Everything you might want to ask.
Grouped by topic. If your question isn't here, just WhatsApp me.
About the service
Can we try the pony more than once?
Absolutely. Most families come at least twice, and often three times. Please don’t decide on a single ride.
Do you allow vettings?
Yes – I strongly encourage a full five-stage vetting by your own vet, carried out on my yard. I’ll help arrange it.
Do you buy ponies back or offer trade-in?
Sometimes yes – especially when your child is ready to move up. Many of my families have been through two or three ponies with me. Let’s have a conversation when you’re ready.
How does Pony Pairing work?
It’s a structured, personal process – a chat, a rider assessment, a written brief, viewings, vetting, handover, and aftercare. Full details on the How it works page.
Is Pony Pairing right for me if I already have a pony?
Absolutely. Many families come back to me for their second or third pony – the “moving up” pony after a first has been outgrown is one of the trickiest transitions and where guidance matters most.
What exactly is Pony Pairing?
An impartial pony purchasing service for parents. I don’t sell my own ponies through this service – I use 30 years of contacts and experience to find the right pony from the wider market. You pay a membership fee; sellers pay me nothing. That’s what keeps my advice honest.
What paperwork will we receive?
Passport, full known history, my written honest report, and any relevant competition records. Everything.
Where in the UK do you operate?
Everywhere. My network spans the whole of England, most of Wales, and Scotland via referrals. Most searches involve some travel – I coordinate distance so viewings are efficient.
Who is Fiona?
A mum of two riders, a former professional pony producer, and someone who’s spent 30 years in and around the UK pony market. See the About page for the full story.
Membership tiers
Can I upgrade or downgrade?
Yes. Plenty of families start with Tier 3 and move up to Tier 2 or Tier 1 once they know how much support they’d like. Just let me know and we’ll talk through how what you’ve already paid is taken into account.
Do I need Tier 3 first, or can I jump straight to Tier 2?
Straight to Tier 2 is fine – everything in Tier 3 is included. Tier 3 exists for families who want my guidance but want to run the search themselves.
Do you offer a fully-managed, white-glove service?
Yes – that’s Tier 1. Time is precious, so leave it to the expert: on top of everything in Tiers 3 and 2, you get my time and expertise searching the open market, unlimited pony reviews, access to my trusted network and little black book, daily check-ins where necessary, and my team and I can go and see horses in person for you. I’ll work alongside your coaches and trainers, and liaise and negotiate with the seller. It’s from £1,000: a £500 retainer every 12 weeks until you find your pony, then £500 or 2.5% of the pony’s value when you buy, whichever is greater.
What’s the difference between the three tiers?
Tier 3 (Guided Self-Service) is a one-time £250 for a 45-minute 1:1 call with me, a personal riding video review and step-by-step guides covering sellers, videos, the law, contracts and next steps, with 12 weeks’ access. Tier 2 (Expert-Supported Journey) is from £500: a £250 retainer every 12 weeks for working together – my Fact Find, weekly check-ins and de-briefs, video reviews and up to 4 on-market pony reviews a week throughout each 12-week period – then £250 or 2.5% of the pony’s price when you buy, whichever is greater. Tier 1 (White Glove Service) is from £1,000: a £500 retainer every 12 weeks for my time searching the open market, unlimited pony reviews, my trusted network and little black book, and my team going to see horses in person for you – then £500 or 2.5% when you buy, whichever is greater.
The process
Can we visit before buying?
Yes, please do. Yard visits are always by appointment. Bring the whole family – kettle is always on.
Do I have to attend every viewing?
Yes, ideally – the child riding the pony is essential. I’ll attend in person for higher-value viewings, by phone for straightforward ones.
Do you deliver?
Yes – I can deliver anywhere in the UK. Cost varies with distance; I’ll always give you an honest quote.
How long does a Tier 2 search take?
Anywhere from three weeks to twelve. The 12-week window is a commitment to my time, not a delivery promise.
What if I want to buy privately from a friend?
You always can. I can review the pony as part of your membership.
Pricing & payment
Are vet fees, travel, and transport included?
No – those are direct costs paid by you. But I can quote what to expect and introduce trusted providers.
Do you take dealer commission?
At the entry level, no – your membership fee is your only cost. At the top end of the market, I occasionally earn a commission from sellers, but my members always know the arrangement upfront. Transparency is non-negotiable.
How do payments work?
Tier 3 is a one-time £250. Tier 2 is £250 every 12 weeks and Tier 1 is £500 every 12 weeks, taken automatically until you find your pony. When you buy, the recurring payments stop and there’s a final fee: £250 or 2.5% of the pony’s price for Tier 2, and £500 or 2.5% for Tier 1 – whichever is higher.
How much should we budget beyond the pony?
DIY livery £150–£350/month, full livery £600+/month. Add feed, hay, farrier every 6 weeks, insurance, worming, dentist, saddle-fitter, tack, lessons and competition fees. I’m happy to walk you through realistic numbers.
What if I don’t buy a pony? Refund?
Payments aren’t refundable once made. Tier 2 and Tier 1 renew every 12 weeks until you find your pony, and Tier 3 gives you 12 weeks’ access to the downloads.
Matching & sourcing
Do you sell green ponies?
No. Green riders need experienced ponies. I only sell ponies I would happily put my own child on.
How many ponies per weekly shortlist?
Realistically 1–5 depending on the market. No point padding shortlists with ponies I don’t think are right.
How old are your ponies typically?
Usually between 8 and 16. Old enough to know their job, young enough to enjoy years of family life ahead. I very rarely sell anything under 6.
What if my rider needs a very specific type?
Longer timescale, but doable. These are exactly the searches Tier 1 is built for, with off-market sourcing through my network.
What sort of ponies do you produce?
Kind, honest ponies for real families. Sizes range from 10.2hh lead-rein up to 14.2hh Pony Club and workers. Every pony is produced from home – hacked, schooled, taken away to shows – before finding a family.
Where do you find the ponies?
My private network first – producers, breeders, previous families selling on. The public market second – Facebook groups, Horse Deals, dealer yards I trust. Everything filtered through my sniff test.
After the pony arrives
Can I sell the pony back through you?
Tier 3 members get sell-on support included. Tier 2 members can pay a separate rehoming fee, or upgrade.
Do you offer ongoing support and lessons?
Yes. Lessons at the yard are welcomed, and I’ll answer questions by phone, WhatsApp, or e-mail whenever I can.
How long is aftercare included?
Tier 2: 4 weeks of active check-ins. Tier 3: for the life of your membership.
What if the partnership doesn’t work out?
First step is coaching support. If the mismatch is fundamental, Tier 3 members can trigger a resell + rematch.
What if the pony doesn’t work out?
I care deeply about every pony that leaves. If something isn’t working, I’ll help. Depending on circumstances that might mean coaching, a stay back on the yard for further schooling, or in rare cases taking the pony back. Let’s talk.