riding pony

Question
We are getting a yearling pony for our grandchildren.
How old does the pony need to be before it can be broke to ride?

Answer
You need to look at getting an older pony or horse.  No horse or pony should be broke to ride before it is 3 years or so.  Light training can begin as a long 2 year old, or one about ready to turn 3.  Before that the bones and ligaments have not finished growing, and damage can be done to legs and back.

And mentally, a horse or pony can do a complete about face in personality between the ages of 3 and 5.  One that is gentle and calm can turn into a bucking bronc, likewise one that is as wild as a March Hare can settle down and be a gentle mount.

Plus, depending on whether you are getting a mare, (female) or a stallion (uncut male) or a gelding, (castrated male) you are looking at different issues.  A stallion of any size is not for children or people who aren't familiar with horses.  The castration must be done by a vet, and care must be taken post op to avoid complications.  A mare will possibly have issues with her reproductive cycle, causing her to be ill tempered and mean monthly.  Not all the time, but something to be aware of.  A gelding is the best bet.

And it is never a good idea to mix children and a young horse.  An inexperience rider/handler can get seriously hurt by a young horse/pony.  The two are not a good mix.

The horse market is very depressed right now, and good ponies that are rideable and well broke and gentle can be had for under $200.  Maybe even less.  The risks involved with a young pony and children are just too great.

I can only advise you, of course, but I am almost 55 years old, and have been around/trained/ridden/worked horses the majority of my life, many different breeds and disciplines, and I would strongly advise against a yearling pony for children, or horse for that matter.  I believe most of the horse people I know would too.

The problem also is compounded by the fact that people many times want to make a pet out of a young horse, feeding it treats, letting it get by with things that could become dangerous when the pony/horse is at its adult weight.  I have witnessed ponies that will not let the owners even in the lot, bite at the humans, kick the humans/other animals, and just in general be a nuisance and even a danger.

It costs just as much to feed and provide vet care for an animal that you can enjoy, and trust the kids on, as it does to care for one that is out to get you.

This is probably more information than you really wanted, but again I would not advise this combination of young pony and children.

If you will let me know information about your location, I can try to locate someone in your area that may have a suitable pony.  The Amish friend here in MO that I know have quite a few, that his young children ride and drive to a cart.  I also have horse friends clear across the country that I am in touch with, many with rescues, and horses they have pulled from a kill pen headed to slaughter, and have seen them cross posting ponies recently.