4 months old? Doesn't bite? 4 months old? Boy, you all do things different on your side of the world...
Gotta say I shouldn't have made a blanket assesment of ponies. I do beleive that alot of horses here develop bad habits because they are stalled so much. If they're allowed out to roam, like horses are suppose to be, those bad habits don't start.
But, a 4 month old that doesn't bite? (okay nip...) Never heard of it. I imported a stallion from Germany years ago, and have more then 50 babies born on my property. They always bite! They're mouthy and have to be taught that they can't do that...
Ah, jeez, here I go again, sticking my big old nose where it doesn't belong... here I go... Craig, you do realize that nobody is going to be riding that horse for at least 2 years, 3, possibly 4. 2 at a minimum. And then somebody has to break her to saddle, and reining, all that. And, yep, most pasture horses don't have shoes, but they still need to be trimmed... Once a year? Like I said, you all do it different over there. Even my babies, who were pastured, had to have their little hooves trimmed every 8 weeks, perferably every 6 weeks. Oh, yeah, somebody has to teach that baby to hold up their hooves for the farrier too. And hopefully she's halter broke all ready. Craig, go get a nice, broke, Quarter horse who will babysit the grandkids (and mow the grass). Dealing with babies is one of the most dangerous things I've ever done. Especially one that is just weaned from it's mom. Is she weaned? Or is the owner "weaning" her by selling her to you? That'll be fun! Most foals are weaned at 6 months... I had a few that needed to be weaned early, not many tho. Craig, my friend, please, think long and hard about this little one. Okay, I'll butt out now!
Tammie