Opting to buy a horse or pony is not a decision to be taken lightly. They can live a very long time (up to 30 years or more), need a lot of space, and are extremely expensive.

Preparation

When viewing a horse for a prospective purchase, take a vet or other experienced person with you, and check the overall health and fitness of the animal. There are many different breeds of horse and pony, so when choosing which one to get, bear in mind the age, size and riding ability of the prospective rider, and the equestrian activities the horse will be used for. They are very expensive and time consuming to care for, but horse-lovers find a lifetime of enjoyment riding and form strong bonds with individual animals. Here are some sample horse breeds to start you on your search.

1) Shetland Pony

• Originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, used as pit ponies and to pull carts
• Up to 10.2 hands
• Varied colouring – black, bay, brown, chestnut, grey and part-coloured
• Small but headstrong and stubborn so not necessarily a good riding pony for children
• Good driving and pet pony

2) Connemara Pony

• Originated in Ireland, historically used as a pack pony and for agricultural work
• 13 to 14.2 hands
• Usually grey
• Good tempered and hardy, good as a child or adult pony
• Great for show jumping and driving

3) American Quarter Horse

• Originated in America, used there as a working and riding horse
• 14.3 to 16.1 hands
• Most often chestnut
• Strong and fast, docile and versatile, capable of great speeds
• A larger horse suitable for general riding and racing

4) Thoroughbred

• Developed in England from Arabian horses
• 14.2 to 17.2 hands
• Any solid colour
• Bold and spirited, not suitable for inexperienced riders
• For the more serious owner, used as racehorses and competition horses

Donkeys

Another pet to consider is the humble donkey, traditionally used as a pack animal and to give rides to small children at the seaside. Contrary to popular belief, donkeys are intelligent and friendly, and many are left looking for good homes when they become too old to work. They can be kept in groups or with their close relatives, horses. Donkeys are more intelligent than horses but less strong and agile. They also live longer – up to 40 years or even more.

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