Question: Are there good reasons not to buy a child's pony?

Your child may have hundreds of reasons why you should by them a pony, but there are a few good reasons why you shouldn't.

Answer:

Your child may beg and beg, and you may even want your child to have a pony. However, there are some realities that make horse or pony ownership impossible or very difficult. Owning a pony or horse is a big responsibility.

Even if you buy a healthy one, you might get a phone call in the middle of the night, or an important meeting that the animal is sick or injured and needs your attention. There are lots of unexpected expenses if this sort of thing happens too.

You know your child best, so you'll know if wanting a pony is just a phase, or they are committed to riding it and helping care for it. Because if there is any doubt, feel justified in saying no, or at least, no not yet. Here are a few more reasons you might not want to buy your child a pony.

• You can't afford the initial outlay or upkeep. Good ponies are expensive and despite their size, can be more costly to buy than a horse. Except for feed, ponies are just as costly to keep as horses too. Vaccines, tack and other equipment and accessories can add up quickly. Farrier and veterinarian costs are the same as a large horse. Stables usually charge the same amount to board a pony as a horse. If you don't think you can handle the expense, then it's probably best to say no. 
   
  

• You aren't a horse person yourself, so don't feel comfortable about overseeing a pony's care. Just because ponies are small doesn't mean they aren't smart or strong. A relatively small pony can easily drag an adult around, and they can be very clever and quick moving. They’re not big dogs and aren’t always willing to please. If you are not comfortable learning to handle one properly, it might not be a good idea to own one.
   
  
• You don't have space to keep one. You will either board a pony or keep it at your home. If you can't afford board and don't have a place of your own to keep one, you might have to wait until your situation changes.
   
  
• You're not sure of your child's commitment. Kid's interests change. Make sure that a pony isn't just a passing fancy before you lay out the purchase price. 
   
  
• You're not sure a pony will fit into your lifestyle. Do you live a considerable distance from a stable, or do you travel a lot? As mentioned above, ponies, like kids don't always get sick or hurt at convenient times. It's probably unlikely that anything will happen, but if it does, caring for your child's pony in an emergency will probably be your responsibility.
   
  
• Your child is going through a growth spurt and may outgrow a pony very quickly. It might be better to wait a few months. Buying and selling horses is a lot of work. If your child quickly outgrows the pony, you won't want the hassle of buying one and then having to sell it. It's also a big emotional upheaval for everyone concerned. 
   
  

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