Pony confo UPDATE PICTURES FROM DAUGHTERS FIRST SHOW [Archive]

rabicon

Jul. 9, 2009, 02:05 PM

My daugher has a sweet pony that is doing well for her NOW :lol: She's doing her first intro A test this weekend :D I'm ver excited but I'm wondering about his confo. Not good with confo and I'm wondering if he will be able to really reach under and use himself as she gets older and starts working more seriously with him. Right now he goes well at the walk, reaches and pushes into the bit, the trot is another story :eek: but he's 13 and has never been taught so I'm glad we've gotten the walk down in the past 2 months :lol: I just really want to know if he is conformationally built to keep up in dressage. thanks, hope these pictures are okay, I don't have one not undersaddle yet. If you can't tell then I'll try to get one today. thanks oh btw this is not my daughter riding him. ;)

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2830023720103994293bluTHO

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2979490270103994293EOFGww

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2398195880103994293BnslyG

Someone asked and I thought I'd share anyways. Their first show went great, she forgot to hold her reins correctly (little nervous) so he was kindof everywhere :lol: but he packed her around safely and even decided to walk by me :no: since I was standing calling the test. They've got so far to go but she had a blast and wants to keep doing it, and I think pony had fun also. She was excited at her white ribbon.lol
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2584787450103994293AcpekW
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2499975940103994293lKUolo
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2922119470103994293BodhMJ
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2682416920103994293rfjCuo
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2986849750103994293Catfqt
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2179492450103994293ryStDo

I love this one. That cute little post and those way to long reins :lol:
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2633040290103994293RzvAts

poltroon

Jul. 9, 2009, 03:19 PM

At this level, his job is to give her a fun, safe time. That should get her through Training level at least - easy another year or two.

Whether or not he can do First depends on whether he has the fluidity in his gaits for a lengthening and a leg yield. He's probably not a second level horse, but that's a long way forward.

rabicon

Jul. 9, 2009, 03:48 PM

Yep, 2nd level is a ways up there.lol He has nice gaits when you make him move, he will jog if not :lol:;) And she can make him move. :winkgrin: I just don't know if he will have the lengthens or not. If his shoulder is sloped well for that. Like I said I'm not a confo person and hard for me to tell. Also I was wondering about training level and being able to push with his butt well. thanks poltroon. I guess he will at least get her thru training level. :yes:

poltroon

Jul. 9, 2009, 05:16 PM

Conformation can be evaluated only so far. It can help you make guesses but it is really not possible to say whether the horse can lengthen for 1st level based on photographs alone.

On the other hand, the lengthening is only a small part of the test. Unless he is arthritic, he can probably do a lengthening for a 5 or 6 most days and that will be enough for her to learn and have fun with. She's probably not going to win at the Championships, but the nice thing about dressage is that it's possible to set attainable goals and to find good venues to show in even if the horse isn't Olympic material.

But for that matter, if she can make him move, and if he can hold his balance well, maybe she will do just fine. I used to get my butt kicked by a little girl on her very stock-horse paint at 2nd level. :D

goodpony

Jul. 9, 2009, 05:29 PM

I believe it is possible to develop your ponies capacity for the lengthenings...it will take time and effort (strength) but not outside the realm of possibilty :) and lots of cookies!

rabicon

Jul. 9, 2009, 05:30 PM

poltroon

Jul. 9, 2009, 06:28 PM

:lol: Thanks. I know you win some and you lose some but I don't want her to constantly lose for the next 5 years because he can't compete. But its just schooling shows so I don't think will have a huge problem. Its for fun but she is competitive, I think she gets it from ummmm me. :lol: Shes excited about saturday and knows that its for fun and to see how it goes. We won't be getting rid of him, but just wondering how far he might could take her. You've helped a lot thanks. BTW what do you have to say about his confo? Just wondering. Like his neck, shoulder, hip, knee etc... I would like to learn.

I would describe his conformation as "average but useful" - meaning that I don't see brilliance there or extreme athleticism, but I don't see anything wrong either. It can be hard to tell with photos with a rider.

The nice thing about the schooling shows is that as she moves up, she'll have less competition... that is, there aren't a lot of riders contesting 1st level at most schooling shows, while there will be a lot riding intro. Under those circumstances, just showing up is often worth a ribbon. If she is in 4H or pony club, those are other venues where she might find a nice niche that rewards her for the improvement she makes in her riding.

