Welsh

Welsh ponies and cobs are tough, intelligent and usually good-natured. The breed comes in four sections, from the small Section A to the larger, sturdier Section D cob, so ask which type and height you are being offered. Many make good first ponies for children, but they can be clever and strong-willed, so match the pony to the rider. A young pony and a beginner rarely make a good pair.

The breed comes from the cool, wet hills of Wales, so UAE summers need extra care. Offer shade, fans if possible and clean water all day, ride early or late and cool the pony down after work. Native ponies put on weight easily, so watch the feed, and for weight, hooves and any health history, ask your vet. Arrange a pre-purchase check by an equine vet before any money changes hands.

Ask for registration papers and check that the microchip matches them, and ask for vaccination records. Meet the pony several times, see it handled and ridden, and bring the child who will ride it. A pony imported from abroad needs an import permit and health certificate, so check the current rules with MOCCAE or your municipality. On AnimalMarket24, asking prices have mostly been between AED 22,000 and AED 40,000, based on only a few ads, so treat that as a rough guide.