Dilemma re: rescue horse/ companion horse

F

fernando

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 November 2005
Messages
410
Location
Leinster, Ireland.
Visit site
I have been seeking a companion for my horse but the problem being that all the local farmers will not let land for horses during the bad winter months. In the better weather no problem at all. I do have the use of a field most weekends, but during the week it is not secure so I choose not to use it Monday - Friday.

A local rescue charity has a lovely mare ready to go but will not give her to me until I sort the grazing, meanwhile my horse is getting v. depressed and lonely, I have a small arena which does as turn out for him, and I think would do for the rescue horse too (obv. taken in turns!).

In a bid to cheer up my horse, should I just go and buy something cheap or should I wait for another 2 months for the weather to change so a local farmer will let me a field?
 
I can see why they won't let you have a rescue horse if you haven't got the grazing sorted - I'm an absolute stickler that horses need to be turned out (left one yard as horses in 24/7 in winter). If you have a competition horse that is horse walked/ridden daily then fine but they are trying to find a home for a horse to relax and enjoy life again. Just my opinion but I wouldn't buy another horse or take one on until I had guaranteed grazing for twelve months of the year.
 
[ QUOTE ]
In a bid to cheer up my horse, should I just go and buy something cheap or should I wait for another 2 months for the weather to change so a local farmer will let me a field?

[/ QUOTE ]
Unfortunately I think you;ll have to buy something. No. 1 for the welfare of your horse, and No. 2 because you can't guarantee when you can turn out ultimately and charities won't let you have a horse on this basis.
 
I totally understand why they want me to sort out the grazing, and when I do find a field it will be for a 10 -12 month let, and the horses will be out everyday on it.

The rescue horse is rising 3 and she won't be being exercised for a good while yet, I just think they are being a bit unreasonable given that my horse is in tip top condition (which they noted and complimented me on), I am willing to give a home to one of their rescue's and leave a space there for something more needy. Surely having little turnout for 2 months is not that bad
confused.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
The rescue horse is rising 3 and she won't be being exercised for a good while yet, I just think they are being a bit unreasonable given that my horse is in tip top condition (which they noted and complimented me on), I am willing to give a home to one of their rescue's and leave a space there for something more needy. Surely having little turnout for 2 months is not that bad

[/ QUOTE ]
Ooo can't agree I'm afraid. Really not in to this not turning out lark. And as for a three year old not being turned out?? Well you're asking for trouble.

Sorry.
 
Um - also can't agree with the not turning out theory - for any horse, not just a youngster, so this would still apply if you go out and buy a cheap companion which you will not ride. Imagine yourself in, say, a 4ft square room for 2 months without going out...... Are there no livery yards in your area, rather than farmers, that you could go to? Have you tried enquiring of owners of really massive fields for the winter months - 2 horses on say 10 acres upwards would hardly make a dent in the land...
 
Please just move to somewhere with turnout, it is unfair to expect any horse or pony to be stabled 24/7 without turnout or a lot of excercise/walking in-hand. In my opinion it would be cruel to keep any horse/pony in without turnout/excercise and I really don't blame the rescue sanctury for not letting you have this mare at the moment. Sorry if this sounds overly harsh, I'm a strong believer that horses and ponies should be kept as naturally as possible.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I just think they are being a bit unreasonable given that my horse is in tip top condition

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps.......perhaps not. Don't forget their primary concern is not for you, but for the horse they are re-homing. They have their standards and have to abide by them.
 
The charity has a duty of care for any horse it re-homes.

A horse charity must be seen to do the correct thing for the horse and would insist that it must have suitable daily turn-out.

This is not only to keep them physically fit. but also far more important mentally o.k.

Horses need daily turn out and many of the problems that people face with their horses are because they are not turned out on a regular daily basis or hacked out enough.
 
[ QUOTE ]


A local rescue charity has a lovely mare ready to go but will not give her to me until I sort the grazing, meanwhile my horse is getting v. depressed and lonely, I have a small arena which does as turn out for him, and I think would do for the rescue horse too (obv. taken in turns!).

In a bid to cheer up my horse, should I just go and buy something cheap or should I wait for another 2 months for the weather to change so a local farmer will let me a field?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you answered a bit yourself, if they can only take turns in a small arena, it wont really be a companion will it. I can understand too why they say no at the moment, being fair to any horse it needs turnout and preferably with a companion. I agree maybe you need to sort out proper grazing before you consider getting another horse or pony, you might find your own horse would cheer up more if it had adequate grazing and turnout,
best of luck i know it can be hard to find, but maybe look into a diy yard where there is turnout, or ask other local horse owners if you could go there..
 
I am new to the area and haven't seen anyone riding, have seen a couple of horses in a field, but there is never anybody near them. The local farmer has 2 mares in foal, but is not horsey at all. My house has 2 stables and a large feed room, and the small turnout, I'm just going to have to tie the local farmers down to get a field.

Thanks for your help and advice
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top