Dressage will be good for this horse, and as he gains flexibility from the lateral work and the other exercises, he may well be able to move right along with good results, particularly if there are no soundness issues (arthritic hocks are what hamper many low level horses).

There's also the option of the dressage equitation classes, if those are being offered in your area, and if she gets frustrated in dressage, he'd probably be suitable for some local hunter/jumper shows or even low level eventing.

slc2

Jul. 9, 2009, 07:31 PM

I had a pony like that. He could do a lot. Ponies however can become unsound and get arthritis when they get a lot of use. Some aren't meant to be moved up, sometimes it's better to just keep them as little beginner school horses, and have them work at easy stuff, and when the child is ready for her next step up, a little pony of a slightly higher level can be found that's already trained. In one area I used to live in there was a 'pony team' that circulated around to different homes, lol, as each kid came of age. They all lived and worked a very, very long time and brought many children along, and they were always around, so it wasn't like the kids had to miss them, they saw them at pony club where their friends were riding them.

rabicon

Jul. 10, 2009, 10:29 AM

Thanks guys. He's a good pony. I'm glad theres nothing majorly confo wrong on hiim :D I never realized they can break down easier than a horse with a little harder work. Thanks for the insight. Right now he's a w/t pony :lol: Does a little cantering with me and some small jumps. Needless to say he hasn't got worked to hard in the past 2 years. :lol: Before us he was on a slaughter truck that crashed and someone rescued him and then was used for a year in usea events. Anyways I appreciate the input. :D

poltroon

Jul. 10, 2009, 12:24 PM

I never realized they can break down easier than a horse with a little harder work.
I don't agree with that comment, actually. Ponies in general tend to be tougher than horses. Being small is an advantage for long term soundness. However, ponies are also more likely to be carelessly bred.

rabicon

Jul. 10, 2009, 12:26 PM

I always thought they were hardier also thats why that surprised me, but we had xrays when I bought him and we were all clear, we'll just keep a close eye on him.

exvet

Jul. 10, 2009, 01:07 PM

Whoa Nellie!!!! What scientific evidence exists that proves ponies break down easier, faster or any differently than a horse given the same, similar or heavier workload? Also is there proof behind the statement that ponies are more likely to be carelessly bred? How or why is that? 'Cause it's cheaper? More stallions running around?

I'm truly intrigued by all this wisdom. As a vet and as a pony (welsh cob) trainer, owner, breeder I am very naive I guess 'cause this is all news to me.

Dune

Jul. 11, 2009, 11:23 AM

Ponies however can become unsound and get arthritis when they get a lot of use. Some aren't meant to be moved up, sometimes it's better to just keep them as little beginner school horses, and have them work at easy stuff, .

Ok, slc, I'm callin' you out on this load of crap! :rolleyes: I'm thinking you must've written quickly and didn't proofread, because NO ONE would say that ponies in general, more so than horses, have soundness/arthritis issues when pushed harder. Perhaps you meant ponies/horses with certain conformation issues/problems. ??? Please clarify. :confused: I would say that the attitude in general about ponies is what keeps us from having more well trained dressage ponies available for kids. A lot of us out there are trying to change that. :winkgrin::yes:

Dune

Jul. 11, 2009, 11:28 AM

I never realized they can break down easier than a horse with a little harder work. . :D

They don't, that's a load of crap. :mad:

I always thought they were hardier also thats why that surprised me, but we had xrays when I bought him and we were all clear, we'll just keep a close eye on him.

IN general, they are hardier, even if it's just what's between the ears that keeps them going longer. :lol: I'm sure he'll be just fine at the lower levels and who knows what he and your daughter may accomplish. I want to see pix of them at the show! :yes:

Catsdorule-sigh

Jul. 11, 2009, 04:57 PM

Forget the conformation worries- any pony that will pack your daughter around safely at a show is worth its weight in gold.

Looks to me like they can have fun learning together although the adage is a an already trained horse would help her learn faster.

I would call that one a "precious packer." By the time she's ready to move on the pony may well help another child garner skills and confidence.

For what it's worth, lots of horses like that can do well by being obedient, precise, and forward. Saw a little girl on a downhill built Quarter Horse beat the pack because he was all of the above.

Ambrey

Jul. 11, 2009, 04:59 PM

Oh, that is SO CUTE!

eta: Conformation is as conformation does ;) My horse who has been ripped up one side and down the other here got as a comment on his second dressage class ever "Talented horse!" It's in the way they use what they've got ;)

cmdrcltr

Jul. 11, 2009, 05:18 PM

A bit about ponies and soundness . . .

