Everything you need to buy with confidence

11 min read

Is my child ready for their own pony?

An honest, practical guide to knowing when your child is ready for a first pony — riding ability, commitment, cost, and how to be sure before you buy.

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9 min read

From riding school to first pony: when to make the leap

How to know your child is ready to move from riding-school lessons to owning their own pony — and how to bridge the gap safely.

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6 min read

What is a pony? Pony vs horse, explained

Is a pony a baby horse? No — here is the real difference between a horse and a pony, the 14.2hh rule and its exceptions, and Britain's nine native pony breeds.

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10 min read

The best breeds for a first pony

Which pony breeds make the kindest, safest first ponies for children — from Welsh and Shetland to Dartmoor, New Forest and Connemara.

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5 min read

Pony height guide: what size pony does my child need?

A simple, honest guide to matching pony height to your child's age, height and confidence, with real UK height bands from 12.2hh to 14.2hh explained.

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8 min read

Mare vs gelding: which is better for a child?

A plain-English guide to mares, geldings and temperament so families can choose the individual pony, not get stuck on myths.

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9 min read

Pony age and schoolmasters: why older often means safer

How to think about pony age, why a true schoolmaster is so valuable, and when an older pony is the right choice for a first-time family.

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8 min read

What "good with children" really means in a pony advert

How to read one of the most important pony advert claims: what good with children should look like, what to ask, and what to test before buying.

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8 min read

Young pony vs experienced pony for a beginner

Why young ponies are rarely the right match for beginner children, and how an experienced pony helps a family start safely.

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8 min read

Native pony or sports pony: what suits your child?

How to choose between hardy native breeds and finer sports or riding ponies, based on your child's stage, confidence and ambitions.

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9 min read

Pony vetting explained: do you need a 5-stage?

What a pre-purchase vetting is, the difference between a 2-stage and 5-stage exam, what it costs, and when it is worth it.

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8 min read

How much is a pony? Real UK prices for 2026

What a pony actually costs to buy in the UK, with real 2026 asking-price data by height and breed — plus what drives the price and the warning signs of a too-cheap pony.

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10 min read

Trying a pony on the day: how to test-ride before you buy

Exactly what to do when you go to try a pony — what to watch, what to ride, what to ask, and the warning signs that should make you walk away.

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9 min read

Choosing your first pony: the complete family guide

Everything first-time buyers need to know — temperament, size, age, and the questions that really matter.

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6 min read

25 questions to ask a pony seller

Print-friendly list of the questions experienced buyers always ask — and why each one matters.

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7 min read

The pony viewing checklist

What to look for, what to try, and the warning signs to take seriously when you visit a pony.

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9 min read

Safe payment and paperwork when buying a pony

How to pay safely, what paperwork to check, what should be written down, and when not to hand over money.

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9 min read

Pony passports and microchips: what buyers must check

A buyer-friendly guide to checking a pony passport, microchip, registered owner, vaccinations and identity before money changes hands.

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7 min read

Buying a pony at auction: what families need to know

The real risks of buying a pony at auction, why private sale usually suits a first-time family better, and what to check if you go anyway.

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8 min read

Deposits, receipts and proof of ownership

How to handle deposits, receipts, sale agreements and ownership proof when buying a pony without being rushed or caught out.

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9 min read

Spotting a doped or masked pony: warning signs at a viewing

How to recognise signs a pony may have been sedated, over-worked, pain-masked or presented unfairly before a viewing.

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8 min read

What makes a confidence-giving pony

How to recognise a genuine confidence-giver — the calm, kind, been-there-done-that pony that turns a nervous child into a happy rider.

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8 min read

Buying a pony after a fall or confidence knock

How to find the right, steady pony to rebuild a child's (or your own) confidence after a fall — and how to take the pressure off.

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8 min read

Ponies and traffic: what "good in traffic" really means

What "good in traffic" honestly means, how to test it before you buy, and how to keep hacking on the roads safe for you and your pony.

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9 min read

The nervous parent's guide to buying a pony

Buying your child a pony when you are not horsey yourself is daunting. Here is how to make a safe, confident choice without knowing it all.

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8 min read

The bombproof pony myth: what safe really means

Why no pony is truly bombproof, how to read adverts that use the word, and what families should look for instead: experience, honesty and sensible reactions.

