Arizahn
Well-Known Member
So another livery is leaving soon, and the YM asked if I would like to put Hippo in the field they were using.
Pros:
Better grazing than the one she is in - same mix of grasses and herbs etc, but has only had one horse in it as opposed to a dozen small ponies.
Good size and well fenced, with plenty of natural shelter, same as current field.
Easier to access in icy weather as not at top of hill...OH isn't relishing the idea of the drive up to the main yard area in winter.
No longer have to hack down the scary hill to ride out - very steep slope! Could not manage it in winter conditions.
Cons:
Would mean leaving current companions (school ponies) behind. Hippo would adjust soon enough, and would probably have a different field mate (YM has to check this part) or we could look into getting a rescue pony as a companion. There are horses in the surrounding fields, but currently only one horse in this field - it dislikes other horses intensely.
One of the school ponies would miss Hippo - he is already tricky to deal with when taking her out of the field, so it may actually be good to separate them before this gets out of hand...
Storage shed is farther away, but I pretty much live out of the boot of the car anyway, tbh. And I can hike up/drive up if need be.
Indoor school is also farther away, but the outdoor school, hacking and cross country/riding fields are right outside the gateway. I'm happy to ride outside and can ride up to the indoor for classes, etc. Couldn't do this in winter due to the hill (see above). But could have classes outside anyway.
So...I think I will take this field for Hippo. YM offered it as there is more grass and she is concerned that Hippo will not get enough to eat in the pony field. Almost all the other liveries are very large horses and they are wary of putting Hippo in with them in case she is injured (14.3). It would be like having a mini area of our own within the larger yard - could also ride in the field in good weather as it is reasonably flat.
Anyone want to comment/advise against, etc? Jaffa cakes if you want them!
Pros:
Better grazing than the one she is in - same mix of grasses and herbs etc, but has only had one horse in it as opposed to a dozen small ponies.
Good size and well fenced, with plenty of natural shelter, same as current field.
Easier to access in icy weather as not at top of hill...OH isn't relishing the idea of the drive up to the main yard area in winter.
No longer have to hack down the scary hill to ride out - very steep slope! Could not manage it in winter conditions.
Cons:
Would mean leaving current companions (school ponies) behind. Hippo would adjust soon enough, and would probably have a different field mate (YM has to check this part) or we could look into getting a rescue pony as a companion. There are horses in the surrounding fields, but currently only one horse in this field - it dislikes other horses intensely.
One of the school ponies would miss Hippo - he is already tricky to deal with when taking her out of the field, so it may actually be good to separate them before this gets out of hand...
Storage shed is farther away, but I pretty much live out of the boot of the car anyway, tbh. And I can hike up/drive up if need be.
Indoor school is also farther away, but the outdoor school, hacking and cross country/riding fields are right outside the gateway. I'm happy to ride outside and can ride up to the indoor for classes, etc. Couldn't do this in winter due to the hill (see above). But could have classes outside anyway.
So...I think I will take this field for Hippo. YM offered it as there is more grass and she is concerned that Hippo will not get enough to eat in the pony field. Almost all the other liveries are very large horses and they are wary of putting Hippo in with them in case she is injured (14.3). It would be like having a mini area of our own within the larger yard - could also ride in the field in good weather as it is reasonably flat.
Anyone want to comment/advise against, etc? Jaffa cakes if you want them!
