Taxis
Airport transfers are often on a prepaid or union system. Use it. For a day out, ask whether a rate card is posted, then repeat the deal: which places, which hours, who pays for the driver’s food, and what “waiting” costs. A Gulmarg day and a Gulmarg day plus three shops are different jobs.
At Pahalgam and sometimes Gulmarg, a local union may want you to switch into a local car for the last loops. It feels annoying and it is common. Ask on arrival, before you have an audience at a barrier. Sharing a seat to Gulmarg is possible from Srinagar stands. Agree the return, or you will negotiate it in the cold.
Ponies
A pony is a paid animal and a paid person, not a mascot. Say the route, the turnaround, and the price before you mount. Do not pay the full amount first. You do not need a pony to see Gulmarg’s meadow, Betaab’s path, or Doodhpathri’s stream. Children should be accompanied on foot if they are small. If the animal looks exhausted or the path looks stupid, get off.