Good children's pony prospect?

[Momateur]

I have an opportunity to buy this 5 year old, registered quarter pony. He’s 14.1 1/2 with no shoes, so he’s a good size. Very quiet. Not expensive. No quirks or vices. I think he’d make someone a nice, safe little SS/children’s pony with a little more education. My concern is that his step is just too short. Please see YouTube link below. Thoughts?

(I will add that he’s currently barefoot, if that makes a difference).

https://youtu.be/wMIYahbgl20

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[findeight]

Better suited as a Western novice kind of Pony, he moves well for that, they are bred and built for that low, short step you see here. Not bred or built to rock back and push off, lift knees squarely or get the lines, even very low and friendly. Shoulder and hip angles just aren’t there for that if they are bred and built for the soft, short pitty pat step.

Very nice type for a child or small adult, just not over even very low fences set at related distances in the SS or Children’s Pony at a show of almost any size, and SS/ Children’s is usually held at Rateds. Surprisingly competitive too.

Also, what height does it measure? Looks like very close to 14.2, if it’s over, CP is not an option and small Honies are a hard sell in the Hunt seat market. Not such a big deal for Western buyers.

Square peg, round hole. But a very nice peg.

[Victorious]

Findeight is 100% on the spot! He is beautiful and looks a wonderful fellow, but I think his life would be 10x’s harder if he were forced into a career that he quite simply wasn’t bred for.

[gottagrey]

Agree with the others, he’s cute but at 5 and 14.1-1/2 without shoes, that’s cutting it pretty close to hony size. he might be worth trying if you have a use for a large pony smallish horse for your program, but not necessarily as a resale. IME so many people have a hard time selling ponies, leasing not so much but selling - the kids go from 1 pony size to horses it seems these days…

[alternate_universe]

Have you seen him jump? Low level eventing will accept a lower quality jump than Hunterland, but it must be safe (no hanging knees, etc.).

[blondewithchrome]

Too short of a video for me to really tell - but he is really cute. For a short stirrup pony at the local level I hardly imagine big step and snappy knees REALLY matters as long as he’s SAFE and honest. Hard to know at 5 years old how he’ll end up. I agree that he may not have the style and step to do the 2’6” children’s at rated shows but he could definitely have a job if he jumps well and again - is safe and sane!

[Temecula_Jumper]

I think he’s really cute! He may not be a division pony, but I see no reason why he couldn’t be a great SS or Green Rider pony. Getting the strides doesn’t matter as much in those classes as does safe, consistent and suitability. If he has a good brain and is quiet, I’d go for it.