My first pony, a registered Welsh, began his career as a harness racing pony. At the ages of 2 and 3 he trained and raced 65 times, winning 13 quarter mile trots. At 4 he grew a tad and was an inch too big for his division, so he was sold as a saddle pony. I was the third lucky girl to have him; he was 13 when we first met. He'd been shown both saddle seat and hunt seat (on the flat) with his first girl, and with me he did pony club--took my C1 test on that 12.3 hand saint when my bigger lease pony came up lame. I jumped him once or twice over a three foot vertical in his day. Because I couldn't bear to part with him when I outgrew him (Actually, I was almost too big for him when I got him as a 5 foot 120 pound middle schooler.), we returned to driving in the pleasure ring where he gave the hackey ponies a run for their money. I also competed in a challenge of the breeds and had to school him western for that. Because of this wonderful pony I also got to experience carriage driving, cones, and mini-marathons. He had an unbelieveable extended trot!
I retired him while I was in college, but he was unhappy standing around. I leased him to riding school and he gave lessons to many, many children for years. He had to be euthanized this past December after puncturing an eye; he would have been 41 this May.

Sorry, I didn't mean this to be so long or to take over the thread, but my point is that ponies can be incredibly sound. Sonny worked until he was almost 40 and never took a lame step in his life.

CmdrCltr

exvet

Jul. 11, 2009, 06:58 PM

I agree on the value of the packer types. I also agree that conformation doesn't always dictate the ceiling level on ability, performance nor success. Conformation should be used as a guideline; but keep in mind that there are few hard and fast rules fast rules. If sound and safe then definitely the bigger picture is what's important.

The pictures are simply too cute for words. I think you have a partner for your daugther that she could/should have lots of enjoyment with. The pony I had at her age was definitely my best friend, confidante and just general old good joe sort. I got lucky and found similar types for my kids. I think it's why they still ride as teenagers.

Tell your daughter congratulations and keep up the good work.

goodpony

Jul. 11, 2009, 07:14 PM

OMG that is too cute for words! Congratulations to mom and kid...looks like a super pony! I wouldn't trade my daughters pony (our yours) for all the world, finding the right pony is so so hard, looks like you guys did great. I would rather own a pony that my child can safely "learn" to ride and care for and more importantly gain confidence with than anything else. Well done!

slc2

Jul. 11, 2009, 07:37 PM

Load of crap yourself. :lol: Miles is miles, and horses is horses, whether small or less small. Horses and ponies both are affected in the same way by lots of mileage.

Pony Fixer

Jul. 11, 2009, 09:24 PM

Ponies however can become unsound and get arthritis when they get a lot of use.

Then why didn't you say "horses and ponies"? You were called out, and now the backpedal begins...

EqTrainer

Jul. 11, 2009, 09:27 PM

I have nothing to say but HOW CUTE IS THAT?!!!! :D

katarine

Jul. 11, 2009, 09:50 PM

terrifically cute, and pay No Attention to the Backpedaler. ANY ____ worked into the ground shows wear and tear- your supercute daughter on the kind pony, I ain't worried about. SLC and carpal tunnel? Maybe :)

suze

Jul. 11, 2009, 11:28 PM

What an adorable pair!

Dressage_Diva333

Jul. 12, 2009, 04:02 AM

I rode a Haflinger pony for a long time. He was physically limited, as Haflingers really are bred to be harness ponies. This pony was just about unbeatable at Training and First level. It took a lot of work to get the lengthanings, but we averaged a score of 7 on those once we got there. I think you could get to First with that pony.

I never competed Second on the Haflinger, because I sold him. He was very good at all the movements, but you can tell it was tough for him. That pony had heart and would try try try. I rode him in many clinics with top trainers, and all were impressed with how athletic he really was- you wouldn't have guessed that by looking at him in the cross ties! That pony was SOUND. You could ride him cross country hard in the morning, school over jumps in the afternoon, and do some Dressage in the evening and he was totally sound. Before I sold him, he was doing all the Third Level movements except changes... we just never got a chance to start those with him. He had a wonderful half pass in all three gaits too :yes:

I actually think that ponies *in general* are much more sound than horses. Often times they have better hooves as well. I've got a 35ish year old 14 hand mutt pony, I've had him for 11 years. Never taken a lame step in my ownership... actually every animal I've ever owned under 14.2 hands (with the exception of a pulled muscle on the Haflinger), has been 100% sound, and never colicked or had any other health issues. Can't say the same for my horses unfortunatly.

