Pony mare, 9 years old

Talented Pony Mare Looking for a New Home

Stella is a 9-year-old pony mare that we purchased three years ago to be backed for our daughter.

She is gentle in handling, leads nicely on the lunge, and can be used for "turnout" / vaulting. She enjoys groundwork and free jumping. She has excellent gaits and was only recently started under saddle.

After careful consideration, we have decided to sell Stella, as she is not suitable for beginner riders. She needs a rider who is confident and assertive. She can become spirited and may bolt if a beginner rides her. She is sensitive to other horses approaching too closely, which can make beginner lessons challenging if children are not attentive to maintaining proper distances. Her canter is still somewhat insecure; she tends to "pop in" when transitioning to the canter, and occasionally she falls out to the outside canter. In the arena, she can be a bit fidgety at first but settles after a few minutes. She has not yet been ridden alone in the field.

Unfortunately, we lack the time and the experienced rider needed to further train her in jumping. Overall, we simply do not have enough time for Stella, so we are looking for a youth rider who suits her better. She is healthy, barefoot, knows how to travel in a trailer, and is good with the farrier and veterinarian.

This summer, she developed some minor skin irritation, likely due to the standing water next to the pasture, which was not an issue in previous years. We have not yet put a rug on her.

She does not tolerate changing riders well, so no riding school or group lessons. Stella is very intelligent — a pony mare, sometimes a bit sassy. Therefore, experienced horsepeople or riding parents are a must for support.

We purchased her from a stable where she was kept in a box. At our place, she is turned out 24/7 in summer and for a few hours in winter. Due to her previous box upbringing, she is somewhat sensitive to other horses approaching too closely, but this has improved significantly with us.

I can gladly send videos of her under saddle personally. Priority goes to the right home over price.