Questions to ask when buying a new pony

Before you even think of going to see a pony there are important questions that you should ask over the phone: Does it have an established canter? Does it canter evenly to a fence? What size course does it jump? How does it get on at a show? Does it knock any fences down? Does it stop? Does it shy? Buck, Rear Nap What is it like in traffic? What is it like in heavy traffic, big lorries or tractors? Does it hack out on its own? In company Will it go behind quietly and not pull Is it kind in the box Easy for a child to handle Easy for a child to lead up in hand without pulling or breaking free Is it easy to clip and shoe Load in a trailer Either side In a lorry Has it been ridden out or schooled by an adult? Does it jump ditches? Water Drops Does it go on the hard ground Have you hunted it? When it's hunting is it strong? Does it stand still? What kind of bit does it go in? Has it ever been lame? Has it ever had a check ligament or suspensory Does it live on straw? Shavings Hay Horseage How long have you had it? How old is the child riding it? Does it have laminitis? Sweet itch How often do you ride it? What is it like if you don't ride it for a week?