How to Choose the First Pony for a Child

Updated: June 2026 · Rincón del Valle Team

Buying the first pony for a child is an important 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 provides an overview of what to keep in mind before taking the step.

Own pony or keep riding at a school?

Before considering a purchase, it is worth assessing whether it is 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 the hobby is established.
The skill level already exceeds what the riding school can offer with school ponies.
There is an intention to compete in Pony Rider categories or equivalent.
The family has real possibilities (budget, time, facilities).

Reasons NOT to buy yet:

The child has less than 1-2 years of practice.
The hobby is not established (high probability of quitting).
Tight budget that does not comfortably cover maintenance.
There is no clarity on where the pony will be kept.

Types of ponies according to the child's age

Children 4-6 years old

Small Shetland-type ponies (90-110 cm) or Welsh Section A ponies (110-120 cm). Very docile temperament. Usually with previous experience with children. Recreational start.

Children 7-10 years old

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

Teenagers and small adults

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

Characteristics to look for in the 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 instead of requiring the child to teach them.

Temperament

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

Health

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

Size in relation to the child

The child must be able to manage the pony from the ground: groom it, bridle it, lead it by hand. A pony that is too big 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 children grow up. They are known ponies with a transparent history. This is usually the best path for a first pony.

Specialized breeders

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

Private sellers

Families whose children have grown up and are selling the pony. They 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 the purchase requires an in-person visit and review.

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

Boarding: €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.

Estimated total: €3,000-€7,500/year in maintenance, not counting veterinary contingencies or major 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 rug (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. A beginner child cannot do this.
Falling in love with the look. A pretty pony that does not have a good temperament is a worse decision than one that is less eye-catching but does.
Skipping the vet check. Detecting problems before buying is essential.
Buying from very far away without the possibility of seeing it several times. The pony should be visited at least 2-3 times before deciding.
Ignoring the instructor. The child's instructor knows their real 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 the pony and the family.

The adaptation process

When the pony arrives home or at the stable where it will be kept, 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, and leading by hand.
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 the child grows. This is foreseeable. Options when the child outgrows the pony:

Sell the pony to another family with a smaller 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. The pony that has accompanied a child for years deserves a careful transition.