Tips when buying or selling a pony;

• Write a 'check list'. Be REALISTIC about what you are looking for. 

     Make 2 columns; Must Haves & Don't Mind. Be prepaired to compromise. For example, deciding you won't have a      mare will immediately halve the number of ponies you get to choose from, compromise may be the only option!

• Put the safety and welfare of your child at the top of the list! Ask yourself - what sort of  pony is suitable for my child? eg. rider age, experience & confidence? How big? will he need to jump, play games, hunt or show class?, will he paddock alone?, travel?, how much help can I offer as a parent?, etc

• ALWAYS get references. The PC coach where the pony or rider attends is the best place to start. Other independent advice could include a vet check, outside coaches, show judges, prior owners, breeder, etc.

• Be HONEST. Don’t exaggerate your child’s ability, your home facilities or a pony’s good nature. Some kid could get seriously hurt! If it states the pony requires an "experienced" home - don't assume you'll get by with the help of Google! There is no point in buying a pony that is well beyond your child's ability. Through no fault of the pony, you will damage your child's confidence and enjoyment of the sport.

• Ask for a ‘trial period’. If an owner won’t allow this then go and ride the pony over several days and handle him in different settings.

• If you’re serious about buying a pony – get out and look at what is available! Don’t just sit on the couch and trawl the internet. Compare REAL ponies! People can write anything on a Trademe ad & usually do!

• Avoid buying ‘sight unseen’ – it rarely works out.

• Price - Ponies don’t come cheap - can you afford it? You are responsible for the pony's welfare once purchased. Ask yourself, what’s the pony worth to MY child / family? How does it compare with others you’ve seen? Will my child need 100hrs of expensive lesson time to ride safely? Same goes for setting a sale price - will my pony find a good home? Do I care where he goes? What’s expensive or cheap to you? how important is the money? Only YOU can answer these questions.

• A sale requires a willing seller and a willing purchaser. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into buying a pony that is not suitable. On the other hand, many horse owners will not sell to an inexperienced family - don't be offended, this is their choice.

• From my experience, ponies are 'cheap' for a reason. If it seems to be too good to be true – it probably is.

After all, there are very few ‘perfect ponies’ just as there are very few ‘perfect riders’!!