Free Lease- The $700 Pony - 1 year or 2 years

[Reynard Ridge]

Bringing this thread back - we went to China in Sept as a trial for three months. So I chucked the Pony out in a field. We love China and it looks like we'll stay a while. So, she's available again. Anyone interested:

_________________________________________
Some of you may be familiar with the $700 Pony from the book I wrote about her, "Chronicles of the $700 Pony."

We left for China in Sept of '07 and will be back for a few weeks in December, but will return to China Jan '08 for an indefinite period of time. I do not want to sell the Pony and right now she is hanging out in a field getting fat. She can stay there if no-one wants her, but it's kind of a shame. She's a nice enough critter and someone could have a lot of fun with her. (Of course, I offered her to with all of my local friends and no-one was interested - this is a clue. :lol: ).

This is kind of a tough situation, because she really does need to be with a reasonably qualified rider because she's still a training project - and one usually pays for training, right? :yes: But I figure no harm in trying to find a match.

The Pony is 14h, but built stockily enough that she takes up a longish leg fairly well. I'm 5'5", 125lbs and look okay on her - clearly an adult on a smaller horse - but not dramatically out of proportion. Her "training" has been spotty at best. She can execute a Training Level dressage test - but she won't be winning any year end awards. As far as jumping is concerned, with the right rider she has the scope to easily get to the Novice level of eventing - possibly Training - but I have not been terribly successful with her thus far. She can jump a 2'3" course, but I have not jumped her since late winter (time is my enemy).

She's not necessarily the easiest pony in the world, and she is definitely not suitable for a child, although her ground manners are just fine. AND she will have had three months off. But, on the plus side, she self loads in the trailer, she'll stand in the trailer at events, she ties to the trailer for easy tacking up, she's stands for farrier and vet, you can body clip her without tranq, etc, etc.

With that glowing description, if there's anyone interested, please feel free to email me privately (email in profile) or PM me. She is located in NJ right now and I will be available around Christmas to ship her up or down the East coast for the right spot.

And a build: I love my pony very much, but she is not breeding material. Her conformation leaves quite a bit to be desired and while she's a nice enough mover - not nice enough to warrant passing on her genes. My opinion of course, and thanks to anyone who thought she WAS nice enough to breed - but you haven't seen her in person. I think if you had, you would agree. :yes:


Some photos:

http://pets.webshots.com/album/502966891ZdnfHO (http://pets.webshots.com/album/502966891ZdnfHO)

Many thanks!

[Emryss]

Push comes to shove there is a spot for her in sunny California...But I'm sure you can find a situation closer. But if you and your pony are desperate, there is love and riding/training available here.

[classicsporthorses]

RR-We'd be honored to have the $700.00 Pony on our farm! I'm not much bigger than you, but have only a 29 inch inseam so I could fit her fine.

I'll PM you. This would give you the "perfect" excuse to come see our farm and Paris and LeFeu and you could finally meet the famous Miracle.

[hoser1]

:)

[coloredhorse]

I can heartily endorse hoser1 as a foster-mom!

I'd add my name to the list, but unfortunately, I need a child-safe pony.

[Reynard Ridge]

I have PMed both hoser1 and classicsporthorses - I'm really thrilled that anyone is interested. :lol: While I quite adore my My Little Pony (TM), I clearly recognize her, um, downsides. ;)

[Emryss]

What? California's too far? Wimp.

[Zoomer]

And I can heartily endorse ClassicSportHorses. She did a fantastic job caring for my mare for just over a year (while I was overseas) and putting up with my barage of emails ;) . She was the last one to make my mare fat (well, pleasantly plump) though, be warned! :lol:
Cheers!
Christina

[Reynard Ridge]

What? California's too far? Wimp.

Long drive with two wee children strapped into car seats in the front of my pickup truck. :lol:

[RU2U]

Just wanted to wish you "Good LUck" with your pony and finding a great vacation home! (I have a hard time finding someone to watch ours overnight!) I'm afraid she would turn into a fat chip eating couch potatoe at our place!

