Finding a companion pony or small horse in Sussex? How?

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ginatina

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It’s looking like I’m going to need to find a companion for our little welshy gelding…My dear old retired boy is really struggling, and it might be time to make that decision :(

I have a wonderful yard and the companion pony will want for nothing - I just need a hands-off owner as I find people more stressful than horses, if you know what I mean!

Should I advertise for this - horsequest seems the wrong place as it tends to be competition types?

Or I guess we could take on a rescue if anyone has experience of that?

If anyone has any suggestions please send my way x
 
Get a rescue, from a reputable charity. They will give you a true account of what the horse is like, and if it doesn't work you send it back.
And you will be doing your bit to help the hundreds of horses each year that get dumped and neglected.
 
Blue Cross usually have lots of smalls needing companion homes - not sure where their nearest centre to you is, but they also facilitate Home 2 Home (I think it's called) where they rehome direct from an owner who can't keep their horse straight to a borrower, without having to go into a rehab centre.
 
I have a 13.1 companion pony from WHW and I've had her for nearly 5 years.

Providing all is well then you only see WHW inspector for their inspection/checkup every 6 months which is no hassle so long as the ponies weight is OK and the feet have been properly and regularly trimmed. The inspection takes about 30 mins, including 'gossip' time!

As I have health issues and am not young this works well for me as if I die or am no longer able to physically manage then I know that WHW will take her back into their care - my OH isn't horsey and I wouldn't want to lumber him with a horse if I owned one at this stage of my life.

The nearest centre for WHW is near Glastonbury and it's just a mile or so off the A303. Lots of choice if you just want a companion pony and the rehoming part of the website is easy to use.
 
We have had a few companions from a reputable sanctuary for many years now.
The ponies have been a delight to have around.
The sanctuary staff know their horses and try their hardest to place individuals in homes that suit the lifestyle offered- after all it's best for all if everyone is happy and getting along!
 
Another vote for a rescue, we had a Blue Cross pony and it was a really smooth process, they also gave us the option to have ownership signed over.
 
If a rescue isn't an option or doesn't work out, try local Facebook groups (the Surrey Horse and Pony one is huge) but place a 'wanted' post yourself rather than look for posts of 'ponies looking for homes' to reply to.

I posted on the Surrey H&P page a couple of years ago, detailing what I could offer to a pony; my daily routine, the facilities, my experience, with photos of my set up and a description of my (then-)horse that the pony would be companion to. I was inundated with messages from people with ponies that hadn't been advertised. When someone wants to rehome a much-loved pet, they want to make sure that they are going to a great home, so often don't advertise as then anyone can see it and say the right thing in to get the pony. By staying quiet then seeing the potential home first, they're much happier for their pony to go to you. (if that makes sense?!)
 
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Your local RDA group might be glad of a home for a pony that is no longer rideable. The charity can't really keep a retired pony because the funds aren't donated for that but often want to give a long-serving pony a decent retirement, so the Trustees/ volunteers are often persuaded to take one, which is really surplus to their requirements so If another good home was available, they would be grateful.
 
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