How to Look After a Pony

Provide the pony with a dry, fenced-in area outside with enough room to run around and at least one hectare of pasture for grazing. The pony should also have a stable with a good drainage system, lots of ventilation and a window in the stall. Most ponies are kept outdoors all year long, though they should have a shelter to protect them from bad weather.

Feed the pony crushed oats, pony cubes, corn, wheat bran or hay to supplement their diet of grazing grass. However, avoid drastically changing a pony's diet as that may cause colic. Always make sure the pony has access to clean, fresh water. Check the pony's field and grazing pasture for poisonous plants it could possibly eat, such as ragwort, hemlock and foxglove. Remove these plants whenever you see them.

Act calmly and talk quietly when interacting with the pony. Approach the pony from the side so that it can see you and never stand directly behind the pony, as it could kick and cause injury. Avoid sudden movements, as this can spook the pony and cause it to bolt or injure itself. If the pony hasn't been properly trained for handling and riding, you may wish to hire a trainer.

Ride the pony frequently to give the pony exercise, if the pony has been properly trained for riding. Proper exercise keeps the pony healthy and prevents it from getting overweight. Allow the pony a cool-down and warm-up period in the field before and after riding to keep the pony from injuring itself.

Groom the pony regularly to keep it clean and to check for skin problems or injuries. Tie the pony to a post or trailer with a lead and halter and use a body brush, plastic comb, hoof pick, face sponge and a bucket of water to clean the pony. Brush down the pony's legs, stomach and back with the body brush to remove any dirt, loose hair and skin, mud or sweat. Use the face sponge to clean the pony's face and eyes. Comb the pony's tail and mane with the plastic comb. Clean the pony's hooves with the hoof pick, removing any dirt or rocks. Check the pony for injuries or abnormalities, including discharge from the eyes or bad skin. Check the pony's hooves for any signs of injury, such as swelling or a bad smell, which may be the sign of an infection.

Take the pony to a veterinarian for a yearly checkup to make sure it stays in good health. The veterinarian can also give advice on how to give the pony worming medication and booster shots.

Keep the pony in its shelter during bad weather, such as snow or rain. During cold weather, give the pony extra food for energy and regularly check the water supply to make sure it hasn't frozen over. Give the pony dry bedding if it becomes wet during cold weather. During hot weather, give the pony extra water, access to shade, such as trees or an awning, and apply fly repellent to protect it from insects.