If your little one has been taking horseback riding lessons, you’ve probably been asked whether or not they can get a pony of their own over and over again. Buying a horse or pony for your child is a massive commitment, and it requires a lot of careful thought, consideration and preparation. However, it’s important to remember that owning a pony can teach a child a lot of valuable life lessons, from responsibility and putting others first to the value of money and how to budget. If you are considering purchasing a pony for your child, here are just some of the reasons why it’s a good idea.
Responsibility
Owning a pony – or any pet, for that matter – is a great way to teach a child responsibility. They are responsible for the care and maintenance of another living thing, and they’ll need to learn quickly how to put their responsibilities first. When you have a pony relying on you to be fed and cared for, you soon learn to make sure that your plans fit in with this huge responsibility. For many children, caring for a pony helps them to make plans that accommodate others and learn the consequences of ignoring things which they are responsible for.
Self-Esteem
There are barely any things more boosting to one’s self esteem than seeing your pony galloping across the field to you when you turn up at the fence. For many children and young girls in particular, issues with self-esteem are common due to growing issues with peer pressure and even bullying in schools. Owning a pony can help your child to increase their self-confidence. Having an animal who relies on you and loves you can give you a sense of purpose and meaning, and for many children getting their own pony was the day that their outlook and view of themselves changed.
Budgeting
Ponies and horses are not cheap! Along with food, hay and bedding for the stall, your child’s pony will also need riding tack and rugs. Riders also need a variety of equipment from safety helmets to horse riding boots, which you can find a fantastic range of here at One Stop’s boot selection. When you own a pony or horse, you’re constantly thinking about different ways to budget so that you can afford the necessary things your animal needs. Owning a pony can help your child to learn the value of money and useful lessons in budgeting that will stay with them right through their adult life.
Putting Others First
Last but not least, owning a pony means that you need to put the needs of the animal before your own. No matter how cold and crappy you might feel, you still need to make sure that the pony is fed even on the chilliest of cold winter days. Pony ownership will teach your child to put their own needs second to others, and that looking after their pony can’t be ignored no matter what.
Do the arguments for outweigh the arguments against getting your child a pony? Let us know in the comments.