Once upon a time, Ironwood Farm was 10 years old and got a pony for Christmas. This was the start of Ironwood Farm’s ruin but that is another story. Ironwood Farm was a horse mad 10 year old with good intentions and non-horse parents. There was 4-H and some periodic adult help, but mostly Ironwood Farm was on her own. Many memorable adventures ensued.
Cue music to indicate we are now many years in the future. Ironwood Farm is now an old bat horse breeder. Phone rings…
“Hello, it’s out of state grandma. I am interested in buying your foal. I know you give a discount pre-weaning but I can give you cash today if you will take less.”
Ironwood Farm replies, “The discount is only offered for a purchase for pre-weaning and does require you insure the foal while it stays on my farm. In fact, the demand for Fjords is strong enough that I don’t even advertise except on my web site.”
“Okay, we’ll pay the price.”
“I am always concerned about suitability for both the horse and rider. It is important to make a good match, especially with a foal that will need years of training.”
“Yes, I understand. My grand daughter is 8. She loves horses and is learning how to care for them at a barn. She will have adult supervision to help her for the next 2 years. She already knows how to pick hooves.”
Ironwood Farm responds, “I won’t sell a foal to an 8 year old owner. It will not work out for the child or the foal.”
“Are you sure? She won’t mind waiting until she can ride it. And we really can’t afford an adult horse because they cost $10K.”
A longer conversation ensues in which Ironwood Farm explains that the child would be better off with an older horse trained to ride now. There is likely to be a suitable horse in her price range.
“Do you think one of those retired race horses will work? There seem to be a lot of them around. I just worry that the horse will run in circles.”
After banging her head against the wall, Ironwood Farm says, “No, I think you want something smaller and older for your grand child.”
“Are you sure? She doesn’t want to go to horse shows; she just wants to ride. And she is helping at a barn and can pick hooves already!”
Conversation continues with Ironwood Farm giving some shopping tips like working with a trainer, trying any horse first, getting a PPE, and just taking lessons. And best wishes and hopes that the grand child will get a suitable pony.
Next morning Ironwood Farm received a FB message from the child’s trainer stating that she was being unfair to this child for refusing to sell said foal. After all the trainer was going to supervise everything. I must be a mean grinch to withhold this foal from such a good home.
So this year, with her heart being at least 3 sizes too small, Ironwood Farm will be sending jingles to all young girls with great love for horses. She will be hoping they get lessons, horsemanship training, and if a pony appears, it will not be one that dumps the child in every sticker bush or creek nearby, rubs the child into trees, and stomps on feet. Ironwood Farm loved her first pony and has the scars and memories to prove it.