Good luck with your pony, he looks like a safe mount for your daughter, and I'm sure she has a lot of fun with him :)

Equa

Jul. 12, 2009, 05:07 AM

Working hard? Walk trot tests? A bit of canter? Sheesh! And what, carrying a kid who probably weighs less than the saddle....

What a lovely pony! Hopefully your daughter will have tons of fun and success on him - if she wants to. And just let her go eventing if the dressage crowd gets too petty and peculiar

slc2

Jul. 12, 2009, 06:26 AM

It is not backpedaling at all. You decided to pretend I meant something completely ridiculous and stupid, that ponies are MORE prone to arthritis or unsoundness than horses. That isn't what I said at all. Saying 'ponies do' doesn't mean i believe 'horses don't' or that I believe there is any difference between horses and ponies in this.

Miles are miles and that's the end of it. Miles wear out horses and ponies alike. Years of use cause arthritic changes. Too, if an animal has conformation faults, such as crooked legs or hocks, a huge body on tiny legs, or the misfortune to get an injury, the arthritis may come even sooner - and yes, equally for horses and ponies.eeee

exvet

Jul. 12, 2009, 08:12 AM

Miles are miles and that's the end of it. Miles wear out horses and ponies alike.

Feeling a little rode hard and put up wet this mornin'?

While use over the years does get to ALL of us and arthritic changes result, do you not agree that there are quite a few horses (and thus ponies too) that are out there competing well into their teens, showing their owners the ropes, even at the upper levels and do so satisfactorily and not to their detriment?

Though I was not who jumped to the conclusion but interjected once the bandwagon really got going, why bring up the point at all? Was there something the OP stated that indicated her daughter's pony already had exceptional mileage? All I saw mentioned was that he's 13 (not ancient) and that he had not been taught specific movements or how to really use himself. I have a couple of middle aged, low mileage types that are just now really working at second level "stuff" having been used for driving (and not a lot or campaigned heavily) or breeding up until I got them. The OP inquired about conformation as a limitation and you jumped to discussing the fact that ponies develop arthritis due to mileage. What does or did that have to do with this pony's specific conformation?

As for the concerns of whether or not this pony will ever be able to develop lengthenings lots of transitions, the use of ground poles or cavelletis (appropriately), and improving strength and "push" as well as carry power through the use of the shoulder in can do a lot for any horse or pony. I have taken very average movers and developed not only lengthenings but very competitive medium gaits - this has been on ponies. It's great (and of course easier) if they have a free shoulder and natural reach but if you can develop the strength & relaxation through the back you or your daughter should be able to show enough difference to do reasonably well assuming all else is equal. Of course, never lose sight of the fact that this is only one movement. There are lots of other movements that can gain points (like the leg yields) which can make up for lackluster lengthenings.

To the OP - Your daughter and pony are simply adorable. He appears to be a really good egg. I would worry more about your daughter out growing him physically long before her abilities out grow him 'cause ponies like yours are hard to replace. It took me a year to find my daughter a suitable mount after her tried and true safe steady eddy died. We leased several and kissed a lot of toads before finally finding "the one". Of course my budget put certain limitations on it but still I think it can be a challenge regardless of one's economic status.

poltroon

Jul. 12, 2009, 12:59 PM

Love the updated pictures - they look great together!

alliekat

Jul. 12, 2009, 02:21 PM

Way to cute. You daughter and pony look wonderful together and will go far together.

rabicon

Jul. 13, 2009, 09:39 AM

Thanks guys. She had a blast and says she wants to do it again :D The main reason I was asking about confo is she loves this pony and we'll probably never sell him. In a perfect world I'd like him to take her until he's 20 and then let him retire and just trail ride with her. I was worried her talent might out grow his but I just wanted to make sure there is nothing detremental with him that would cause major issues if he was to go up to say 1st level one day. I know thats a long way off but I'm a big planner :lol: and I like to know what to expect as much as possible. Thanks guys so much! I have to agree she is cute with him. ;) Thanks guys so much.

