How to Choose the First Pony for a Child

Updated: June 2026 · Rincón del Valle Team

Buying a child's first pony is a significant emotional and financial decision. It involves years of family commitment, facilities, monthly expenses, and above all, the responsibility of choosing an animal that will not cause safety or emotional problems for the child. This guide outlines what to consider before taking the plunge.

Own pony or continue at riding school?

Before considering a purchase, it's worth evaluating if it's the right time. Most children progress perfectly well at a riding school for years without needing their own pony.

Common reasons to consider owning a pony:

The child has been riding regularly for 2-3 years and their passion is consolidated.
Their skill level now exceeds what the riding school can offer with school ponies.
There is an intention to compete in Pony Riders categories or equivalent.
The family has realistic possibilities (budget, time, facilities).

Reasons NOT to buy yet:

The child has less than 1-2 years of experience.
The passion is not consolidated (high probability of abandonment).
Tight budget that doesn't comfortably cover maintenance.
Uncertainty about where the pony will be housed.

Pony types by child's age

Children aged 4-6

Small ponies like Shetland (90-110 cm) or Welsh Section A ponies (110-120 cm). Very docile temperament. Usually with prior experience with children. Recreational initiation.

Children aged 7-10

Medium ponies: Welsh Section B (120-135 cm), Connemara (130-148 cm), New Forest. Allow for technical progression, including low jumps. Good size for controlled trot and canter.

Teenagers and small adults

Large ponies (maximum 130-148 cm for FEI pony category) or small horses. Large Connemara, crossbreeds. Suitable for Pony Riders in competition.

Characteristics to look for in a first pony

Age

For a child's first pony, experienced ponies (10-20 years old) are usually the best option. They know what is expected of them, handle new situations calmly, and teach the child rather than requiring the child to teach them.

Temperament

Essential: calm, predictable, not easily spooked, patient with rider errors. Bright but nervous ponies are unsuitable for beginners.

Health

Mandatory pre-purchase veterinary examination. Detection of problems that may limit use or require high veterinary expenses. Ponies with advanced arthritis or chronic problems are usually poor choices for a child who wants to progress.

Size in relation to the child

The child should be able to manage the pony from the ground: brush it, bridle it, lead it. A pony too large for the child creates constant dependence on an adult.

Where to look

Riding schools with ponies for lease or sale

Some riding schools that have school ponies sell them when the club's children grow up. These are known ponies, with a transparent history. This is usually the best route for a first pony.

Specialized breeders

Shetland, Welsh, or Connemara breeders in Spain. Guarantee of breed and pedigree. It's advisable to visit and involve the child's instructor.

Private sellers

Families whose children have grown up and are selling the pony. These can be excellent options if the pony comes with a known history. Verify complete documentation.

Platforms and forums

Caballospain, specialized forums. Useful initial filter, but purchase requires an in-person visit and inspection.

Indicative budget

Purchase price

Experienced beginner pony: €1,500-€4,000.
Sport pony with results or pedigree: €5,000-€15,000.
FEI level Pony Riders: €15,000-€50,000+.

Monthly maintenance

Board: €200-€500/month (small ponies are usually slightly cheaper than large horses).
Annual vet: €200-€400.
Farrier: €30-€60 every 6-8 weeks.
Equipment and replacement: €200-€400/year.

Total estimated: €3,000-€7,500/year in maintenance, not including unforeseen veterinary expenses or significant equipment renewal.

Specific pony equipment

Pony equipment is similar to horse equipment but in smaller sizes:

Small saddle: 14-16 inch seat depending on the child's size.
Pony or Cob size bridle.
Narrower bit: 9-11 cm is common.
Pony-size saddle pad.
Pony-size blanket (95-125 cm is common).
Pony-size girth.
VG1 children's helmet well-fitted to the child.

Common mistakes

Buying a young, inexperienced pony. A 3-5 year old pony needs to be trained. This is not something a beginner child can do.
Falling in love with the appearance. A beautiful pony with a poor temperament is a worse decision than a less flashy one with a good temperament.
Skipping the veterinary examination. Detecting problems before buying is essential.
Buying too far away without the possibility of seeing it multiple times. The pony should be visited at least 2-3 times before deciding.
Ignoring the instructor. The child's instructor knows their real skill level and can assess if the pony is a good fit.
Forcing the hobby. If the child loses interest after the purchase, keeping the pony out of sentimentality harms both the pony and the family.

The adaptation process

When the pony arrives home or at the center where it will stay, there is an adaptation period of several weeks:

The pony needs to get to know the new environment (companions, facilities, routines).
The child and pony need to build trust. Start with gentle ground work, grooming, hand walks.
The first training sessions should always be with an instructor present.
Observe any changes in behavior or health during the first few weeks.

When the child grows

Small ponies become too small as a child grows. This is foreseeable. Options when the child outgrows the pony:

Sell the pony to another family with a younger child.
Keep the pony as part of the family and buy a larger horse.
Lease the pony to a riding school or therapeutic riding center.

Making this decision with time and empathy avoids problems. A pony that has accompanied a child for years deserves a careful transition.