On buying a pony
On buying a Pony
I have always been passionate about animals, especially dogs and horses. It is a joke in my family as nobody can figure out where this obsession came from. My whole family consists of city people, born and raised in Berlin, Germany. When this love started, I can’t remember, but it was at a very young age. I remember wanting to take horseback riding lessons when I was about 7 years old. I was very shy, so my Dad had to buy riding gear for himself and take the lessons with me. Now that I have a son of my own, I want to afford him the same privileges as I had and share my love of animals.
I knew all along that one day we had to get him a pony, but it wasn’t that easy of a decision. A lot of thought has to go into a big purchase, especially when this purchase is a living, breathing thing that will require daily care for the rest of its life. Pets are a huge responsibility and commitment. My son Teagan is only 3 years old and a bit young still, another point I had to consider. But he enjoys going to the ranch with me and taking care of the horses. He has his own little pitchfork and on a good day, he actually uses it to help me clean stalls. He turns on the water to fill the buckets and helps me with feeding the horses as well. I already own 2 horses, but they are too big for my kid. My mare Allie won’t hold still when Teagan tries to brush her and I’m afraid she might step on him. Paloma, although much more mellow, is also taller than Allie. Even when standing on a chair, my son is unable to reach her mane to brush it out.
I had been thinking about a pony for a few months without putting much effort into the search itself. Mostly I had been scanning Craigslist ads, but ponies are expensive. Also keeping in mind it is not just the purchase price, but also ongoing boarding costs, hoof care, veterinary visit and daily feedings to name just a few financial commitments. There was only so much I was willing to pay and free would be even better. I
I have always been passionate about animals, especially dogs and horses. It is a joke in my family as nobody can figure out where this obsession came from. My whole family consists of city people, born and raised in Berlin, Germany. When this love started, I can’t remember, but it was at a very young age. I remember wanting to take horseback riding lessons when I was about 7 years old. I was very shy, so my Dad had to buy riding gear for himself and take the lessons with me. Now that I have a son of my own, I want to afford him the same privileges as I had and share my love of animals.
I knew all along that one day we had to get him a pony, but it wasn’t that easy of a decision. A lot of thought has to go into a big purchase, especially when this purchase is a living, breathing thing that will require daily care for the rest of its life. Pets are a huge responsibility and commitment. My son Teagan is only 3 years old and a bit young still, another point I had to consider. But he enjoys going to the ranch with me and taking care of the horses. He has his own little pitchfork and on a good day, he actually uses it to help me clean stalls. He turns on the water to fill the buckets and helps me with feeding the horses as well. I already own 2 horses, but they are too big for my kid. My mare Allie won’t hold still when Teagan tries to brush her and I’m afraid she might step on him. Paloma, although much more mellow, is also taller than Allie. Even when standing on a chair, my son is unable to reach her mane to brush it out.
I had been thinking about a pony for a few months without putting much effort into the search itself. Mostly I had been scanning Craigslist ads, but ponies are expensive. Also keeping in mind it is not just the purchase price, but also ongoing boarding costs, hoof care, veterinary visit and daily feedings to name just a few financial commitments. There was only so much I was willing to pay and free would be even better. I