14yo Grade Pony Mare

Additional Comments

14yo grade gray pony mare, Bella. Guessing approximately 12.2hh, not measured just compared to our other horses. Quarter horse-type build, large enough for smaller adults. Safe for beginners/young rider in a confined area or on a leadline. She needs a more experienced rider out in an open pasture because she knows the usual "naughty pony tricks" to take advantage of an inexperienced rider, like shaking her head to make you lose the reins; once she tests you and realizes you aren't an easy mark she'll get down to business.... (read more) Bella was purchased to be a kid's horse but the kid lost interest, so she's going to waste. I try to ride her at least a couple times a month in the spring and summer. I crawled on her bareback a couple weeks ago and she did everything I asked.

Would make a good 4H/gymkhana/rodeo pony for a confident kid, or trail horse for any smaller rider. She has instincts to be cowy, but I don't do enough cow work to have given her much experience. Bella is super cute in English tack and I've ridden her with both direct and indirect reining and she does okay with both.

She did founder 3-4 years ago and recovered, but now must be kept off green grass March-July; this also helps to improve her attitude as she can get a bit sassy when she gets fat. She has good health and good feet otherwise. Very kind, meets you at the gate, easy to catch, and loves attention, especially being scratched and groomed.

Price is not firm, I'm happy to negotiate, especially if she'll be a kid's dream pony or 4H project. My main concern is that she goes to someone who will keep her healthy and not let her founder again. We prefer people to come check her out rather than buy sight unseen and can arrange for a test drive most evenings and weekends.