Buying a pony safely

The golden rules

1. Always view in person before paying anything. No exceptions — not a deposit, not a "holding fee", nothing. A genuine seller will never pressure you to pay before you've visited.
2. See the pony caught, tacked up and ridden. Ask for it to be left in the field before you arrive. Watch the seller's child ride first if possible, then let your child try under supervision.
3. Visit twice if you can. Ponies, like people, have off days and on days. A second visit on a different day tells you far more than one perfect showing.
4. Get a pre-purchase vetting. A two-stage vetting typically costs £75–£150 and can save you thousands — and heartbreak. For higher-value ponies consider a five-stage vetting.
5. Pay securely and get a receipt. Bank transfer to a named account matching the seller's identity, with a simple written sale agreement signed by both parties.

Spotting suspicious adverts

• Prices dramatically below market value — "too good to be true" almost always is.
• Sellers who can't or won't do video calls, or claim the pony is "in another country".
• Requests for payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency or Western Union — genuine sellers never ask for these.
• Photos that look professional but inconsistent (different backgrounds, different tack, subtly different markings) — try a reverse image search.
• Pressure tactics: "three other families are coming this afternoon, pay a deposit now to secure them."

If anything feels wrong, walk away. There will always be another pony — the right one.

Trial periods and loans

Some sellers offer a trial period or "loan with a view to buy". These can work well but need clear written terms covering insurance, vet bills, who pays for shoes, and what happens if the pony is injured. Both sides should sign before the pony travels anywhere. See our complete guide to loaning a pony for exactly what a proper agreement should say.

If something goes wrong

If you spot a suspicious advert on Pony Search, use the "Report it" link on the advert page — our team reviews every report. If you believe you've been the victim of fraud, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk, and let your bank know immediately.