Your horse & pony
Owning a pony is a very rewarding experience, but it is not for everyone. Be sure to thoroughly research before taking on the responsibility of owning a pony. If you want to learn to ride it is a good idea to take horseback riding lessons. If you enjoy it you may want to consider leasing a pony. There are many barns which will board your pony for you and allow you to come and ride anytime. Some of them will do the majority of the work involved in owning a pony, however this can get pricey.
Ponies and horses need daily grooming. This includes: picking their hooves, combing their mane, brushing with a hard brush and then with a soft brush to get the loose dirt off, bathing after workouts, and using fly spray. About every three months, some ponies should be seen by a farrier to determine if their hooves need to be shaped. Daily grooming will reduce stress, keep your pony comfortable, healthy and looking great.
Your horse or poney will need hay daily or a field with plenty of grass to graze on. They also require grain, oats, bran, and horse/poney pellets. Water should be provided at all times when out grazing or when in a stall. Be sure to keep the water clean. When a pony drinks it often back washes back into the supply. Their water needs to be changed and refilled often.
Ponies and horses require daily exercise. They need to have enough land to exercise themselves and most enjoy having a person to ride them. They are social animals and need companionship, either from another pony/horse, or from some other farm animal. Some owners have been known to use animals such as goats, cows and sheep or even rabbits to keep them company. In general, ponies/horses will not be happy living alone.