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9 min read

How to choose a safe pony for a nervous rider

A clear guide to the type of pony that helps nervous children and adults: steady temperament, suitable experience, the right pace and honest viewing checks.

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8 min read

Rebuilding riding confidence after a wobble

A gentle plan for getting confidence back after a fall, fright or difficult pony: small steps, good support, the right pony and no pressure.

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7 min read

What to do when your child is scared to canter

Why canter worries children, when to wait, how to build the skill slowly, and what pony makes canter feel safe rather than frightening.

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8 min read

Confidence exercises for pony and rider

Simple, low-pressure exercises that help children and ponies trust each other: poles, patterns, leading, hacking with company and tiny achievable goals.

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7 min read

Signs your child has outgrown their pony

How to tell when it is time to move your child on to their next pony — and how to sell the current one kindly and well.

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9 min read

Choosing a second pony: stepping up without over-horsing

How to choose the right next pony as your child grows in size and ability — moving up safely without buying too much pony too soon.

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9 min read

Livery explained: DIY, part, full and grass

The different ways to keep a pony — grass, DIY, part and full livery — what each involves, what it costs, and how to choose.

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8 min read

Clipping a pony: when, why and how

A practical guide to clipping a pony — why and when to clip, the main clip types explained, how to clip safely, and how to rug and care for a clipped pony afterwards.

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8 min read

Getting your pony fit: a beginner's fittening guide

How to bring a pony back into work safely after a rest — the walking, trotting and cantering stages of fittening, how long it takes, and how to avoid injury, laminitis and a fresh, over-fresh pony.

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9 min read

Pony insurance explained: what cover do you really need?

Vet fees, mortality, loss of use, third-party liability — what pony insurance covers, what it costs, and how to choose the right policy without overpaying.

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9 min read

Tack and kit for a first pony: the essential checklist

A clear, honest checklist of everything you actually need for a first pony — saddle, bridle, rugs, grooming kit and the child's riding gear — and what you can skip.

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8 min read

Farriers and hoof care: keeping your pony sound

"No hoof, no pony." How often your pony needs the farrier, what it costs, barefoot versus shod, and how to spot hoof problems early.

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6 min read

What does a first pony really cost?

Beyond the purchase price: livery, farrier, insurance, tack and the true monthly budget.

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6 min read

Bringing your new pony home: transport explained

Trailers, lorries, hiring transport and settling your pony into its new home.

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10 min read

The first 30 days with a new pony: settling in

What to expect in the first month of pony ownership — settling in, routine, feeding, introducing to other ponies, and the common mistakes new owners make. A day-by-day guide.

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9 min read

Daily and weekly routine: what pony care actually looks like

An honest, detailed breakdown of the daily and weekly tasks involved in caring for a pony — morning and evening checks, mucking out, feeding, grooming, turnout and more.

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12 min read

A year of pony care: month-by-month seasonal guide

A complete seasonal calendar for UK pony owners — spring grazing, summer heat and flies, autumn mud and weight, winter rugging and feeding. Know what to do each month.

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7 min read

Hay vs haylage: which does your pony need?

The difference between hay and haylage, how to choose, what they cost, how to store them, and which is better for laminitis-prone ponies. A practical guide for UK pony owners.

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7 min read

Bedding options: straw, shavings, pellets and more

The different types of pony bedding — straw, shavings, pellets, paper, hemp — what each costs, how they compare on absorbency and dust, and which suits your pony.

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7 min read

The pony first-aid kit: what every owner really needs

A practical checklist of everything to keep in your pony first-aid kit — thermometers, bandages, wound treatments, salts and more — and what each item is for.

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8 min read

Catching and leading a pony safely

The quiet handling skills every pony family needs: catching in the field, putting on a headcollar, leading, turning out and dealing with common problems kindly.

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8 min read

Grooming and tacking up: a beginner's guide

How to groom, pick out feet, tack up and spot discomfort, with simple safety habits for children and first-time pony families.

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8 min read

Loading a pony calmly: practice before travel

How to teach and maintain calm loading, why rushing makes problems worse, and what first-time families should check before transport day.

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8 min read

How to write a pony advert that sells

Sell your pony faster to the right home: honest descriptions, great photos, the details buyers look for, and pricing it fairly.

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8 min read

How to photograph your pony for sale

Great photos sell ponies. A practical, no-special-kit guide to taking clear, honest sale photos with your phone: the shots buyers want, light, backgrounds, angles and the mistakes to avoid.

