The childhood dream

Whether you’re new to ponies or are a hotshot budding event rider, a childhood spent mucking out and mucking in with ponies is one to cherish. Tessa Waugh finds out how to make the most of these years

- Tessa Waugh

WE are all aware of the dream; Cupid-faced children on mischievous fluffballs laughing riotously as they take on the world. A pony-filled childhood ticks so many boxes in our fast and modern world; getting children outside and away from screens, challenging them through ups and downs, teaching them to care for animals and put something first before themselves.

While the dream is endlessly appealing, the reality can be challenging for even the most knowledgeable people, and the financial and time demands are considerable. How can you ensure that your offspring get the best out of a childhood with ponies?

Tracy Duffy never predicted the journey she would go on with her daughter, Merci, when Merci started learning to ride.

“We took Merci to the local riding school every weekend,” recalls Tracy. “It got to the point where Merci’s teacher, Caroline Stewart, told me that it would be cheaper for Merci to have her own pony.”

The Duffys took Caroline’s advice and bought Merci a pony, finding a place for her at a livery yard outside the town where they live. Caroline continued to give her lessons and was on hand to help them throughout.

“Caroline is more than a riding instructor, she has become a friend,” says Tracy, who has valuable advice for parents embarking on pony ownership for the first time. “If you don’t know a lot about horses, find someone you can trust to guide you.”

Merci has now joined the Pony Club and is competing regularly on her second pony which she keeps with Caroline.

“As a family we’ve invested a lot of money and time into Merci’s interest, but we don’t regret it at all,” adds Tracy. “If your child finds something they love, it is wonderful to be able to give them that opportunity.”