dream party ponies

Taking care of a pony is not difficult but it is a commitment to someone who counts on you for everything! They need attention and interaction to create a bond between you and them. Having a pony is a gift of love to any child. Take some time and be prepared so you are ready to enjoy sharing the experiance as a family.

Getting ready for homecoming...

Fence a small area with safe secure fencing. I suggest 3 board fencing vs. electric or wire. Never use barbed wire. The area for one pony and a companion should be at least 1/2 acre (or 1/2 acre per pony).

Purchase a metal stock water trough (they are lighter then rubber and you can use water heating elements easily in the winter)

You will need to build or buy some type of shelter. A run-in shed is the most commonly used, 3 sided small building. This will protect them from intense sun, rain and wind. If you are unable to keep your pony at home take your time researching boarding facilities. Make sure they welcome children and have planned activities that involve children as well as adults. You want you child to feel comfortable and have fun in any environment.

I mentioned companion... horses and ponies are herd animals, this means they don't like to be alone. There are many suggestions on what type of animals to consider. Goats are excellent IF you can contain them, if you can't they will be your worst nightmare. They love to climb on things, eat your flowers and wander. I like miniature donkeys, and sheep only because of my personal experience. All companion animals also require care so do some research to see what type of animal would best fit into your family.

Talk to horse owners in your area to find an equine veterinarian and a good farrier.

Recommendation is always best. If you are in my area I will give you some names and contacts that I use that you can consider. Your pony will need to be seen by a vet at least once a year, be trimmed by a farrier every 6 to 8 weeks and seen by an equine dentist at least once a year.

Find a farmer in your area who is selling horse quality timothy mix hay by the bale. It should cost between $2.50 to $4.00 a bail. A bale can be sectioned off into leaves easily. A pony will normally eat 2 to 3 leaves a day and depending on the amount of grass, 1 scoop of grain a day. Each pony is unique and feeding is very important so consult you vet on the proper amounts. Overfeeding cause colic and founder, that is why it is important to spend some time reading about horse nutrition. Once you have established a feeding routine it's not difficult.

I feel the less fuss the better. Quality brushes, a hoof pick and fly spray are musts. Spend more time and love on your pony/horse then money and you will find you both will be happier.

When your pony/horse comes home give him or her some time to adjust. New smells and objects will be frightening at first. He will do better with routines so try to work out time with your family that will be set aside just to spend with the pony.

Remember ponies are not like dogs, although they like attention it is important they respect your space. Pushing or rubbing against you, nipping and turning their hindquarters to you are unwanted behaviors. Do not hit you pony to correct him. Raising your arms and making a pssttt type of sound should be enough to discourage him from entering your space. Quickly correcting problems will help the pony from developing bad and even dangerous habits.

10.

There is endless advice on how to do things. Listen to everyone but use the same thought process you did when you brought your new baby home. Absorb and filter! I found a great website www.horseadvice.com that answers almost any question in layman's and scientific form. Comments from other horse owners are also posted.

11.

The best part of owning a horse or pony when its all said and done is "the view." Whether it's relaxing with a cup of coffee looking at your new pony/horse peacefully grazing in your backyard or watching your child giggling through the bounce of a good trot you'll know why children and us "big kids" dream of ponies...