Companionship for an insecure thoroughbred

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william1901

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I am thinking of moving my Tb to a new yard. It is not really a livery but a farmer with some nice stables and grazing. He does need company and I am not sure that he would be grazing with other horses. If not, would a donkey be the best companion and generally how much do they cost to keep?
 
If he's used to company now he would definitely need company if you move him. He'd eventually settle down with a donkey but he might start by thinking it was Satan himself. Also, depending on the sort of horse he is, he might bully a donkey eg chewing tail, chasing, etc. If he did settle though, remember donkeys evolved to live in hot countries on bare scrub. They can carry lungworm and still need hooves trimmed, worming, vet care and shelter. If your TB needs good grazing you could have problems with laminitis in the donkey and end up having to separate them! If they are kept on wet land you could have terrible problems with the donkey's feet!
 
As the previous person says, a Donkey is not a cheap option. My TB has a Shetland for a companion. They are very fond of each other, but of course she needs good grass and he is a fat pig who needs hardly anything, so it does create a problem.

If you are looking for a cheap solution then get something from one of the rescue centres. Donkeys are particularly prone to Laminitis, like many Native ponies.
 
best to check if there are other horses.
if not can a few friends move with you?
companion ponies are an option-maybe it could go on part loan so it gets ridden and partially payed for?second the issue about grazing though!natives tend to get over fat and lami on good grass, whereas most tbs tend to need decent grass.
 
Definitely try a rescue centre as they will have a range of loan equines and will know which might be prone to laminitis. I have an elderly TB who needed a companion urgently after the loss of her freind of 13yrs and was provided with a lovely native companion. The risk of laminitis from good grazing can be reduced by exercising said native and not feeding hard feed except a supplement. Also Homeopathic remedy Belladonna has worked for me preventing onset of laminitis.
 
I have to agree that donkeys are not cheap. You may also find you have a problem if turned out with a TB as they need even less to eat than a shetland or other native.
 
why not consider rehoming an ex-racer that can't be ridden anymore through injury. Same size(share rugs), same age, same breed ... excellent as a companion... and you would be doing a great service too.
 
I agree with Bubblegum..there's plenty of TBs in rescues around the country and they would require the same sort of management so it would simplify your grazing, feeds, rugs etc there's plenty of racehorse rescues or charities that have TBs available as we type!
 
I'd go for the retired racehorse option too, definitley easier to manage two horses with similar needs. Just pick one that doesn't also have separation issues or you won't be able to do anything with either of them!
 
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