PONY problems

Not just small horses, ponies benefit from particular care and attention in certain areas.

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PONIES can be versatile, tough and forgiving. They can provide the perfect introduction to the joys of riding and be wonderful companions for children and small, light adults alike.

They can be straightforward and comparatively low-cost to keep, often requiring no shoes, minimal hard feed and no stabling. They can also be hardy enough to live out full-time, often without rugs.

Older ponies are typically a child's first experience of riding and of owning their own pony. Parents rely on the quiet demeanour and significant experience of older ponies to look after children once in the saddle, seeking ponies who are genuinely bombproof and well deserving of the title of schoolmaster or mistress.

These ponies go steadily where they are supposed to during a lesson or on a group hack, despite mixed commands or a complete lack of direction and unpredictable behaviour from the jockey on board.

That said, ponies can be strong when handled by children on the ground as they are clever enough to take advantage of their young riders, and opportunistic, heading in the wrong direction for equine company or fresh grass at any opportunity!

They are prone to weight gain, and once overweight are at high risk of laminitis. Once a pony has had laminitis they are at increased risk of further bouts, requiring attentive management.

Older ponies commonly suffer from Cushing's disease (or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, PPID), which may also predispose to laminitis, as well as causing some loss of performance, excessive drinking and urinating, and the telltale very hairy coat.

There are specific orthopaedic health issues to bear in mind with an older pony. These can often be managed well with foresight and the right routine.

KEEPING THE JOINTS HEALTHY AND MOVING