Good Companions for Horses?

[ellaaaa]

Hi all!

We're currently in the process of buying a new horse (exciting times, I know!) but of course have to find somewhere to keep it before we even decide to view any. Through word of mouth by a family friend, a fair bit of land has come available for us to keep the ponies on. The land would be for our sole use, however we were only looking to buy one horse. Obviously we know that keeping a horse alone without company isn't ideal, so we're looking into our options. My first thought was to buy a shitland for company, or even a pair. Ideally we want something that will be as cost effective as a horse can be, after all we don't have endless pits of money and it's only to keep the new one company! Someone did mention sheep/goats, but I know they can be very hit and miss with horses. Can anyone think of any other options? Would we be better with 1 or 2 shetlands etc?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

The best companions for horses are other horses. The problem with shetlands (well, there are many) is that they really don't need to eat much grass and probably won't be very good companions for a decent sized horse as they won't be able to share the grazing. Sheep do well for cross grazing with horses to keep your grass sweet but are not really companions for them and some horses don't like them and make their feelings known, which isn't fair to the sheep. Could you rehome/foster a pony of about the same size as your ridden one from one of the charities.

 

[PurBee]

I really want a llama, and have read mixed reviews of horses opinions of them! although buying even a llama without ‘issues’ is similar as buying a sound sane horse from what little research ive done.

 

[smolmaus]

. Could you rehome/foster a pony of about the same size as your ridden one from one of the charities.

Just to add to this, some charities will cover costs of ongoing medication for older or unsound rescues so don't let the fear that you'll be stuck with a money pit put you off looking in rescue centres!

 

[meleeka]

A horse is the only good companion for a horse, preferably a similar size so they can be kept on the same grazing. Having sole use is wonderful but the downside is you always need at least two.

 

[Orangehorse]

Finding a companion pony isn't always as straightforward as you would think. And with 2 you might get separation anxiety, so ideally you would need a stable to shut one in when the other is doing something. Some ponies don't worry at all about being left, of course, which is ideal.

I was looking for a companion and some of those offered often had terrible feet which had simply been neglected (you would think the owners would know better) and I had one who was a rescue pony who was nervous and bad to catch, and I dreaded them ever escaping because I knew that I would never, ever be able to catch the wild one. I spent long enough trying to catch her as it was. She did slowly, very slowly, improve but it was always a problem.

The best one I had was about 14 hh, that had perfect manners on the ground but had apparently been a lethal rearer/napper in his previous home so could never be ridden. Easy going, friends with my horse, I had to keep an eye on his weight but he was so easy going. Best of all his owners would have him back if I was going away either with or without my horse, so that was perfect.

Blue Cross are a good charity to have a pony from and I think if it doesn't work out for any reason they can go back.

 

[splashgirl45]

any of the charities would be happy to find a home for one or two companions, there are lots of them on their websites and if your circumstances changed they could go back to the charity, win, win

 

[Bellaboo18]

Yep you need at least one other horse, ideally two. Charities are a good way to go but if this is a first horse you'd be better in a livery yard.