An Impossible Task?

B

Boodle

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Here is the predicament.

A friend of mine (she's 16) has 4 ponies at the moment, 3 shetlands and one retired mare. The problem is she is going to college in September, the college is 2 or 3 hours drive away. Her parents are allergic and cannot look after the horses, they are all kept up at friends house who do have horses but are generally left in the field to do as they please.

The mare has a twisted fore leg and is only ridden very lightly but she is staying where she is and will be checked by the owners of the land.
One of the shetlands is young and suitable to be ridden and so is being given to the RS this girl works for (lovely place).

However, the two other shetlands are elderly geldings. They have been together for as long as i've known them (17 years) and were not particularily young back then so god knows what age they are now.
One of them is laminitic and has problems with his skin and digestion. The other is laminitic but other than that has no health problems.

They need to be rehomed as no one but this girl is willing to take them on (I actually considered it, but I don't have the winter grazing nor do I have the time given that I already have 3 fully and 1 semi retired ponies and one on loan.)

Do you think anyone would be willing to take on two elderly shetlands, one of which requires medication.
They are very happy, child friendly little things and although neither were ever broken they are perfect to be fussed over and love getting groomed etc.

Or if you do know anyone in this region that may consider it. I hope this isn't advertising, they are free to good home/permanent loan.

Thanks for any input.
x
 
i know someone in scotland who might, i'll ask her and get back to you
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Somebody may be willing to take them on as companions for their horse, for example if they only have one horse and need some company for it.
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TBH they would be better off put to sleep than put back into circulation where they could end up god knows where. Would it be fair to put them through another winter?

Please don't let your friend ditch them at a charity. They are for genuine cases of neglect, not for people who shirk the final responsibility.

Why are people so hung up about death?
 
Thanks Kao.

Charities are an option but there are not many around here (very locally) that accomodate for horses/ponies it's mainly rehoming for dogs/cats/smaller animals.
She has put a few ads up with very little reply.

Tharg - They are still very happy ponies, my guess would be that they are mid 20's and given they are Shetlands, IMO it's not particularily old. They could provide lovely pets (as they have done) for someone or as a companion.
She's not hung up about death at all, and if she could not find a suitable, long term home then I have no doubt she would do the best thing for them and have them put to sleep. But obviously if there is anyone out there willing to take them on then isn't it fair to give them that bit longer life?!

She's by no means "shirking the final responsibility" and this has not been an easy decision for her. Ultimately she *could* have just left them where they are, in a field and let them fend for themselves when she's not there. But she is a responsible horse owner and would not do that.
 
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