how important is it to get 2 ponies instead of just 1

Question
I use to have horses growing up but it's been 15 years since then. I am recently looking for a pony to buy and would keep it at my house. I ve been told by some people that it is important to have 2 ponies instead on 1. How important really is this ? i have a 3 year old daughter and some people said by having 2 ponies there temperament would be nicer is this true? i remember our horses use to get jealous all the time growing up and you had to be carefully. thank you stefanie

Answer
One pony would do fine, it will make no difference on their temperament at all.  The only thing having two ponies would do is double your expenses.

Plus, if you take one pony away, the other one could get upset, as many horses and ponies will do when their buddies leave.

And depending on what you are looking for, you might be just as well off with a smaller, gentle horse, or even full sized, that has a calm disposition, and is kind.  That way you too could ride, and double with your daughter.

Ponies, and I am thinking about Shetlands here, can be fairly stubborn and mean at times.  The larger pony breeds may have a better attitude for you.  POA's are nice animals, and very nice looking.

The market is so depressed right now, that a lot of people are selling animals that are not "kid safe" although they will swear they are.  Whatever animal you do buy make sure it is as advertised.

And if you make an appointment to go see one, it is always wise to go early or late, to make sure the animal has not been drugged to make it more tranquil.  

And if you can visit over a couple of days, to see if the pony appears as promised.  Most people are decent, but risking your child's life is not worth it, plus if you get a rogue pony, or horse, then in good conscience you could not sell it, and get someone else hurt.

And jealous is something you will get with one or two, but the the main thing is it should never pose a problem.  Dominance is a way of life with horses, but it can and should be controlled.

Let me know how it goes.  Remember we are going into the winter months now and unless you want to feed over the winter, spring might be a better time to buy, but the prices might be a little better now.

And try to get a gelding, rather than a mare, and one with some age on it.  Do not get a young pony for a child.  Too much danger, and too much trouble.