Companion for Cosmo - good idea?

HollyWoozle

HollyWoozle

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I am really getting into posting topics - sorry! I just like being able to ask for all this horsie advice.
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Cosmo is our 12.1hh 17 year old pony who is retired (though never did much) and is very prone to laminitis. In the summer we end up locking him into a paddock to keep him off the grass. I was talking with my parents about getting him a little companion for when in the starvation paddock, even though he can nuzzle the other horses over the fence. Even when they are all in together for most of the year, the two mares stick together and I always feel as though Cosmo gets a bit pushed out.

We probably have about 3 - 3 1/2 acres with the two horses (15.3 and 16.2) and Cosmo, do you think there is space for a littley? Of equal size to Cosmo or smaller. Also, would the little one be OK being out with Belle, the 16.2 who is boss? Do you think it's even worth it? We could rescue some little cutie and love them lots.

Thanks
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i reckon you'd have space, as long as the grazing was properly maintained. i keep a 16hh, 14hh and a 12hh on 2 acres in winter with plenty of hay. what about a shettie?
 
I was thinking shetland, just got to keep an eye out for one nearby that could use a loving home. We also would want to spend as little as possible, just because it's not an absolute necessity and would be an extra mouth to feed, albeit it a little one.

I did see a shettie on a local animal shelter website but it was nearly 25 with poor vision and I'm not sure it would have much chance with Belle herding it around! I saw a cute strawberry roan on horsemart which would make a sweet girlfriend for Cosmo, though she was only 7 and could still be used for riding so would be a bit of a waste.
 
I was going to suggest a shettie too!
My boy (18.1hh shire) lives with 3 shetties and he is fine with them (in fact, they use him as a wind and rain barrier, standing underneath him!), so as long as your 16.2 isn't overly boisterous, they should be fine.
 
If it's another little good-doer who needs a strict diet could they share the paddock with Cosmo or would it be too small for 2? If possible i would think that there would be plenty of shetties etc out there who would thrive off this situation, and it would be worth asking around the rescue centres i would think.
 
They could go in with him happily, we would fence off an appropriate sized part with electric fence and they would have access to either a shelter or little stable (which we just use as shelters anyway). I figured there must be plenty of shetlands and other dinky types which might like to just retire with a buddy, I guess it's just a case of keeping an eye out and finding something suitable.
 
I agree a shetland would be good, especially if you're worried about space. I would try looking at ILPH (world horse welfare), i'm sure they'll have something looking for a home like yours! We have had our companion from there over 6 years now and she's great!
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We're in Bedfordshire. I did look at ILPH but anything nearby and of a sensible size needs stabling overnight or isn't quite suitable. I will keep looking though and besides, there's no rush so I guess I can look for something which seems just right (either that or is so cute it's too tempting).
 
Its worth filling out the forms for all the rescue centres Rspca, blue cross, World horse welfare they might have something coming up that isn't on the website yet they are crying out for good homes for companions, good luck, hope you find a lovely friend for cosmo :-)
 
Blue Cross do a really good package for those who take on non-ridden companions, I can't remember exactly what it is, but think you get some sort of financial help towards worming/vets etc. Their website will give you more details.
 
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