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[1] and HorseClicks.com[2] 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.
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[3] 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[4] 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[5] 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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