Satara - ASH x allrounder large pony

Introduction: Satara is the quintessential competitive allrounder pony. She was purchased by her current family almost two years ago and has ‘been there and done that’ for her last two families. Satara is a willing, safe and educated pony for a confident and capable child or smaller adult.

Education, riding and experience: Satara competes at preliminary level dressage with good scores. She is well campaigned, loves showjumping, trail riding, pony club and is unphased by life on the farm.

Flat work/ dressage: Satara requires a kind, balanced rider with soft hands. She is fabulous on the flat, responsive, willing and well educated.

Jumping: Satara has jumped up to 60cm and is both careful and brave.

Experiences or other skills: Satara is used to competitions, pony club, busy stables and farm life - trucks, tractors and livestock.

General demeanor under saddle: For full disclosure, when listed on the 29th of June, Satara was described as:

• forward and willing with good brakes
• well behaved but not completely unflappable
• ‘typical Arabian pony cross’ and can react to rider nerves by becoming tense and edgy
• at times, tests her novice rider by putting her head up in the air, evading contact and attempting to go back to her mates
• very occasionally kicking out with an unbalanced novice, when going into the canter, but doesn't unseat the rider

However, I couldn't help myself... I asked about her current and past feeding and management. Her owner said that she was currently being fed a 'cool' energy pellet, which turned out to be made of millrun and wheat, and she was being kept in a herd environment. They said that her previous family fed her differently and kept her in a separate paddock. 

Luckily for me and for Satara, her lovely owners were happy to try anything, and the very next morning took her off the pellets and put her into her own paddock with her friends in sight. 

Fast forward, four days later... Satara had her first ride in a month - no trying to get back to her friends, no forward speed demon behaviour, no kicking out, no tension. She worked quietly - almost too quietly apparently (!) in nice frame. Satara is super settled in the paddock, very quiet to handle and has even put on weight!

Current workload/ fitness: Satara is currently in light work and is completely fine without being worked a lot or regularly. 

Handling: Satara requires minimal maintenance and boasts a lovely temperament, making her a joy to travel with. She always eats and drinks when away.

Satara is very straight forward to catch, handle, wash, float, groom, saddle and for the farrier and vet. She can pin her ears back when doing the girth but is all bluff and is lessening with the change of feed and management.

Behaviour: Reliable and trustworthy. After a long spell, Satara can be a bit fresh. She benefits from a quick lunge, before her first ride back, but is completely safe without this.

Feeding and management: No special feeding requirements. Satara is currently fed (as of four days ago) Rhodes grass hay only. She is currently shod in front but can go barefoot. Satara prefers being paddocked alone and with horses in sight.

Medical: No medical issues. Satara is up to date with dental and vaccinations, including Hendra.  

Rider Suitability:  For the last two years, she has been handled and ridden by the same novice child - from age eight to age 11. 

Reason for sale: Satara is a willing and personality plus pony! She is perfectly safe for her novice rider who is about to outgrow her. Satara loves her kids and is a very competitive pony that can teach a capable child how to succeed across multiple disciplines.