 | Shetland Ponies: $300-$1,500 |
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 | Connemara Ponies: $3,000-$28,000 |
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| A pony is essentially a small horse. Ponies developed in Europe as hardy, sturdy workhorses with short, muscular legs. In America, they're considered a whimsical pet for children. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Ponies, a large, four-legged hoofed mammal, vary widely in cost from just a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Cost factors include age, with younger ponies cost more and older adults costing less; and training, with more well trained ponies costing more and untrained ponies costing less. EquineNow.com and HorseClicks.com lists hundreds of ponies for sale.
- Ponies are intelligent creatures. Temperaments vary by breed. For example, Shetlands are generally stubborn and headstrong while Connemaras are more gentle and willing. Thus, Shetlands vary in price from $300 to $1,500 while Connemaras cost $3,000 all the way up to $28,000.
What should be included: | - Generally, any horse below 4 foot, 10 inches tall at roughly the shoulder is considered a pony. However, ponies do have different body types and temperaments than their larger counterpart.
Additional costs: | - Lodging. Ponies need about three acres to exercise. Lodging facilities cost about $200 per month and can include cleaning the stable and brushing and feeding the pony.
- Food. Ponies eat mostly hay, which costs around $1,200 annually. Supplement the hay with grain, which costs about another $140 a year, and minerals, costing about $20 a year.
- Veterinary care. Check ups cost about $250. Miscellaneous veterinary costs include worming at about $48 a year; hoof care at $35 to $50 each month. The American Association of Equine Practitioners has a video with tips on how to select an equine veterinarian.
- Training. At about $40 per lesson, training can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 in a given year.
- Accessories. Miscellaneous items including a rider's helmet, brush, shampoo, buckets and general first aid supplies can run in the hundreds as well.
- Visit AllAboutHorses.com for a detailed breakdown of the costs of keeping a horse or pony.
Discounts: | - Since pony upkeep is expensive, some owners want to rid themselves of a pony fast, which can knock down the price to only a few hundred dollars. But don't rush into a purchase. Due diligence is necessary to find the appropriate pony. Inspect the potential pet, research its ownership and veterinary history and ask questions.
- Adopting a pony through PetFinder.com can be priced under $1,000, with many costing just $100 to adopt. Use the search feature on the left to find adoptable ponies nearby.
Shopping for a pony: | - TodaysHorse.com provides a list of questions to ask and reminds the potential buyer to think sensibly when purchasing a horse or pony. For example, don't go by looks alone; temperament counts for a lot.
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Article updated August 2010 |
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