PONY RIDES AT THE SATURDAY MARKET: A Kind and Responsible Reminder
The pony rides at our Saturday market are a much-loved feature, especially for children, and we would like to ensure they remain safe, humane, and enjoyable for everyone involved — most importantly, the ponies themselves.
EARS Outreach
W e kindly ask that anyone wishing to ride a pony does so only with a handler wearing an official tabard. This tabard indicates that the pony has passed a basic inspection and has been approved for riding on the day. Approved ponies are checked to ensure they are sound and uninjured, free from saddle sores, in sufficient weight and condition, and safe to ride. They are also not stallions, as stallions can behave unpredictably, particularly if they pass a mare in season - a situation that can lead to serious accidents.
Some mares may have foals or be unsuitable for riding for other reasons. These horses are not approved and should not be ridden under any circumstances. Accidents can and do happen when riders mount unsafe or unsuitable horses, and while riding is always at the rider’s own risk, many of these risks can be avoided through simple care and compliance.
We also ask that all interactions remain courteous. Please be respectful to both the handlers, who work hard to care for their animals, and to the horses themselves - intelligent, sentient beings who depend entirely on human choices for their welfare. If you feel you may be too large to ride, we encourage you to step aside gracefully. Sometimes the kindest
Adequate water and shade must always be available to the horses during the market.
If you notice a horse without access to either, or observe any form of mistreatment, please speak directly to the market organisers. Concerns will be addressed with the handlers in a respectful and constructive manner.
Please also be mindful of size and weight. A general guideline is that 60 kg is the upper limit for riding these ponies. While they may appear sturdy, these horses often walk long distances to the market and then home again. Carrying excessive weight places strain on their backs, joints, and overall wellbeing. Kindness means recognising when it is not appropriate to ride.
option is simply to enjoy watching these beautiful animals graze from a distance. By choosing approved ponies only, showing consideration for size and condition, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, we can ensure that pony rides remain a safe and compassionate part of our Saturday market.
Please be kind. Please ride responsibly.
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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