>>>> Do you think these ponies can tolerate the Austin heat?
How hot does Austin get? Is it a lot hotter than NC where I live? Mine do fine here, coping as well (if not better?) than my Arab, App and TWH. Beware that Icelandic's do shed out much like "normal" horses in the summer, but spring and fall can be a little rough on them, unless you clip. You will need to plan on clipping any horse you plan to ride in the warmer months after their winter coat comes in, and before they shed fully. It's not a huge chore, but it's virtually inevitable. Other than that, I wouldn't worry much. We have lots of old posts in the archives on the subject of good clipping patterns, good clippers, etc. We can help you with that when you get to that point. BTW, back to your question about sharing a pony with your child - I think that's a reasonable plan. (Well, until you get tired of fighting over who gets to ride!) Many fine-boned ponies really aren't suitable for adults to ride, and if you're like me, you'll get attached to any pony you get. It's nice to buy a pony that you can have when/if your child's interest in horses wanes. Maybe Virginia will pipe up - she initially shared a pony with her two daughters, but they have two Icelandic's now. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.8/940 - Release Date: 8/6/2007 4:53 PM
