- Cob
- Piebald
- Gelding
- 9 years
- 12.3hh / 130cm
- Versatile 1.5 or 2nd pony
- Ridden and handled by children
- Strong and solid and really takes up the leg
Hunter is a small pony with a big character. He will give his next person so much fun and affection, but he needs a confident rider/handler as he can be cheeky and strong if he thinks he can get away with it. You only need to let him know who's in charge though, and he'll do as he's asked.
He's a forward and willing pony who loves jumping and showing off his big canter. He is snaffle mouthed and has good brakes. During the last 3 years, he has been ridden by children of all abilities from 6-12 years, as part of a small riding school, including beginners on the lead and confident riders off‑lead.
My daughter (who is now 12yrs and approximately 5ft tall) has been riding him for the last year at the same yard, but having a pony of her own is proving to be too much right now. The hope was that Hunter would last her for many years to come, as he is such a versatile and solid little chap, who really takes up the leg well (I am 5'4" and ride him comfortably). So, as sad as it will be to let him go, we know that he is far too good and too much fun to be wasted!
Hunter would be ideal as a confident child's 1.5/2nd pony, all-rounder, small adult or mother-daughter share as he can turn his hoof to anything. He loves jumping, games, schooling, hacking, fancy dress and generally just having fun. He is great at join-up and will happily follow you around the arena over poles and around obstacles.
We have hacked him out in company (which he is more used to) and solo (with daughter riding and me walking), all of which he has taken in his stride. Great in traffic - we hack on fairly narrow country lanes with plenty of farm traffic, tractors, tankers, cars and he has always been very sensible.
This spring/summer we have taken him out to some local shows and in-hand classes with my daughter, where they placed every time with some really lovely feedback from the judges. One judge suggested he might make a good driving pony, though this isn't something we've tried. Given that showing was a new experience for him and us, he settled into the busy atmosphere quickly and behaved really well both in and out of the ring.
Hunter is easy to handle on the ground, though he might try and pull a small child to the best grass or haylage! He is patient when tied up, loves being groomed, bathed and clipped. He's great to catch, he'll come to see you in the paddock for scratches or just to investigate the wheelbarrow. He lives for scratches and really shows his appreciation! He is very friendly with both humans and horses and loves a fuss. Nobody can resist tickling his moustache over the stable door - he's a true yard favourite.
Hunter responds really well to a kind but firm approach in unfamiliar situations. He just likes to know what's going on, and if he's unsure, a little patience and reassurance goes a long way. He loads really well, but can get anxious when travelling, and dental visits aren't his favourite. However, he is great with the vet, and stands patiently for the farrier with a lick.
He is so easy to look after, barefoot all round and happily lives out with mares or geldings. He doesn't get upset if he's the last one left in the field. He's a very hardy type so can live out 24/7 and is equally happy being stabled overnight. We like to keep him clipped all year for riding as he has a thick coat, so we rug him in winter. He is an absolute dream to clip - he basically taught me how to do it!
Up to date with everything - vaccinations, farrier, dentist.
Comes with full wardrobe - tack and rugs.