The Perfect First Pony needs a new home and her owner’s phone line is red hot, writes Carolyn Henderson. Parents – let’s be honest, mothers – have been plotting since the first rumours started circulating and now they’ve flown into action like heat-seeking missiles. This is happening in my part of the world, as Magic the PFP’s family prepare to interview applicants. Perhaps you know of equivalent four-legged paragons of virtue or have been through the exhausting process of trying to beg or borrow one. I won’t add “steal”, although there’s one mother who is so desperate to secure Magic’s services we’re all wondering how far she’d go. The sad thing about PFPs is that inevitably, they are outgrown. Unless there is a succession of small riders ready to take up their reins, they need to move on to new families. Sometimes, families are so devastated at the thought of saying goodbye that they hatch plans for the PFP to be trained for driving.
I’m told there are also occasional cases of pregnancies fortuitously being confirmed just as an oldest child’s heels reach that crucial point on the PFP’s sides. These ponies are second only to unicorns on the list of rare equines. You want a potential four-star event horse, Grade A showjumper or Grand Prix dressage horse? That’s easy-peasy compared with finding a PFP. They may be nondescript to look at, but they are as precious as diamonds. Magic (I’ve changed her name to avoid a rush of applicants from all over the country) has a short neck and a head that’s slightly too big for it, and flicks one front teoe out to the side while the other stays straight. However, she is happy to be groomed, dressed up, led around and ridden by small people. They can pick up her feet, brush her tail and – when their mothers aren’t looking – play circus games by sliding off over her hindquarters. Magic will never be a posh lead rein pony who trots around a show ring in a perfect outline. While she is happy to be led while a small rider masters the ups and downs of rising trot, she excels when it’s time for those first solo missions. That’s the difference between a good first pony and a perfect one. A GFP is great on the lead rein but not quite as good off it; a PFP makes the transition effortlessly.
Good first ponies should be treasured; perfect first ponies are priceless, which is why they are often loaned rather than sold. They allow little riders to learn the basics of riding and handling safely, without the need to get used to a different pony for first ventures off the lead rein. When it’s time for them to move on, there are tears, even if accompanied by excitement at the arrival of a new, bigger pony. And that’s just the parents! Children must come to terms with saying goodbye, of course. Involving them in the process and explaining how their PFP needs to go and help another rider usually helps, although they can be fierce in judgement and swift to condemn. Magic’s current rider has condemned one applicant because her mother promised they’d buy the pony a new pink headcollar and lead rope. Magic, you see, only wears red and would feel silly in pink. Whether you’re on the hunt or searching for the next custodians of your PFP, good luck! And we’d love to see pictures…