Question 1

Is Chester spooky on hacks?

Accepted Answer

So far, he’s been really, really good and there haven’t been any spooks whatsoever. I’ve taken him out hacking in the evening on his own and he’s walked past tractors, trailers, everything, and he didn’t even bat an eyelid. I haven’t had him through winter yet though, so we’ll see if he gets a bit fresher when it’s colder.

Question 2

What’s the naughtiest thing Chester has done?

Accepted Answer

The worst thing he’s done is bite me once, but it wasn’t nasty at all—more like a playful, nibbly thing. He’d clearly been given loads of treats before, so I stopped hand-feeding treats and if he gets any now, they go on the floor or in his feed bowl. Since then he’s chilled out and hasn’t bitten me again.

Question 3

How did you know Chester was the right pony for you?

Accepted Answer

I didn’t even go there to view Chester at first—I went to see a different Welsh type, then tried a cob, and it just wasn’t clicking for me long-term. Chester was recommended and I was like, “no no no,” until I actually rode him. The second I got on, I felt so safe—he’s forward but safe—and I just knew.

Question 4

Why did you buy a 5-year-old pony as a beginner?

Accepted Answer

Every horse is different, and age doesn’t always match how they behave—some older horses act like babies. Chester has been produced really well and his previous owners had him since he was one, so he’s been brought on amazingly. I’m not pretending I can produce a horse on my own, but I’ve got instructors and support around me and he’s genuinely an angel.

Question 5

How many days a week do you see Chester and is he on full livery?

Accepted Answer

I try to go around four to five times a week, but I work in London so sometimes it’s later than I’d like. He is on full livery and it just works for my work life, social life, and the fact I go on holidays. I don’t have a horsey family to help, so I’d rather pay more and know he’s looked after properly.

Question 6

How much should you budget when buying a horse like Chester?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, save your maximum budget plus a few thousand more because it’s expensive. In my first month owning him I spent about £1700 on things like tack, appointments, vaccines, and livery. It’s so much nicer having savings you can dip into when stuff comes up.

Question 7

What breed is Chester and how big is he?

Accepted Answer

He’s a Welsh cross, but I’m not 100% sure what he’s crossed with and it would be quite nice to find out. He’s about 14.1hh (I want to measure properly with a stick soon). He’s barefoot and I’m not planning to shoe him because he does so well without them.

Question 8

Will you do dressage, showjumping, or cross country with Chester?

Accepted Answer

I’d like to do a bit of everything—some showjumping to start with, like clear rounds, and I’d love to try cross country eventually. He has done cross country before and I’ve seen videos where he was amazing, but I’m not rushing anything because he’s only five. My instructor is a dressage rider and thinks we should do dressage too, even though I think I’m rubbish at it—never say never.

Q&A ALL ABOUT MY NEW PONY... CHESTER! 🐴

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