Information and Resources

Buying your first pony, whether for yourself or a child, is an exciting time. You should be excited. But you also want to be informed. Buying the right pony the first time can lead to years of enjoyment and a lifelong passion for ponies. Buying the wrong pony, one that is not suited for you, can lead to frustration, a drain on financial resources, and even damage your enjoyment and future desire to continue owning a pony. So here are some tips to make that first Welsh Mountain Pony purchase the right one.
1. Do not buy on impulse. Know right from the outset that finding the right pony may take time. Be excited, but leave the emotion out of the final decision. Making an informed decision makes all the difference.
2. Be an informed buyer. If you are not already experienced in equine ownership, take steps to become informed. Take lessons, find an experienced horse/pony trainer to mentor you, reach out to a pony loving friend, or hire a professional with no vested interest in the pony to assist you.
3. Determine what you need. Before you begin to search for your pony, decide what you need and what goals you have in pony ownership. Is this pony for an adult or a child? One child or a family? Does the pony need to be completely trained and beginner safe, or is a less experienced pony suitable? Is the pony going to be a show pony or a casual riding pony? Do you plan to breed the pony, show at Welsh Pony shows, or show at open show venues? What discipline are you most interested in hunter, gymkhana, trail, dressage, driving, or any of the other equine disciplines? Once you list what you need, don’t deviate or compromise. For example, if your heart is set on a driving pony for the whole family to enjoy, don’t select a spirited barrel racing pony in the hopes it can be trained to drive.
4. Learn the specific standards for a Welsh Mountain Pony. Now you have a list of your goals for the pony, the discipline/s for use, and the details. You also need to understand the standards for a Welsh Mountain Pony. This webpage is a great place to learn about the ideals of a good Welsh Mountain Pony. You can also obtain the show rulebook for Welsh Ponies from the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America. Two areas you want to review prior to purchase are regulations on height and color. As with any breed, there are traits that are required, traits that are desirable, and traits that are controversial. Be informed prior to purchase, especially if you are purchasing a Welsh Mountain Pony with the goal of breeding or showing at Welsh Pony breed specific shows.
5. Determine what is a “must have” and what is negotiable in your purchase. List all the details you desire or want to avoid age, gender, favorite color, etc. Decide what are your deal breakers. For example, you know you don’t want a pony that is difficult to catch in the field. Stick to that decision. Then also decide what is negotiable. For example, you list that you want a chestnut mare with flaxen mane and tail. Is that negotiable? Color and gender can often be negotiable and generally should not be at the top of your wish list.
6. Determine your budget. You may want to spend some time reading ads for Welsh Mountain Ponies on equine sales sites or farm websites to see what the average price is in various markets. Price is variable depending on age, training, even location. Once you have a general idea of what a Welsh Mountain Pony may cost, set your high limit and stick to it.
7. Search for your pony. Now you are ready to begin your search in earnest. Don’t rush. Visit the equine sales sites, find breeders through Google search engine, through Facebook groups specific to Welsh Pony sales, through word of mouth, even Craigslist and other forums such as this can be places to locate Welsh Mountain Ponies for sale. Also, visit horse shows and post flyers on notification boards at the shows.
8. Visit and try the pony. Don’t make your first Welsh Mountain Pony purchase sight unseen. You will hear success stories of people who purchased their pony from photos and video. Leave that to the more experienced buyers who know who’s who in the Welsh Pony world. You want to visit the pony, preferably more than once. Take your instructor, friend, trainer along with you. Take photos and video of the pony while visiting and study them once you’ve returned home. You may pick up on undesirable traits or conformation faults once you are away from the excitement of meeting a new pony. If your instructor can’t go see the pony in person, they can view the videos you took while you were there.
9. Take a detailed look at the pony. When visiting a prospective purchase, be sure to have the seller show the pony performing in its advertised discipline. If you’re looking for a driving pony, watch it being driven and drive it yourself. If you’re looking for a first pony for a young child, watch someone ride the pony and then have your child ride. It’s tempting to buy a pony for a surprise gift for a child. You may want to reconsider that. The child should be exposed to the pony prior to purchase to see if it’s a good fit. The pony may be an angel when the buyer rides it, and behave differently when your child is on its back. There are some sellers who will allow a prospective buyer to take the pony on a trial basis. Typically, this would be in a situation where the pony is going to a professional stable for boarding and training. You can expect to pay a non-refundable deposit for this service. While visiting the pony, ask to see its stall and observe the pony when turned out to pasture. Are there signs that the pony is destructive in the stall, or anxious, or grumpy when approached in the stall? At pasture, can the pony be approached and haltered?
10. Final details. Expect a purchase agreement outlining the price and other terms. Decide how you will transport the pony to its new home. Many sellers will help arrange transport. Decide if you want a pre-purchase veterinary exam. Be sure to discuss Coggins testing, vaccinations, and health certificate needed to transport the pony within the state of origin and when crossing state lines.
We are excited for you, as you step off into the new venture of Welsh Mountain Pony ownership.