Although I love the idea of a toy your child can interact with similarly to interacting with a live animal, I'm just a bit skeptic of this item.  The suggested age of the user is 4-plus years old, but the weight restriction of 80 pounds limits some children from being able to use this pony.  Also, your child can sit on, but not REALLY ride the pony.

Perhaps its the small pieces (accessories) that keep it from being appropriate for a younger age group.  However, when looking at the display at a local big-chain department store, little tykes just flocked over to touch Butterscotch and watch her...