My husband and I enjoyed your book very much ('specially the mini pony fight scene - hysterical). We have two wee ones (6 & 7 now), and 9 horses (5 which came after the kids, I think its a hormone thing!) so you can imagine we have a few stories to tell ourselves and we related to yours alot.

Best of luck with your new adventures!

K

[Emryss]

Long drive with two wee children strapped into car seats in the front of my pickup truck. :lol:


It's only a few days if you limit the potty breaks! :lol:

Heck, you're already driving the kiddlies to China duct-taped onto the dashboard of...wait...that's wrong...

Ummm...have a wonderful trip!

[Freebird!]

You know for those who don't get to lease the $700 pony, I still have my $600 pony that is looking for a home. OK, so she may not have her own published book about her antics, Happy is very cute, and just as quirky. :)

[Emryss]

Yeah, but nobody wants to drive to California. I shall pout now...

[YankeeLawyer]

i can endorse Hoser also. Hoser is my soon-to-be neighbor and the ponies have *really* nice accomodations : ).

[Reynard Ridge]

i can endorse Hoser also. Hoser is my soon-to-be neighbor and the ponies have *really* nice accomodations : ).

Time for me to fish or cut bait. I have four very qualified possible temp homes - I'm going to work on this particular project this weekend, so hopefully, final decision early next week.

[tarheelmd07]

I wish I was small enough to ride the $700 pony...I'm in the market for a short-term (6mo-1yr) lease right now that my boy is laid up facing shoulder surgery. But, at 5'8"-9" and 140lbs, I just might be a little big :(

[Penthilisea]

Tarheel- worry not, i am 5'5" 155 lbs and I did a take a spin on the pony. She was a champ!

[Weepul]

If only you could ship her to California. I am in the perfect posistion right now to take a free lease for that time.

I'm 5'9 though, haha, perhaps a wee bit tall.

Alas, the search continues, I apologize for wasting your time. :cool:

[Sakura]

I'd take her for you... but you would have to write a sequel to your book... "The $700 Pony's Half Arabian Foal" :cool:;). Good luck finding a temporary home, I'm sure there is a COTHer out there who can put her up for you :).

[Reynard Ridge]

Bump - the search begins anew. :yes:

[To the MAX]

Aww I wish I could take her! She is such a fun pony..but I am stuck down here at school. Maybe she and Maxwell could share a stall and become best friends :D

[Reynard Ridge]

Hey! Interesting idea though, TTM - would the school consider a free lease for a year or two? I know they don't like ponies so much, but she is a large pony. Hmmm, I'll email you.

[Lori T]

I wish we were closer..I'd make room for her for our pony clubbers. Have you tried local pony clubbers in your area?

[Flying Hippotamus]

I just returned my freebie Halflinger. Her owner decided the give up on her arab dream horse and go back to driving. Obviously don't need another horse since Viggo is still pushing to be the first Equine on Prozac (But I got my ESDCTA bronze medal - cool huh?) . Anyway if you get stuck I could be foster home or something. Is she still in Doylestown? I was down that way and was thinking about her the other day.

It is impossible for me to keep the barn empty for long. But horses are a money pit, I was thinking about trying alpacas. The bonus is I know nothing about them.

Where are you in china? Just in case I want to drop in. Really though is it city or rural?

[To the MAX]

So I mentioned it to my coach but the problem is that we don't have our own barn or horses, so we would have to pay for the board out of our funding and we just don't have that much money. If you think you might want to go that route though, you could contact Delaware Valley College and see if they could use her for a year or two. I don't know if they would be interested but it's worth a shot. They have some very nice riders and I have a few friends who go there who could make sure she was well taken care of. Plus my boyfriend goes there so I visit every once and a while. Probably not as good of a situation as finding her one person, but she will be in a constant program with some nice riders.
Just a thought :)

[FlashGordon]

I second the pony club idea.... when I was trying to free lease my guy I e-mailed a few local pony club members who were kind enough to pass my info, horse's info, and some pics along to all the regional members.

I had a TON of responses! And geez a lot of those PC kids are awesome little riders, many don't mind a bit of a project either. Now's the time too, they'd have all winter to get her back in shape.

Good luck and glad you are enjoying china...

