Companion ponies

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M1lbie

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I very sadly lost my companion pony to colic last Friday, complete shock as he’d always been healthy and we’d had him 11 years from a rescue charity. This has left my ridden horse on his own and while he is coping it is obviously not an option long term. I have tried WHW and Horseworld but neither have anything available atm as any that are on their websites all cannot be left alone which is an issue when you have a horse that is ridden. I’m beginning to think there are no horses/ponies out there that can manage on their own for a few hours a day! Ideally it needs to be the same size as my horse so they can be managed together on the same grazing etc but I’m at the stage where I would consider anything. I’ve always kept my children’s old ponies and my old horses into retirement and to the end of their days and therefore always had companions around and planned ahead, but messed up this time as had been cutting back on numbers due to my age and this horse being my last. I’ve never been down to one horse before and am really struggling seeing him on his own.
Any suggestions where else I can look? Or am I going to have to either put him into a livery yard ( which I’ve never done as always had them on my own land) or try and find something to buy to just stand in the field, or try and get two rescues to solve the problem of them being alone.
I really don’t know what the best thing is to do, I’m in the Somerset if anybody knows any other rescue charities in this area
 
I had one who couldn't be left when I went out with my other horse but did manage to train him with leaving / returning over increasing lengths of time starting at a few seconds out of sight. It doesn't help if the rescue isn't prepared to let you take one and work with it. It did take a few weeks to be able to leave mine long enough to go to a show.

I would expect that you would be able to get a companion on loan with a facebook advert. Maybe there's someone local who has a retired horse this would suit rather than going via a rescue.

Sorry about your pony, colic is awful, you never know which way it will go.
 
nutjob said:
I had one who couldn't be left when I went out with my other horse but did manage to train him with leaving / returning over increasing lengths of time starting at a few seconds out of sight. It doesn't help if the rescue isn't prepared to let you take one and work with it. It did take a few weeks to be able to leave mine long enough to go to a show.

I would expect that you would be able to get a companion on loan with a facebook advert. Maybe there's someone local who has a retired horse this would suit rather than going via a rescue.

Sorry about your pony, colic is awful, you never know which way it will go.
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Thank you for your reply, I’ve only ever had one that never could settle on his own, which was why we got the companion that we’ve just lost. So I do think most can get used to it in time, however we don’t seem to be able even try with something. I’d not thought of trying with fb so that might be the next step, I’ve been putting out feelers via friends, farrier etc so I’ve not given up all hope just yet.
 
I'm in Somerset had the same issue with charities after unexpectedly losing a companion. Friend knew someone who had rescue ponies so I managed to get a lovely companion from them.

I do however know of someone who has a companion pony who might be looking for a home, he lives with other big horses few miles outside of Weston super mare message me if u want more details, pretty sure he can be left alone while u ride.
 
maya2008 said:
Put a wanted ad on all your local Facebook groups. I am sure you will find something that way.
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I would say this too. There will be someone who can loan you something - it's what a friend did when she lost one to colic. She has a stunning ex show horse in its mid 20s keeping her mare company now. Owner gets to free up grazing, friend got a companion who was happy to stay home alone.
 
Sorry to hear you lost your companion. Second mare and foal, also try hoof beats in Devon. If you have land how about two companions so no one is left alone?!!
 
Sorry for your loss. What a shock for you.

Have you contacted local studs?
Some of them loan out elderly mares at this time of year, to keep them away from the stallion.
 
Thank you all for your suggestions, I’ve been in contact with the Mare & Foal sanctuary and luckily it seems they may have a pony available that sounds as though he might be ok to stay alone for short periods. I’ve made an appointment to see him so fingers crossed. He’s only small but I’m still thinking I might get two so one bigger as well, but at least mine will have some company while I keep looking. Possibly more difficult to manage a small pony grazing wise but the grandchildren will enjoy having something to pamper. So much for reducing numbers as I get older!!!
 
I have a pony on loan from them. It's comforting to know that if I pop my clogs before he does, he will have somewhere safe to go back to.
Yes it can be hard to manage a large & a small together but it is doable. I hope it works out for you.
 
M1lbie said:
I very sadly lost my companion pony to colic last Friday, complete shock as he’d always been healthy and we’d had him 11 years from a rescue charity. This has left my ridden horse on his own and while he is coping it is obviously not an option long term. I have tried WHW and Horseworld but neither have anything available atm as any that are on their websites all cannot be left alone which is an issue when you have a horse that is ridden. I’m beginning to think there are no horses/ponies out there that can manage on their own for a few hours a day! Ideally it needs to be the same size as my horse so they can be managed together on the same grazing etc but I’m at the stage where I would consider anything. I’ve always kept my children’s old ponies and my old horses into retirement and to the end of their days and therefore always had companions around and planned ahead, but messed up this time as had been cutting back on numbers due to my age and this horse being my last. I’ve never been down to one horse before and am really struggling seeing him on his own.
Any suggestions where else I can look? Or am I going to have to either put him into a livery yard ( which I’ve never done as always had them on my own land) or try and find something to buy to just stand in the field, or try and get two rescues to solve the problem of them being alone.
I really don’t know what the best thing is to do, I’m in the Somerset if anybody knows any other rescue charities in this area
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So sorry you lost your companion pony. I would consider getting two rescues. At least with rescue horses the charity will take them back if anything else changes.
 
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