Are there people out there looking for a free to a good home?

RuthnMeg

RuthnMeg

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I've been given a mini job in match making a family/person who is willing to take on a lovely, slightly elderly but perfectly healthy sound and fit pony of 14.2hh/15hh. I don't want to be jumping up the wrong tree with no hope, so IS there a market for freebies??
 
We've been looking for a loan of something similar but on a 'loan' basis. I guess the difference in what your friends are looking for is that there's no possible 'give back'? You'd certainly have to be super sure of where the horse was going... otherwise wouldn't a long-term loan be just as suitable an option?
 
Said horse (Ellie) was a high goal polo pony. She was loaned to my boss for her son to play pc level polo on. Ellie has now done her job, polo is now a tad too fast for her. She is approx 23, but I've ridden her out, and she is a lovely hack. The original owners don't want her back, and suggested to my boss if no-one wants her then shoot her. SO, we are now on a mission to find a loving home for her for the rest of her days. She would do well as a hack, veteran showing or just being a nanny. She has had small tots on her, and is brilliant at ride/lead.
 
She lounds like a gem!

Seems a shame to uproot her at her age though... especially as she has so obviously earnt her keep. has you boss considered loans or a couple of part loans / shares to cover her costs and duties? obviously that would guarantee her future a bit more...
 
do you have any pony club or riding club connects? if so i would put the word she sounds like she would suit someone to use as a hack with their kids, esp if you can ride and lead
 
CBFan said:
She lounds like a gem!

Seems a shame to uproot her at her age though... especially as she has so obviously earnt her keep. has you boss considered loans or a couple of part loans / shares to cover her costs and duties? obviously that would guarantee her future a bit more...
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Boss wants to find her a home, mainly due to lack of grazing and the stud lot have priority. She has many more years to give, she has manners of a saint too!
 
I wouldn't have thought it would be too difficult to find a "forever home" for the horse to live out the rest of her days.

I myself would jump at the chance if somebody offered me a free to a good home horse, age is irrelevant really as long as it's fit and healthy.

At the risk of going slightly off topic, I've had horses on loan/share for years as I don't have the money to buy a horse outright, I've had my current horse on loan for almost 5 years but her owner is thinking of selling her, which is pretty heartbreaking actually! I've been looking at various horsey websites to see if there is anything about but there hasn't really been anything that has stood out to me. I can't be the only person in that position so surely there must be somebody out there who would be willing to take your horse on?
 
RuthnMeg said:
I've been given a mini job in match making a family/person who is willing to take on a lovely, slightly elderly but perfectly healthy sound and fit pony of 14.2hh/15hh. I don't want to be jumping up the wrong tree with no hope, so IS there a market for freebies??
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I'm always wary of people who want freebies in that I often think they're people who want to make a fast buck, want the horse for some unsuitable work ie an ex grade a wanting a quieter like and the person wants it to jump 1.30's every weekend and lastly I'd worry that if they were looking for a horse for nothing they'd have no money to care for it. Irrational I know but i'm sure you'd get loads of timewasters after her.

PS charming owners she had, poor girl. No good to us anymore so shoot her :mad:
 
I am sure you would find a home for her, she sounds worth her weight tbh, hack and maybe PC polocrosse?!

Might take a little time finding the right home, but there will be one. I'm sure she'd cope fine with moving too - we adopted our blue cross horse at 22 :)
 
Ellie is a saint, both in field with anything or in stable. The other day the boss's little lad who is 3, thought he'd wash Ellie's back hooves. (Ells was tied up outside on the yard). So, the little chap got a mini bucket of water, poured it over her feet, then went under her tummy to do the other one! (heart in mouth moment!!) But, you really CAN trust the mare, she didn't flinch. Bless. Very fond of her. She is smart too, dark liver chestnut with even blaze.

As for her real owners, well, yes 'charming' through gritted teeth came to mind!
 
kerilli said:
This. poor old lady.

what's she like with other horses in the field? guaranteed saint-like? if so i might know of someone (excellent home guaranteed for rest of her life).
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Ooh K that would be perfect. If I was OP i'd jump at the chance.
 
