1)Unless the seller is known to you, or is a well known breeder with a reputation to uphold,
   DO NOT BUY A PONY WITHOUT SEEING IT FIRST.

2) MAKE SURE THE PONY HAS A VALID PASSPORT & ITS MARKINGS CORRESPOND and the pony is 

    registered or transferred in the name of the vendor.

3) IF you live a long way away, ask someone near the pony whose opinion you respect to check the pony for

obvious faults, NOT A VETERINARY EXAMINATION unless you make arrangements, but obvious things like teeth, sweet itch, (often only detectable in summer months) correctness of passport. Reasonable expenses should be paid and would be a wise investment.

4) DO NOT ask or expect an opinion or confirmation as to whether the pony is 'show standard' that is a 

    judgement for you as the buyer. UNLESS YOU ARE TOTALLY HAPPY WITH THE VENDOR DO NOT BUY