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11 min read

The best horse & pony selling websites in the UK (2026)

An honest, up-to-date comparison of the best places to sell a pony or horse online in the UK — Pony Search, Horsequest, Horsemart, Horse & Hound, Preloved, Whickr and Facebook. Cost, audience, pony focus and safety compared.

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8 min read

Selling a pony privately vs through a dealer

Should you sell your pony privately or to a dealer? An honest comparison of price, speed, effort and — most importantly — control over the home your pony goes to.

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7 min read

Tax when selling a pony or horse in the UK

Do you pay tax when you sell your pony in the UK? An honest, plain-English guide to when a private sale is tax-free, and when selling horses becomes a taxable business.

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9 min read

Selling a pony with health issues: disclosure done right

How to sell a pony with sarcoids, sweet itch, lameness or another health issue honestly and legally — what you must disclose, and how honesty protects your price and your conscience.

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8 min read

How much is my pony worth? A UK pony pricing guide

How much is your pony worth? An honest UK guide to pony values — what affects price, typical price bands by pony type, and how to set a fair asking price that sells to the right home.

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8 min read

How long do ponies live? Pony lifespan explained

How long ponies live, why they often outlast horses, what affects lifespan, and what it means for a family buying a pony — including the case for an older schoolmaster.

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8 min read

Body condition scoring: is your pony the right weight?

How to body condition score a pony using the 0–5 scale, where to feel for fat, how to spot a dangerously overweight native, and why condition scoring is your best defence against laminitis.

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10 min read

Laminitis in ponies: signs, prevention and what to do

The complete guide to laminitis for pony owners — what causes it, how to spot the signs, how to prevent it, and what to do in an emergency. Essential reading for every native pony family.

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8 min read

Worming and parasite control: a practical guide

How to manage worms in your pony — worm egg counts, targeted worming, resistance, and why routine dosing is no longer recommended. A clear, practical guide for pony owners.

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7 min read

Pony vaccinations: tetanus, flu and herpes explained

What vaccinations your pony needs, when they are due, what they cost, and why livery yards and Pony Club require them. A clear guide for first-time pony owners.

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7 min read

Equine dental care: why your pony needs the dentist

How often your pony needs dental care, what it costs, what happens during a check-up, and how teeth affect riding and behaviour. A practical guide for pony owners.

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9 min read

Colic in ponies: signs, causes and emergency response

The complete guide to colic in ponies — how to recognise the signs, what causes it, when to call the vet, and how to reduce the risk. Essential reading for every pony owner.

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8 min read

Sweet itch in ponies: prevention and management

What sweet itch is, how to recognise it, and the practical steps — rugs, fly control, grazing management and supplements — that help an affected pony. A guide for UK pony owners.

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7 min read

Mud fever in ponies: prevention and treatment

What mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is, how to prevent it during wet UK winters, and how to treat it effectively. A practical guide for pony owners dealing with mud.

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8 min read

When to call the vet (and when it can wait)

A practical guide to recognising pony health emergencies — colic, laminitis, severe lameness, eye problems — and knowing when to call the vet immediately versus monitoring at home.

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10 min read

Common pony illnesses: what every owner should know

A broad health primer covering the most common illnesses and conditions affecting UK ponies — from laminitis and colic to Cushing's, EMS, sweet itch and strangles. Know the signs.

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8 min read

Arthritis in older ponies: management and care

How to recognise arthritis in an ageing pony, what treatments help, and how to keep a stiff older pony comfortable and happy. A guide for families whose first pony is getting older.

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9 min read

Grass, weight and native ponies: managing the good-doer

Why native ponies get fat on fresh air, how to manage their weight, what a body condition score is, and the practical steps — track systems, grazing muzzles, soaked hay — that work.

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10 min read

Feeding a pony: the complete nutrition guide

Everything pony owners need to know about feeding — forage first, hard feed, balancers, supplements, feeding by workload, and the common mistakes that cause obesity and laminitis.

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7 min read

Pony Club tests and levels explained

A plain-English guide for parents to the Pony Club achievement badges and efficiency tests, from E Test upwards — what each level means, how children progress, and what pony suits each stage.

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7 min read

Pony Club camp: a parent's survival guide

What Pony Club camp is, what your child and pony need to be ready, a practical kit list, and how to prepare so the week is a joy rather than a panic. Written for first-time camp families.

