinics and you will get to know a few instructors and coaches who might be able to recommend something to you.

Yes word of mouth is largely where it's at for regular reliable family/kids ponies, through the pony club network or clinics etc - you could get your kids some lessons at a decent riding school and ask if they know of anything for sale while you are there (although watch out for them fobbing you off with one of their own cast-offs/breakdowns), also there are some good dealers out there amongst the dodgy ones, or 'agents' who source ponies and act as middle men for private transactions seem to be more common now although probably more for higher end competition/show ponies as you will pay a premium (and do be aware you won't have the same legal protection if buying direct from a dealer even if the agent is operating commercially). Also judging by the facebook groups I'm on, buying and selling on there does still seem to be very much a thing whatever the official rules are, bit of euphemistic phrasing, use of carefully placed emojis and 'PM me hun' seems to do the job . Obviously there's plenty of chancers, fantasists and down-right fraudsters on there and the moderation can be variable so you need to have your cynical hat on as PPs say, the market still seems fast moving so do be prepared to move quickly if the pony ticks your boxes...

I bought through PC branch both times and agree with joining even if it’s just the pony club parents chat on FB. Also there are classified ads on the PC website. Good luck and sorry to hear about the pony you are loosing, that is very sad. We were in the same position recently and bought a young cob for £4k who was worth it although a lot more than they used to cost. I looked around and she was the only one I liked and didn’t see another/ naggle of get her vetted but I have a few and it’s years since I have done that. I would say keep your child’s style of riding and what you want to do in mind and prioritise temperament. When you have tested they with a hack etc and see a good one go for it and put the deposit down. I favour trying them in bad weather within reason if that is possible and don’t be afraid to have a good look over them, try them in a spooky situation. Best of luck

Thank you everyone, it sounds like I need to join pony club. I just don't know how to fit it all into our lives. I need at least an extra day in the week. We were very lucky finding our lovely girl we have now, I am so sad to be losing her.

Pony club and through word of mouth. Ask vets, farriers , instructor - all are asked.