Pony for sale

Rio

If you’re looking for a Cat A showhunter winner with textbook technique and a proven record of results then this is the pony for your child.

BUT, big emphasis on the BUT, your kid is going to need some guts to do it.

This pint sized 13hh, rising 10yo Gypsy mix is 50/50 angelic & demonic… I jest. She’s mostly angelic & occasionally the latter.

Well schooled on the flat, knees to die for & exceptionally cute. We have given this pony lots of mileage with XC schooling to 80, loads of hacking & various show hunter classes where she rarely comes away unplaced since she’s been with us.

Prior to that she landed in a home with a relatively green rider & things went a bit south unfortunately, hence why we’ve had her. We’re only selling as that was always the intention once some more mileage was installed.

Pros:
- Rarely comes away without a ribbon in SH & has proven results.
- Previously done very well in showing, plenty of wides & reds under her belt.
- Has established flat buttons to L1 dressage, capable of being produced further.
- Consistent to 80 SH/SJ, scope to go higher.
- Conformationally correct.
- Easy to catch (can pull faces).
- Easy for farrier.
- A dream to float or truck.
- A breeze to hack, getting braver each outing.
- Nil blemishes or history of lameness.
- Never kicked/reared.

Cons:
-Pulls many faces.
- Needs sedation for clipping.
- Jumps out of yards if left behind (no scope no hope she says).
- Doesn’t love being tied at the truck alone/being left behind at truck.
- Sometimes scared of her own shadow.
- Can rush a fence in open spaces (more anxious in this environment).
- Hates a dog, chicken, sheep/other ground dwellers.
- Can get tense & anxious in large groups.
- Has bucked (not a bucker in my opinion but has thrown a few shapes when tense).
- Can be strong (has always been in a snaffle with us).
- Can bite other ponies randomly - needs her space.

For full transparency, this is what we have experienced while having this pony. My daughter is a very gutsy competent 10yr old & for the most part, she really enjoys Rio but has found her ‘moods’ & rare moments of anxiety challenging at times.

If we were a primarily show hunter family, she would be staying put. Unfortunately we event, hunt, rtr & trek. Rio doesn’t always enjoy a group environment & can get tense, this is when she can be challenging for a child to manage. Hacking in small groups she’s super mellow, cruises along on the buckle & really enjoys herself.

If you’ve made it this far & you think your kid & yourself can harness the talent this little beast has & overlook her quirks, please get in touch.

Price is negotiable, home is not. I won’t be selling to a nervous/beginner or non-horsey home. This pony deserves a home that will respect her boundaries & love her for her many many lovely qualities & will help her to work through her quirks.