Future proofing pony choice

[Blankscreen]

I've posted on here recently about the issues with our new pony. I completely misjudged my daughter's riding ability.

It's been a rollercoaster 3 months but we have just sold our pony and whilst we need to reflect I do want to get another one. I enjoy having a horse in our lives so I am considering options.

Dd is 11 and 4'11. The pony we have just sold is 14.1 but quite slender. A couple of people commented that she could probably go bigger if I want the pony to last.

I'm at a loss as to where to start.

Anything suitable in 14.2 range are £12k plus.

Step down 13.3.-14.h and they are circa £8.5k which is my max budget.

I just can't afford £12k.

Part of me thinks just get the best pony I can for what is right for now and be happy if it lasts 2-3 years by which times she'll probably be ready to step up or hold out for something slightly bigger in the hope it lasts her 'forever' in terms of size.

I'vee seen a nice 14h chunky gelding for sale that sound wonderful but I'm worried he won't last that long. He takes up the leg as he's round.

I'm not sure I can buy a pony for an 11 year old that will last her forever but find the whole process overwhelming I can't face doing it again anytime soon .

What would you do?

Im 5ft 5in, chunky as fuck and my pony is a 14h highland. She takes up my leg (and fat arse) is in 6ft 6in rugs. Basically a 16h horse on shetland legs.

Don't look at the height, look at the frame. There are a few similar ponies on our yard, cobs at 14h ish, that tootle round with kids and teens on, but also have taller riders. People get so caught up on how tall something is but rug and saddle size (mine takes a 17.5 in) is a better guide.

And try and buy something that suits her confidence now, but has the ability to step up a gear as she progresses. It's the proverbial rocking horse shit, and I'd try and go by personal recommendations rather than a dealer. Really good, genuine ponies rarely end up with a dealer ime. Especially kids ponies, there is usually a queue for them.

Be patient, mingle in your equestrian community (riding clubs, shows, book lessons at different yards) and the right pony will find you.

Find yourself a golden oldie. The been there done that riding school kind of horse - or if that’s not an option a cheap OTTB you can restart. They’re usually bombproof and very loving but still flashy enough to show and quick enough to have fun with. You can buy straight off the track for £1k or pay around £4k for one someone’s already re-educated. Less racing history the better and I’d advise anything over 6/7yo. Look at ex racehorses for sale pages on Facebook - it’s where I found my wonderful 5yo. I paid £2500 with all her tack (stupid as none of it was right for her so replaced it all), gave her 6 months off and restarted her. She’s an angel, I’d put my grandma on her. Must be a knowledgeable home though - it was not an easy feat getting her fitness and weight sorted!!

Sorry @Smurphy99 but advising a parent to get an OTTB for a small 11 year old who’s already had their confidence dented by an unsuitable pony is bonkers! Yes, ex-racers can be fabulous but definitely not the right option for OP’s dd…

Actually every single one I’ve met has been kind, gentle, willing to please and very easy.

@Smurphy99 my dd retrains TBs so I’m well aware that the vast majority are lovely. Having said that, advising a parent to get an OTTB for a very small 11 year old whose confidence has taken a knock from an unsuitable pony is still absolutely bonkers..,

OK be wary of the dealer - check out the other adverts - are they all confidence givers for novices because tnat would give you a clue. They are not that common.

As a PP says a weeks trial does not tell you much about a horse that has just moved yards - and if it’s at a dealers it could have even moved recently.

I ride a chunky, leg in each corner section C and I’m a lightweight 5.6. He can half shift. I often ride chunky ponies and they are fun and can normally do pretty much everything a larger one can.

smaller, safe, but dull, ideally if you can for someone you know - what about people in the yard, instructors and PC (even if not a member).

How are you getting on OP? I'd be going smaller too, obviously you don't want her to squash the pony or grow out of it in two milliseconds but as others have said you want the pony she needs now, and I think she'll feel a lot more confident on something smaller and more pony-ish, you forget how much of a step up it is just in terms of pure power and feel from a little pootling pony to something that rides like a proper horse. A good reliable and sound/healthy 14hh will hold its value so if she does outgrow you should be able to rehome easily then make the move up to a proper 15+hh (skip the 14.2 altogether, such a. expensive height bracket), or she may stay little and lightweight in which case the 14h may see her through esp if you go for something with good bone and that takes up the leg.

I wouldn't ever want to slag off an ex racer as I agree they're fabulous horses and you do get some very sensible quiet ones particularly once they've been out of training a good while (I've said before that the current tip-top, gold star, put your granny on, start off a beginner, get someone whose nervous's confidence up, nanny a youngster, all round angel horse on my yard is an ex racer but I expect even he was a bit too spicy for a nervous child when he was newly retrained) but this is one instance where it's a bad idea, just because the child is too small, the smallest ex racer I've ever seen was full up 14.3 and most are 15.2ish, that's way too big for a petite 11 year old as their regular ride, for a spin around on occasion maybe but it won't encourage good position to have her legs halfway down his barrel or probably do her confidence much good to ride something too big so she feels she's miles off the ground...

Anything suitable yet OP? Definitely don’t try to future proof a pony for an 11yo, she will change so much in her riding over the next 2-3 years. And please definitely don’t buy an exracer. Yes they can be great, I bought one I took to OI BE, another who i kept for 25 years and was my total heart horse but they are totally unsuitable for ( what sounds like a fairly inexperienced) 11 yos and many are knackered beyond repair. Actually in contrast to @Smurphy99 I would only take one now that has raced plenty, ime far too many of the “too slow” “ never raced” ones have multiple physical issues, hence why they never made it onto a track, or just ran a couple of times.

Absolutely no way would I buy am ex racer for DD. I bought one 25 years ago and never again

Been to.see a 14h 15 year cob mare. Been there done it etc

I've scrolled back on the owners Facebook and seen lots of videos of kids riding her etc. she was her daughter's pony that has been outgrown so has a number of different kids ride here

She's v chunky and steady. Dd was very happy on her and even happily trotted round.

Went for a hack and she was perfect.

She's £8k which I feel like is a lot for a 15 Ur old but then I'm paying for safety. Also a bit nervous about a mare

@Blankscreen

"She's £8k which I feel like is a lot for a 15 Ur old but then I'm paying for safety."

That's really not a lot for the type of pony you've just described, especially as she's a cob so should last your DD (or someone else) a long time and also be a potential mother/daughter share. If there are lots of videos of children riding her, has she been in pony club? If she has, ask which branch and phone the DC or whomever is listed for pony enquiries (number will be on their website/pony club branch listing) and ask about her. Pony Clubs are great for giving honest feedback about ponies in their club.

"Also a bit nervous about a mare"

My DD spent her entire childhood on assorted mares who were all sweethearts ... the naughtiest pony we had was a gelding :)

If it’s any consolation my 14h chunky cob is 25 years old and still going strong. I hacked him this morning and if anything he was a bit on the keen side with all the spring grass but still the perfect gent. Hopefully the one you are viewing still has many years in her.