[Emryss]

I'm tellin' you - you need to send her to California. Niece has been high-point Junior several dressage shows running...including the rated ones. Or she'd be driving her about if Miss Pony has any aptitude for it. Or taking her to Pony Club. Who knows with that kid.

Enjoy China. I know you'll find a spot for her in your neck of the woods!

[LD1129]

Just to butt in for a moment. I think the $700 dollar pony would not like being at Delaware Valley College. While I liked the equine program the poor pony would not get much turnout. None of the horses get much time out.

Just thinking about how to keep the $700 dollar pony happy! :cool:

[fernie fox]

I would find it too upsetting to give her back after 1 or 2 years.

[Reynard Ridge]

Just thinking about how to keep the $700 dollar pony happy! :cool:

You're right - and she's really too small for their program. I was out there a couple of times this summer watching a few lessons and I have a hard time imagining my pony really fitting into that program.

[Snap]

I think she should come stay with the $700 horse :). Really, I got chestnut mare at the same time you got the pony and we payed the same amount for them. I've always felt they are kindred spirits (especially after reading the book!)

Sadly the $700 mare keeps me pretty busy but if all else fails I'd be happy to mess around with her a bit on weekends :lol:. I'm 5'5 105lbs so I'd probably fit her fine.

[tempichange]

would the 700 dollar pony be happy in KY?

[spookhorse]

would the 700 dollar pony be happy in KY?

I dunno about you K, but I believe the $700 Pony would love to live out with your May and my bunch :D I mean, what Pony wouldn't love 20 acres of the best of the bluegrass???

[Emryss]

I really think the Pony would prefer California.

[PetiteTreasure]

Has the $700 pony found a home for a bit? I've got a $700 pony myself who's starting the green pony hunters in December. I love him more every time I ride him. I have a little girl who's been learning to train, and her dad built her a barn, so I feasibly have stalls... I'm in east PA, just north of Doylestown.

[Reynard Ridge]

Emryss, the $700 Pony would LOVE to come to Cali. She's blond for heavens sake! :lol: But a bit far for me to haul. The gas would cost more than she is worth by a long, long shot. Not to mention that if your niece tried to stick her in the back of a mini-van, well, :eek:.

I've PMed everyone else interested. KY is a little far, but if it's the right situation, I'd haul her down. Just east of Doylestown? PERFECT!! But, she ain't no type-y pony hunter type. :lol: Like I said, I PMed, so we can discuss her pluses and minuses in great depth.

She has NOT found a place to go yet - but just a reminder - she has a home for life with me and will just live (happily) out in a field if I can't find a rider who wants her. :yes:

[Emryss]

Now, my niece would never stick her in the back of a minivan. That is reserved for, well, Minis. We do have access to a trailer, after all. Said niece is not suffering for lack of horses to bring along anyway - she has her projects in driving and her little warmblood/TB that she's bringing up the levels. She does like ponies very much, though, and wouldn't turn down your nice little gal anyway.

All in good fun. Seems there are some very nice horses/ponies in the East/Midwest/South/NOT California and I feel a tad left out.

Best of luck to finding a good spot for Miss Mare. If I were a gajillionaire I'd help somehow. Otherwise, I'll just tease gently now and again.

Love your China website, BTW. It kind of makes me think I'd do exactly the same types of things, myself.

[2ndyrgal]

