The Perfect Pony: How to Care for and Train Your Pony

It doesn't matter where you live: if you're a parent of a little girl, at some point you'll hear the dreaded words, "I want a pony!" It may be that you've got the financial resources, but live in a downtown condo and don't know the first thing about ponies. Or perhaps you're a country mouse, but know more about cattle than pony breeds. In any case, you'd do well to invest in The Perfect Pony before buying that sweet-faced little Shetland; it could save you both money and frustration. Although the book is extremely detailed, the language is simple enough to hand it over to your 9-year-old pony lover. The first section is devoted to various breeds and explanations of differences between ponies, cobs, and horses. Contrary to what you might think, character is more important that height when making the decision to label your equine pony or horse. They are generally stronger than similarly sized horses, but most important is "a certain look about the face and a particular type of personality." Choosing a pony involves factoring in the child's age as well as what the pony is destined for. If the rider is inexperienced, most important is choosing a "bombproof" pony--one that will never be tempted to unseat your little jockey. It's also important to read later chapters before making a pony purchase; details of boarding, insurances, feed, and care will give you a fair idea of what to expect and what you'll have to pay extra for, along with just how much work the proud new owner should be willing to put forth. With tons of clear color photos and straightforward directions, this is one pony book that can be enjoyed and used regularly by both parent and child. --Jill Lightner