Considering putting pony on loan?

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Emmahi

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I am considering putting my highland pony out on loan. I just don't have the inclination to ride him at all. He is 18 years old and I will never sell him, but I feel guilty making him carry me (tall but not too overweight!) and he could still give a pony mad girl a few years of fun.
So decision is do I loan him to a child/lightweight adult for hacking etc or does he become a garden ornament (already got three of those!) ?
They are at home and I suppose I am fed up of all the mud that just never seems to dry out, but mainly I want to do what's best for him.
I look at him and I suppose he is happy with his little herd of mares, but would he prefer that total devotion from a pony mad child? Before he came to me he spent his life owned by children doing all the pony club stuff and teaching them to ride, so I suppose I feel guilty when I look at my scruffy muddy pony!
What's best for him? Help!

Sorry for the self indulgent rant!!
 
Sometimes we all need to be a bit self indulgent!

Ponies don't think like we do. The don't spend their time dreaming of human affection - or of doing things like pony club. If his needs are met in terms of care, feed, turnout and the ability to express normal behaviours then he is happy. You don't have to "do" anything with him. He won't mind.

For me - there are far too many loan stories that end badly. I don't think I would ever put one of mine on loan unless I knew the home and the people very well. But I do have sharers for the almost outgrown first pony who is a total saint. If you need the contribution financially or you want to give something back to a child then it would be better to have them come to you so you know exactly where he is and how he is being cared for.
 
Thanks for replying. It's not a financial decision and I would never advertise him, I am sure I could find someone by word of mouth, he would only go to someone very special. No rush anyway, just jiggling at the back of my mind!
If we ever get some sunshine I might feel differently!
 
I think we all have those moments mired in mud or soaked to the skin - or both. Take heart - Spring has to come eventually!
 
Most ponies benefit from being kept in work and adore the attention. is he one of those? I've a little pony out of loan becuase she was bored rigid in the field, she was delighted anytime people were giving her attention or there was something going on. A lovely family have her and she's in absolute heaven being fussed over!
 
He loves attention- more of a dog than a horse! Does get lots of love here- but has to share it with other ponies/dogs/children/chickens/husband!😀
He loves going for a hack but he's not a busy type, so quite happy as long as he has food. So I'm not sure he is that bothered about being out and about, it's the faffing I think he misses!
 
I'm sure there's a pony mad teenager out there that would love to come along and ride for free but also help poo pick etc.
I was one of those many years ago. Came from a non horsey family not a lot of money but was happy to follow what the owner wanted for a few hours a week just to be round the ponies.
 
Having put my horse out on loan in the past I would only ever do it now in certain circumstances. I'd probably look for someone to come and ride/play with them/groom/help out etc first.
 
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