Because my twin sister, who is 5'2" and weighs 115lbs is horseless. Worse yet, she is ponyless, and worse still, penniless. Now, we at Stonebroke Farm, have a lovely facility, with lush pastures, huge stalls, room to ride out on 40+ acres and a indoor. And, it so happens that my sister is a good little rider, has lots of free time, and best of all, Ralph Hill's niece, Michelle, is my trainer and comes up here and gives me lessons. Ok, not really lessons, since we're the same age and I ride really well, more like she yells while I jump around. But I digress. My corgi owning, recently divorced twin sister, who only lives 10 minutes away, loves my horse, aka, "the big horse", but won't ride him as he's almost 18hands and well, big. She wants a pony. I have promised to buy her a pony IF I hit the powerball, but have been forbidden by Mr. Stonebroke to ever BUY another pony as the two I bought for school horses did not ever exactly pay for themselves. One is in Ohio doing PC with a bunch of kids, the other would rather pull than carry (Haffie) so all he does is get driven occassionally. Mostly, he eats and hangs out with the big horse. Who is out all day, and often nights. But the fat haffie does not need to be out eating that much grass, but if he's in and the big horse is out, it gets a bit noisy and if he hollers enough, the big horse simply jumps out. So.....if the fat Haffie had a little $700 buddy, then well, I'd have to get another HORSE to hang out with the big horse. So, you can see this would work out really, really well, (especially for ME) and when you return, your baby will have been well loved, well ridden and well cared for. And, since my husband is indulgent, we can even come and pick the $700 pony up in the big horse's trailer. (and see if sis and $700 get along well. ) Let me know if this interests you.

[Flying Hippotamus]

Holy crap! jump on this one RR. You guys are are some kind of soul sisters. I ran out of breath just reading that post. Haffie and pony together with big horse, I would need pictures. All that blonde in the barn sounds deadly tho. What color is big horse? I really have to form this image in my mind.

[Hunter Princess]

Just saw the thread, and while I go to DVC I wouldn't advocate sending your pony there. We have many wonderful schoolies, but even if I was in the position of having a horse of my own, leasing him to the school would be the last thing I consider.

Oh wait, I was supposed to say our program is absolutely wonderful and doesn't have any issues with an absent minded barn manager and our horses most definitely get more than 3 hours of t/o a day.

woops.

hope you find a good home for da pony!

[2ndyrgal]

is chestnut.My sister and I are redheads, each with a sable corgi. Mr Stonebroke is blond. And since you can see our farm from I-75, we can put up a nice sign on the freeway side of the fence that says "Home of the $700 Pony". And friends. So you see RR, I'm quite sure that on High Holy Weeks, such as Rolex, the Cother's would make the pilgrimage, on the way to the KHP (since we're only 40 minutes north) to see the Most Revered $700 Pony, and pay homage, bringing incense and myrrh. Ok, Stud Muffins and carrot treats, but you get the idea. Perhaps we could even organize book signings and photo opportunities for HRH the $700. Yes, I see this being a Very Good Thing for all concerned. Just the thing, as when the sad day comes that you return from afar to reclaim your love, well then... the fat Haffie will have to get ANOTHER buddy, as his buddy now will already have a new friend. This could really work, I have twelve stalls, and only two horses. And you know there's just something wrong about having all this SPACE and only two lovely heads looking over the stalls. Of course, due to the magnificence of Stonebroke Farm, and the undivided attention she will no doubt receive, she may return to you a bit spoiled. Oh, and not only do we have lots and lots of really lovely grass, WE HAVE HAY!!!

[Penthilisea]

I was on a pay-to-ride trail ride out in PA today and the lovely trail guide was a fellow COTH'r. And I mentioned the $700 pony to her, and she might be interested or know someone... So hopefully RR you will here from her! And I can say she has a strong seat and the farm looked safe and clean! All the horses were in good weight and appropriate jobs etc.

[Reynard Ridge]

Holy crap! jump on this one RR. You guys are are some kind of soul sisters. I ran out of breath just reading that post. Haffie and pony together with big horse, I would need pictures. All that blonde in the barn sounds deadly tho. What color is big horse? I really have to form this image in my mind.

:lol: Yes. And if I drive the $700 Pony down to KY, what are the odds my trailer ramp will fall off when we arrive? ;)

Edited to clarify: Just about last time I saw FH, my trailer ramp fell off and she had to help dig me out of that little hole. :lol: ;)

[spookhorse]

:lol: Yes. And if I drive the $700 Pony down to KY, what are the odds my trailer ramp will fall off when we arrive? ;)

Just means your trailer wants to stay, too :lol:

[Reynard Ridge]

So, alas, the $700 Pony is not going to KY. At least not yet. So, we're still looking. Beth, I PMed you looking for a little more info. A PA locale would be nice, particularly given that if it doesn't work out and I am 10k miles away, I have local friends I can send to pick her up. :yes: