Finally putting my money where my mouth is

[Moobucket]

After reading alot of threads on here about rescuing horses I've thought about it alot. Should you pander to every need of one or two, or save as many as you can. But i've looked at the numbers and the feasibility and i'm going to go for it and rescue a companion horse! Three legged one eyed nags here I come!

 

[kippen64]

There are so many horses needing homes that you can buy one to suit your needs and still feel like you are doing a good deed. So decide what it is you want from a horse and what you can offer it and go from there. Cheers.

 

[Moobucket]

I have my boy to ride so I don't have any expectations really other than another furry field ornament to keep him company.

 

[bumblelion]

I took on a giant companion horse a few years ago, best thing I ever did! He's such a diamond! Plus keeps my tb grounded!

 

[kippen64]

I have my boy to ride so I don't have any expectations really other than another furry field ornament to keep him company.

If you find a horse with similar nutrition needs to your current horse, you will make life easier for yourself because one won't be dieting while the other one is needs to be fed to maintain weight for example. A similar age is good too.

 

[Paris1]

Brilliant! I hope to one day!

 

[smellsofhorse]

Good on you!

Good advice kippen64

 

[Moobucket]

Where do you think the best place to get one from is? Sales? Or should I approach local rescues? Sometimes there are big groups taken off the New Forest etc? Not sure how you find out when this happens though? I suppose if I go to the sales it could be quite difficult to just choose one (i'm quite a softie) .

 

[muddygreymare]

Good on you. I'd look at local rescues first, then go to a sales if they don't think you're suited to any of theirs. Just rescue one to begin with, I really believe in the saying "Rescuing one animal may not change the world, but it will change the world for that one animal"

 

[Booboos]

Go to a rescue. They are overflowing with horses and they will also be able to take the horse back should the need arise in the future.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

If you take one from a recognised welfare organisation, your companion will truly be in need of a good home and will make a space for another equine in that organisation. Whereas, if you get one from a sale, you could be encouraging a breeder to breed another one, or fuelling the low-end dealing market, where ponies are passed from one dealer/market to another. If you do decide to go down the Sales route, you need to have your eyes wide open and your wits about you.

 

[rhino]

If you take one from a recognised welfare organisation, your companion will truly be in need of a good home and will make a space for another equine in that organisation. Whereas, if you get one from a sale, you could be encouraging a breeder to breed another one, or fuelling the low-end dealing market, where ponies are passed from one dealer/market to another.

Super advice

The other issue with the 'feral' ponies like newfies and dartmoor hill ponies, is that they are generally completely unhandled. They do come good with careful handling but are VERY challenging... They are also generally very young, which may or may not suit your existing set up.

Either way, sounds like a very lucky horse or pony will be finding a home

 

[Paris1]

Please get one from a welfare org.!!! the blue cross even help pay for stuff for companions on loan, like special shoes or long term mess, and you'll be freeing up a space for another needy neddie!
Excellent point about encouraging more breeding by buying from sales etc.

 

[Moobucket]

Cutie...

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/2584-96941/bramble.html?

 

[Moobucket]

Little fella!! So cute. I wonder if it would get on with a 15h boy?

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/companions_horse_10_mths_26_0_hh_dun_kent/advert/208032

 

[Paris1]

It's a 26hh filly! Why a companion as so you g? Surely these littleuns can do work of some kind?

 

[Lucy1992]

Gooood

 

[mountainview22]

Haven't read all posts, but a three legged one eyed equine was my desire! Thief!

 

[happyhacking:)]

if you have the time, set up and experience then taking on a 'feral' is extremely rewarding. I took one on 4months ago and I can honestly say it was the best thing that I have ever done! it has been so rewarding watching this poor little mite go from virtually unhandled to a confident happy little pony. I get where people are coming from with regard to over breeding and encouraging farmers to breed more but huge steps are being made to reduce the number of foals born each year. its not going to happen overnight but there are lots of people working very hard to improve things. i bought from a lovely lady and can honestly say she did not make a penny from selling me my colt in fact im pretty sure she will have lost a considerable amount on him!

its not for everyone I know. it a huge commitment and not a challenge it is possible to overestimate but it is so so rewarding if you have the time and set up to do it.

Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[Penny Less]

Wonderful idea. I have toyed with this but dont have my own land so wonder if rescue place would consider me, Also all the well known places are too far from me and transport would be an issue. I try and send a regular amount to a horse charity every month instead.