Companion

[Buswell]

Hi all,

I have a quick question. I thinking about looking for a second horse/ pony pref one that can be still hacked for company for my mare. My only problem is I do not have the funds for the up keep for another horse (i could contribute a bit but not pay for the lot) However I do have the time to look after another one. Do you think anyone would be interested in me long term loaning their horse but that would pay the bills if I look after and care for it. Or would this be completely out of the question?

Thanks

 

[lcharles]

Sounds like a bad idea. if you can't afford a second one, don't get a second one. Where do you keep your horse? Why does it need company? Are there no horses near to it? x If you keep it at a livery yard, maybe someone would share a field with you, put their horse next to yours? x

You may be lucky and find someone who will pay halves for the upkeep of their pony/horse for you to look after. My retired pony, she's 25, is out on full loan as a companion. I pay half of her hay bill and will pop over to help muck out on a Saturday afternoon and i ride out with the loanee occasionally. It works out well but most people loaning a horse would be expected to pay for everything. I only go halves because if she wasn't loaned out as a companion she'd be stuck in my field doing nothing and i'd have all the jobs.

The lady loaning my pony doesn't ride my pony though, she is purely for a companion.

Put an advert up in your local equine stores and see what response you get..... don't take on anything which you can't afford though. Good Luck x

 

[Tickles]

Would you be in a position to offer (grass? DIY?) 'livery'? You might need to investigate planning/other permissions and insurance but that could get company for your horse without the (same) responsibility.

 

[Buswell]

Thanks for your replies. I keep my girl on a farm and I love it there but her field friend leaves for pastures new this September there are other horses there but they are already paired up and don't think they would like another one to join (don't get me wrong they are all lovely people they just have their routine sorted and I am a relative newby and don't want to mussle in) I can pop her in a feild next to them but they get in/ turn out at different times every day ( I am sure they would grab mine in but she is a nightmare to catch and also it would mean bringing three in (instead of two) or four in (instead of three) and I don't want to put on them. That's why I would quite like her to have a companion, I may have to re think this, I just want her to have a friend but I really can't afford two.