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9 min read

Getting started in showing: a beginner's guide

How to start showing your pony — the classes, what judges look for, turnout and plaiting, and how to enjoy your first show without the nerves.

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9 min read

Starting to jump: a parent's guide to your child's first fences

How children learn to jump safely — the right pony, good foundations, staying safe, and building confidence over poles and small fences without rushing.

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5 min read

A parent's guide to Pony Club

What Pony Club offers, how to join, and what makes a good Pony Club pony.

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8 min read

Lead rein to first ridden: when to let go

How to move a child safely from lead rein to independent riding, what skills they need first, and how to keep the step calm and confidence-building.

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7 min read

Intro to dressage for pony families

Dressage explained in plain English for children and parents: what it teaches, how to start, what a test involves, and why good basics help every pony.

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8 min read

Gymkhana and mounted games: a parent's guide

How gymkhana games work, what children learn from them, what pony suits the job, and how to keep speed, fun and safety in balance.

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8 min read

Loan, share or buy? How to start with ponies

The pros and cons of loaning, sharing and buying a first pony — and why starting smaller is often the wisest move.

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11 min read

Loaning a pony: the complete guide

Everything about taking a pony on loan — full loan vs part loan, what it actually costs, the agreement (including the BHS template), insurance, and how to avoid a loan going wrong.

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8 min read

Loaning your pony out: a practical guide for owners

How to find a good loan home for a pony you cannot bear to sell — vetting a loanee, setting fair terms, staying involved, and getting them back if you need to.

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8 min read

Welsh Section A ponies: the complete breed guide

The Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A) — temperament, height, price and whether this classic first pony is right for your child. An honest breed guide.

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8 min read

Welsh Section B ponies: the complete breed guide

The elegant Welsh Section B riding pony — temperament, height, price and why it makes a superb second and Pony Club pony for a child ready to progress.

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8 min read

Welsh Section C ponies: the complete breed guide

The Welsh Section C (Welsh Pony of Cob Type) — sturdy, sensible and versatile. Temperament, height, price and why it makes a brilliant family all-rounder.

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8 min read

Welsh Section D (Welsh Cob): the complete breed guide

The powerful, big-hearted Welsh Cob (Section D) — temperament, height, price and why it suits confident older children, teenagers and adults.

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8 min read

Shetland ponies: the complete breed guide

The tiny, tough Shetland — temperament, height, price and whether this classic leadline pony is the right first pony for a very young child.

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8 min read

Dartmoor ponies: the complete breed guide

The kind, hardy Dartmoor — temperament, height, price and why it is many families' idea of the perfect first pony. An honest breed guide.

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8 min read

Exmoor ponies: the complete breed guide

Britain's oldest native breed — the hardy, honest Exmoor. Temperament, height, price and whether this rare-breed pony suits your family.

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9 min read

New Forest ponies: the complete breed guide

The versatile, traffic-wise New Forest pony — temperament, height, price and why it makes such a brilliant family all-rounder across so many stages.

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9 min read

Connemara ponies: the complete breed guide

The athletic, big-jumping Connemara — temperament, height, price and why this performance native is the dream Pony Club and competition pony.

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8 min read

Dales ponies: the complete breed guide

The strong, sensible Dales pony — temperament, height, price and why this rare northern native makes a dependable family and driving pony.

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8 min read

Fell ponies: the complete breed guide

The handsome, hardy Fell pony — temperament, height, price and why this versatile northern native is a brilliant one-pony-for-everyone family choice.

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8 min read

Highland ponies: the complete breed guide

The powerful, gentle Highland — temperament, height, price and why this calm Scottish native is such a superb confidence-giver and family share pony.

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8 min read

Buying a pony safely: avoiding scams and heartbreak

How to spot suspicious adverts, arrange safe viewings, use vettings and pay securely.

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9 min read

Happy hacking and road safety for pony families

A practical guide to safe hacking with children: choosing routes, riding on roads, using hi-vis, riding in company and building a pony's confidence outside the arena.

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9 min read

Pony buying scams and red flags

The common scam patterns in pony buying, how dishonest adverts work, and the simple checks that protect first-time families.

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8 min read

Viewing safety at a seller's yard

How to keep your family safe when visiting a seller: who to take, what to tell someone, how to handle children, dogs, riding and pressure.

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