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4
We get hundreds of hits
a week from people looking for hunter/jumper ponies. This is one of the hottest
segments of the horse industry. To answer the need for information I have
decided to focus on what you should look for in a hunter/jumper pony, how
to get training for yourself, your child and the pony.
PART 1 - Choosing A Pony
This is one of the biggest challenges you will
face - finding the right pony for your child or yourself. (NOTE: I personally
ride an 11 hand shetland x welsh mare named
Valentine. I am 46, 5'4"
and 130 pounds. Ponies make great mounts!)
If you have a color preference, which many children
do, then you should start with a breed that offers you that color. For instance,
if your child wants a black pony with white spots, then a
Pony of the Americas is where
you should start. Maybe your child wants a horse that looks like the one
in Zorro... Well, a big stallion is out of the question, but a
Welsh pony isn't! What about
a pinto? Try the Pinto Horse
Association and have a look at our
Pinto Colors page
(Listed in the Equine Online section of
the Feb. 2002 issue of Horse Illustrated!). Those are a few
suggestions, there are many other places to look, and much more to look
for!
Color preference really has nothing to do with
suitability, but so many kids have idealistic expectations about what the
pony should look like and it doesn't always match what their own ability
is.
Personally I prefer to seek out an animal that
fulfills safety and experience requirements first. Try to do so while still
fulfilling your childs dreams, within reason.
Here are some guidelines for finding that perfect
Hunter Pony:
-
The pony should be at least 5 years old.
-
The pony should be well started under
saddle.
-
The pony should suit the size of the rider.
-
The pony should have no serious bad habits.
-
You should observe the pony being ridden.
-
You should have the pony vet checked.
-
The pony should have conformation and temperament
suited to a hunter/jumper.
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