• Equestrian Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Equestrian Style
      • Riding Style
      • Equestrian Care
        • Fitness
    • Books
    • Movies
    • My Life
    • Opinion
  • History
    • Equestrians
    • Breeds
  • Horse Care
    • Farm Life
  • Travel
    • Trail Rides
    • South America
    • USA
    • International
  • An Equestrian Life

  • Riding
    • F#
  • Reviews
    • Horse Tack
  • About

An Equestrian Life

Horses, Saint Simeon: "Pony Man"
/
June 8, 2020

All About Pony Man

Since I almost never talk seriously about Pony Man, you’d be forgiven for expecting that he’s just a random pony I picked up on the side of the road. Well, that’s only half true! He’s a random pony I picked up next to a breeder’s farm on the side of the road!

But in all actuality, he’s a registered German Riding Pony that I bought from a breeder. I saw an ad for him as a yearling online with no price listed. For some reason, at the time I really wanted a pony, so I reached out. The breeder wanted $6,000. After collecting my jaw from the ground, I politely thanked her for her time, and said that was way out of my budget. She either really liked me, or really needed to downsize, so she came back to me asking what I would offer. We ended up striking a deal for a fraction of her original asking price. She got some cash, and I got myself a little bay pony. He was the most expensive equine I’d ever purchased, until I bought Stu. But that’s not to say he was expensive, just that I’m really cheap.

The first time I met him was when I picked him up. I bought him entirely off of photos and video. Not really recommended, but it worked out fine for me. I got very lucky with this one.

Digging back into the why, I really had a desire to have a dressage pony. I’d been watching Burberry do his thing, and it seemed so perfect to have a fancy equine, but in a small package. I’d just gotten rid of a giant thoroughbred that ended had me intimidated, but I still wanted something fancy. Unfortunately, Pony ended up smaller than I was hoping, somewhere around 13.1 or 13.2. A little bit too small for me to ride regularly.

He was about a year and a half old when I brought him home. I was harboring a secret desire that I would keep him a stallion, and start a German Riding Pony breeding business. That lasted only a few months before I realized how annoying a stud colt is. Didn’t even want to try it with the full grown stallion. And that’s why I had Stu gelded at 4 months old. Nipped that one right in the bud. 

Pony was inspected and branded by RPSI, back before they became Westfalen. He has a little leaf brand that most people miss, as it’s teeny tiny, and his coat color hides it.

His sire is Saint Sandro, a pretty black Oldenburg. From the name, I was expecting that he was directly from Sandro Hit, but apparently the name skipped a generation. Sandro Hit is Pony’s great grandfather. Kind of far back there.

I have a thing for brevity in videos, so here’s a very short video of Sandro Hit.

Sandro Hit is certainly a cool horse. I’ve seen lots of horses by him (or with him somewhere in there, since apparently names can’t be trusted) out competing at show likes Upperville. I always have to point out that it’s one of Pony’s relatives – even if in all likelihood, it is pretty distant connection.

Since it’s been a few generations, I don’t know if Pony is a good example of Sandro Hit, but I do know that I love Pony. Pony has such a great personality, tries so hard, and is almost dog-like in his loyalty to me. It makes me impressed with Pony’s sire, Saint Sandro, and there were actually a few times when I wished I had a different horse by Saint Sandro, one that was even just a little bit bigger. But then I wouldn’t have Pony, and I don’t know if it would be the same. Despite his tiny frame, he is just such a good boy. 

If he was taller, even just a few inches, I’d feel more comfortable riding him myself. Most of the time, I feel way too tall and heavy to ride him. But with how difficult it is to find pony riders, it’s my only options. But that’s how he ends up not being ridden most of the time. It really feels like a waste to have such a nice pony, put him in training, and then do nothing with him. He needs to get out and see the world, at the very least to gain some experience so my daughter can ride him.

I’ve tried a few times to find leases, but he’s not at the point where he could be trusted with a child alone, which is usually the type of pony people want. Not many people are into getting a pony that needs work to be usable for their kid. It really seems like my best option is to ride him myself. 

Riding him is actually a big part of my motivation to lose weight. I’m hoping if I get down to a low enough weight, I will be able to put enough ride time on him to make him trustworthy for children. Unfortunately, as most know, losing weight is not as simple as just declaring it. It’s a pretty slow process. 

In the meantime, I’ve started doing ground work with him. I can do lunging and long lining as a training refresher. I also thought it’d be pretty cool if I could direct him from the ground while a child rides. Like point him at a jump and he’ll take the jump. I think that’s in the vein of liberty training, which I’ve never done, but it could be really cool. 

If I do end up losing enough weight, I would try to do dressage with him, as that was his original intent.

Overall, he’s one cute and talented little pony. I’m going to push myself to do something with him this year, and I’ll definitely share the progress!

Share

You May Also Like

February 12, 2018

YI Lite Action Camera Review – Alternative to GoPro

September 11, 2019

No-Climb Horse Fence is Up

December 3, 2019

Building Horse Stalls

Previous Post
Just a Small Bit
Next Post
Rope Halter Convert – A Rope Halter Review
Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

Driven by curiosity about everything in the horse world - the history, the breeds, the cultures. Wanting to spend my life seeking adventure with horses. Is this you, too? Let's discover together.

Plan Your Next Riding Adventure

stone bridge with castle in background

All Inclusive Riding Trip in France

horses galloping through an open field in the UK

Valley Trail Riding in England

scenic view of montana from horseback

Ranch Vacation in Montana

horses in a line going through a field in Spain

Dressage Jumping Hacking in Spain

aerial view of polish riding stable for trips

Jumping Training in Poland

Blog Topics

My Horse Stu

All Things Riding

History

Lifestyle

Travel

Categories

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video

Stu is being haunted by the dog he lives with.

Subscribe to My Channel

Equestrian Vlog

Equestrian Vlog Equestrian Vlog

Stu is such a big silly!

Follow Along for equestrian humor

Recent Posts

  • girl in a field with her pony

    How to Learn to Horse Ride for Free (or very cheap)

    May 12, 2025
  • spooky skeleton horse with grim reaper behind it

    Horse Ghost Stories

    April 7, 2025
  • small girl learning how to ride on a pony

    My Child Wants to Ride Horses, Where Do I Start?

    March 27, 2025

Some of my links may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for clicking them as it helps support this site!

Did you know I'm a photographer?! Not just any photographer, but award winning. Offering portraits, wedding and commercial work.

Check out my work.

Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! @thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did? I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹 #middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! 

#horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! #horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon!

Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian 
Breeches: @syncequestrian 

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon! Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian Breeches: @syncequestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Stopping by the drive thru

#horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stopping by the drive thru #horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
My boy stays with me 🥹

#horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
My boy stays with me 🥹 #horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@aneqlife
  • Home
  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 An Equestrian Life. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.