Dune

Jul. 13, 2009, 11:17 AM

Cute pix! :cool: Her talent may indeed outgrow him, or it may not. She may decide she'd like to do a "bit of everything" for which these types of ponies are so fantastic. Or, he may surprise you and be able to do that 1st/2nd level work, you never know until you get there. I think most of us got so up in arms about the post that was made because you took it to heart so quickly and we wanted to disspell any unnecessary, premature worry. Treat the pony well, have fun, involve your vet/farrier in his regular care and it should all be just fine. :yes: And oh, we want more pix as this partnership solidifies! :cool:

EqTrainer

Jul. 13, 2009, 11:40 AM

IME ponies are much hardier than horses, for whatever reasons.

Catsdorule-sigh

Jul. 13, 2009, 11:48 AM

The horses I remember fondly from 4-H days....um...:winkgrin: a long way back now, were the big-headed mare, half draft if she was anything, not particularly good in the conformation area, but just one of the BEST first horses the kid who rode her could have had. About 15.3 and very solid, both in body and mind. Nothing fazed her.

Ditto the surprising three year old, half TB/half QH, 16.3 at three if not more. His kid rode him bareback and had to literally climb up his leg like the horse was a tree with no branches to get on him. The gelding just quietly munched on whatever was handy until the kid made his way up his side and onto his back.

Solid gold comes in many packages.;)

Long Spot

Jul. 14, 2009, 12:47 AM

What an adorable pair. I now have cavities from looking at those pictures!:D Congrats on her first Dressage show. What a great story about how you found this gem as well. Glad your daughter had a blast.

Slc...come on. No one pretended any meaning was there that wasn't intended by you. It read like that to me too. I was going to go all copy and paste about it until I noticed others had caught the dichotomy as well. You are lucky you were vague enough to leave yourself some wiggle room there for later swimming. Paddle away, Phelps.

And Eqtrainer, I agree with you. If there is any stereotype I subscribe to from my own experiences with ponies, it's that they are a hearty and tough group, and can generally take a beating better than horses. Harder to break than an anvil. But it IS a stereotype and only my experiences I glean that from. That's by no means a blanket statement.

WBLover

Jul. 14, 2009, 08:42 AM

That is an ADORABLE pony and if he packs your kid around safely there's nothing more you can ask for.

My DD's pony was the best $500 I ever spent. He's a conformational train wreck, toes out badly, narrow chest, low set upside down neck, downhill, but he's still a cute little mover and above all my DD LOVES him and he takes good care of her in the saddle. He'll trot on the lunge line for her all day while she learns to post, bouncing all over his back and he doesn't wink an eye. And if she says WHOA, he WHOA's! And he's only 5!!!

A good mind goes a much longer way than conformation and gaits, especially for a kid's mount.

Here's my DD's little gem:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5Owdr29Nvnw/SS1xclleUsI/AAAAAAAAAgE/9gmfYkRxTvM/s512/Spot%203.JPG

rabicon

Jul. 14, 2009, 10:22 AM

He's so cute WB. My duaghter always wanted a white pony but she got a bay. :lol: Had to get what was safe ;) I will not let her see that photo :lol:

FatDinah

Jul. 14, 2009, 01:15 PM

My daughter started at 8 with a 21 yr old POA and I finally dragged her off him at 13! Then he went on to my younger kids and loans to Pony Club kids at events and rallies. So don't be so ready to retire him at 20!
He packed them all and he had nowhere near the good conformation yours has.

Please, emphasize riding as fun for your daughter, not lessons and competition. Please, don't make showing her main activity. Encourage her to hack out, jump cross rails, dress up in Halloween costumes, play polo with a volleyball, etc..

This guy looks priceless, even if he never scores above a 4 on a dressage test because he is safe and fun. The saddest sights I saw as a parent were scared kids overmounted on horses and ponies that THEIR moms thought would score well. And my daughter and her POA - by being well behaved and accurate - beat a lot of them.

rabicon

Jul. 14, 2009, 01:54 PM

Oh no I'd never over horse her. :no: I'd rather her lose everytime out then have a dangerous situtation for her. Its not all about the shows, once she can canter well she will trail ride with us and she wants to do some c/t's when she starts jumping and she wants to barrel race :lol: I told her we can take her pony and her to the local fun show around here once she is ready and let her play around with that to ;) She also plays softball and its starting to do some drama stuff. She has a lot besides just competing in dressage. ;) I say retire him at 20 and just trail ride him because I'm not having anymore kids and I probably would never let him go out on a lease etc... I've just seen to many bad things with that. So I figure at 20 she'll be 15 and ready for a new mount ;)

billie

Jul. 14, 2009, 02:35 PM

I have to put in a plug for ponies (ours is 12.2h) and girls:

http://camera-obscura-billie.blogspot.com/2008/04/painted-pony-turns-8-years-old.html

and most recently at a local schooling show, pony is 9 years old, and this was after a year "off" from hauling out:

http://camera-obscura-billie.blogspot.com/2009/04/photos-to-go-with-post.html

You can see how long her legs are getting on him - but when she can't ride him anymore, we'll train him to drive and do in-hand work and hopefully he'll still be sound for the grandkids. :)