BBH said:
I'm always wary of people who want freebies in that I often think they're people who want to make a fast buck, want the horse for some unsuitable work ie an ex grade a wanting a quieter like and the person wants it to jump 1.30's every weekend and lastly I'd worry that if they were looking for a horse for nothing they'd have no money to care for it. Irrational I know but i'm sure you'd get loads of timewasters after her.
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Yes, that would also be my concern if you advertised her publicly as 'free to good home'. All sorts will come out of the woodwork. You would be best off looking for someone who already looking for the sort of pony she is and contacting them. There are lots of 'Wanted Ads' out there. I know, as I've been looking and am surprised at the number of people looking for loans. Also pick people who you'll be able to visit, vet and keep in touch with. If someone is interested in your pony but is vague about future visits, etc., I'd avoid with a barge pole. Perhaps you could draw up an agreement of some kind to ensure they can't sell the pony on or move it without your knowledge. I dont' know.... I suppose that then comes into the remit of 'loaning' but worth a thought.
 
would she be ok for a quiet job with us at our equestrian centre? We have just taken ownership of three ex polo ponies that are , lets say, not in their first flush of youth! They are ideal for the teenagers at the weekend to ride and they seem to be thriving with us. We keep them well fed and give them any supplements ect that they need.
 
Have you tried rescue centres they will have no problem rehoming a horse that is more suitable for a novice and a happy hack, there are several. Equine rescue and rehoming is a good one or blue cross.
 
charlie76 said:
would she be ok for a quiet job with us at our equestrian centre? We have just taken ownership of three ex polo ponies that are , lets say, not in their first flush of youth! They are ideal for the teenagers at the weekend to ride and they seem to be thriving with us. We keep them well fed and give them any supplements ect that they need.
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sounds great
 
Keep fingers and toes crossed, as due to the power of HHO a member on here is coming to see her Tomorrow all being well.
I feel very excited!
 
Hi just a thought would she be suitable for RDA? they dont have to work particularly hard but regular. We have been given several ponies for our group. maree
 
ah x polo ponies are the best! i also have 2 looking for new homes- not old but do have issues hence not suitable for polo anymore- pm me if anyone is interested, in berkshire area....would suit happy hackers but need to be good riders...let us know ellies outcome, i hope she finds a great home whoever gets her will be very lucky, polo ponies are amazing, and the gae isn't that relevant, i have one in mid 30's that is still good as gold to ride etc! as long as they are cared for she will give someone many years of fun.
 
What about offering her as a loan. Then you can make sure they are good owners and taking on the horse for the right reasons and will take good care of her. Then after 6 months or so could offer them to buy her for a token amount. It gives both sides a chance to try and see if it will work.
 
Hi.
Im going to have to keep this short as im on my mobile and the internet on it isnt great, and for some reason it wont let me pm you.
I help with a tb x mare whos brother has recently been put down. Since then she has, very understandabley, been very difficult, and as my own boy isnt on the same yard anymore we cant ride out together to try to solve the issues. we have limited/no capital for another but it is apparent we need to look for a ridden companion, ellie sounds like she may be ideal so if for whatever reason it doesnt work out with the people due to see her i would be very greatful if you could perhaps email a contact number to me on email_ejc @ yahoo.co.uk (without the gaps of course) and i can give you more info but it would be a loving permanent home with 2 experienced owners.
Thankyou!
 
Meet Ellie, (I know, bad quality pic taken on phone in dark stables, but you get the idea!?)

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Got several people genuinely interested, but if either falls through, then I will continue to update this post.
 
If only she was a gelding, then I'd be wanting to take her:D I can't have mares, as the yard has several over hormonal geldings and their owners told me gelding only.:eek: lovely looking, liver chestnuts are my favourit.:):)
 
Just thought I'd update, the HHO member has met, and ridden Ellie. They had a lovely ride, but it was thought that Ellie is too forward going to be suitable for the family. So, Ellie is still currently looking for a forever home.
The owner has a few contacts through the PC, but nothing set in stone, so if anyone has any ideas or thoughts on this, then please let me know and I can point you in the right direction.
Thankyou.
 
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