Buying a Children's Pony: A Parent's Complete Guide

Help your child find the perfect pony. What to look for, what to avoid, and how to keep costs manageable.

Buying Guides · 2026-03-12 · 7 min read

Your child is horse-mad and wants a pony of their own. It's an exciting prospect — and a daunting one. This guide helps parents navigate the South African pony market, avoid costly mistakes, and find a safe, suitable match for their child.

Is Your Child Ready?

Before buying, your child should:

• Have been riding regularly for at least 1–2 years
• Be comfortable at walk, trot, and (ideally) canter
• Show responsibility in grooming, tacking up, and basic stable management
• Understand that a pony is a living animal, not a toy

Age guide: Most children are ready for their own pony from age 8–10, though younger children can manage with significant parental involvement.

What to Look For

The Ideal First Pony

• Age: 10–18 years — experienced and steady
• Height: 12–14.2hh depending on child's size
• Temperament: Calm, forgiving, patient, not spooky
• Training: Well-schooled, confident in traffic and at shows
• Health: Sound, no chronic conditions, easy keeper

Breeds to Consider in SA

• Welsh ponies — versatile, kind, great jumpers
• Boerperd ponies — hardy, calm, surefooted
• Nooitgedachter — gentle, comfortable gaits
• Pony crosses — often the best temperaments
• Small Thoroughbred crosses — athletic for older children

What to Avoid

• Stallions or colts
• Young, green ponies (under 6 years)
• Hot or sharp ponies — no matter how cheap
• Ponies described as 'needs confident rider'
• Anything you haven't seen your child ride

Costs to Budget For

Item — Monthly Cost

Part livery — R2,500–R5,000

Feed — R800–R1,500

Farrier (every 6 weeks) — R400–R800

Vet (routine) — R300–R800

Insurance — R200–R500

Lessons — R600–R1,200

Total — R4,800–R9,800/month

Purchase price: R8,000–R60,000 for a safe, schooled pony.

SANESA and Pony Club

Getting your child involved in organised riding is the best investment. SANESA (SA National Equestrian Schools Association) offers competitive opportunities from introductory level, while Pony Club teaches horsemanship and responsibility.

The Trial Period

Always negotiate a trial period of 1–2 weeks at your yard. This is where you'll discover:

• Is the pony safe for your child to handle alone?
• Does it load and travel calmly?
• Is it happy in its new environment?
• Can your child catch, groom, and tack up independently?

The right pony will give your child memories that last a lifetime. Don't rush — browse SAHorseSales and set up alerts for ponies in your area.

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