Companion on short term loan - feasible or bad idea?

[catembi]

Since Catembi was sadly put down on 26th February, my 34 year old mare has been living by herself at home. So far, she seems okay - still eating normally, gallops round the field if it's windy, neighs for food etc.

I was planning on this being a very temporary arrangement while I look for another horse, but finding said horse is proving to be easier said than done. I do feel sorry for her all by herself...but would getting her a temporary companion cause more angst for her (and the companion) than it's worth?

She would be delighted to have a new friend, presuming I could find an equally ancient gelding (she hates other mares) who would play nicely with her. But if I EVER manage to get another horse, then it would involve splitting them up again, which would be upsetting for both of them. And would anyone be likely to want to loan me an old pony gelding for a short but impossible to define period of time?

Should I try to do something for my old mare or hang on in there & hope that a miracle happens & I find a new horse in the near future?

 

[mickey]

Could you try another animal - sheep/donkey etc??
I reckon if you could find her a companion it would be better than her being alone, even if you have to seperate them when you get another horse. But from what you say she actually seems to be coping on her own OK ....I suppose some horses are OK alone. Depends on the horse is the bottom line.

 

[harvgj19]

I went through this decision with my boy after he lost his field mate.

I think it depends on how attached your mare gets to her field companions. If she is one of those horses who doesn't really care who she shares her field with as long as she has company, then get her a friend.

If she is one who bonds strongly and will be distressed when separated, I would let her carry on as she is, as long as she seems content, until you find your new horse.

Good luck with the search!

 

[Mid]

To be honest, you could offer a retirement home for an ancient pony, free of charge, apart from vets bills? People are often sentimental about their childhood ponies, and I'm sure they'd like to give them a last happy year or so. But do you own the field? If not perhaps buy a sheep or a mini donkey or something similar? So you don't have to pay proper livery for a horse? I'd say a goat is probably ideal, they seem to bond with horses better then the last two.

I don't think anyone will loan you something for only a few months, though :/

 

[catembi]

Yes I do own the field but I don't want to be stuck with another old pony when (if...) I get my new horse!

I'd happily keep it completely free of charge til I find a horse I like... Could be next w'end...could be 2025 at the current rate of progress.

I would feel so awful if she dies in the meantime cos it would mean that she'd died sad & lonely. :-(

 

[Llwyncwn]

Wish you were a bit closer, you could have had a choice of 4 of mine. Im advertising them locally for loan.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do hun.

 

[JaneMBE]

I have pm'd you catembi.

 

[Puppy]

Sorry, not been in here for a couple of days, but I thought you found a nice new horsey? Did it not work out?

My mare is in a similar situation at the mo. I lost my gelding last year and immediately borrowed a companion for her (she was VERY attached to my old horse and upset at the time) The pony and her got on great for a number of months but unfortunately he was sold at the beginning of winter, and Star has been on her own the last few months - like you're mare, she's coping fine, and I plan to get another, so I wouldn't worry too much at the mo

 

[JaneMBE]

I pm'd to say I have a pony going for loan, temp or perm, if someone needs a friend As long as he is happy, I don't mind where he goes

 

[tremorfa]

Clyde has been on his own for a few weeks now. He seems to be coping well. We have (hopefully) got another livery coming soon, so he will have company. Although I agree that they should have company if possible, it's not the end of the world if they are on their own for a while.