WBLover

Jul. 14, 2009, 02:37 PM

Oh rabicon....be GLAD she's got a bay and not a white....this guy LOVES to sleep on his poop, or in the mud, and he's ALWAYS dirty. The picture is when we first got him and he was still fuzzy, I've got a recent one where he's now fattened up and is in his summer coat, and we'd just given him a bath. I told DD we need to get a picture RIGHT after the bath because it won't last long before he's got big ol' brown & green patches down the side of his body and on his cheek! :LOL: I'll have to get it uploaded and link it.

Are you teaching your daughter to ride, or is she working with an instructor? I am teaching her the basics and we are just learning to trot and have an independent seat and hands. It takes a while and my daughter is so impatient and is bugging me to canter and go to shows already! She is definitely not ready yet, still too unsteady and the hands bounce all over with her body. That's why we aren't off the lunge yet, so I can control her pony while she has a very loose rein so she doesn't bounce off his mouth!

rabicon

Jul. 14, 2009, 04:18 PM

I help her and we have an instructor we both work with. I bought this guy when she was 5 and I was a chicken Mom and all she did was get ponied the first year and then he followed me around with her off the line the 2nd year, I didn't feel comfortable lunging them yet either :lol: I was a chicken but she's my baby. She learned some trotting with me running with her. :lol: My new instructor said she works with kids about a year ago so she started with her which helped build my courage up. She has been dumped twice by run away horses in the ring so I had a real huge problem with my confidence. Good horses but dumb situtations that happened (one was people shooting a rifle 100yards from us, horse use to gun fire but not that close. Just crap that can happen ya know) So the past year she has been learning to w/t and drive him, its amazing how far shes come. Her hands are quite now (and pony is so happy :lol:) and her seat is independent as much as an 8 year olds can be. She is so ready to canter, I'm giving her another month of lessons and then trainer is going to canter her on the lunge in a western saddle first. I'm so scared :eek::lol:. I won't let her trail ride until she can canter nicely first but pony is more of a wooo type than a gooo type so I felt okay with her going to this show. Very small and laid back and she was inside a large fenced ring with a dressage ring so I knew he couldn't go far if something did happen. I have a show next weekend but its so open and so many horses get loose its just not a good place for her yet. I had one horse run thru the ring during my test once right in front of us :eek: Congrats on you having more courage to bring your little one along :yes: Which I did but I'm getting much better.

Billie-love the pictures, can't wait to see this pair go x country one day. :yes: Thats another thing she wants to do and pony was competing USEA when I bought home (had done a few shows) Heres him 3 years ago doing xcountry (I blacked out the rider because I don't know her)
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2277911990103994293DKwjYk

billie

Jul. 14, 2009, 04:44 PM

Your daughter will have a wonderful time riding her pony and learning things as they go. I've watched my daughter at age 7 with our pony (then 4) learning how to manage sometimes cheeky pony behavior which she was able to do b/c he was her ''size." They got to know one another and have grown up together.

And now she goes out and vaults onto his back in the field and trots him up to the barn to get ready for a ride.

She sometimes stops in the middle of a work-out with him to run in to use the bathroom and he stands inside the arena gate and watches the back door for her to come back out!

Several months back she was playing around on him bareback and they halted. A flock up birds flew up from the back field and he spooked, which she wasn't expecting and she slid off him. She was very dramatic when she landed (she's 12 now and sometimes that pre-teen thing bursts out...:)), and the pony thought she was hurt - I have never seem him so upset. I checked her out and then sent her inside to stretch out on the sofa - the pony would not leave the arena! He went to the gate and waited for her, and then he went and put his head in the corner and just stood there. I had to come in and ask her to go let him know she was okay.

They have become quite a team. It looks like your daughter has a similar pony partner - we have loved learning with our little man. :)