Home alone?

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Dovorian

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Can any HHO 'ers give me any advice?

I only have one horse now, generally quiet 16yo plod, however I know that he isn't too happy on his own. My fields will allow him to see other horses but they would not be 'together' as it were. In the winter he will have a stable companion so that isn't a problem.

He is turned away at the moment as I am injured (not his doing !) but will have to come home mid September. He is at present in a single very large paddock but has a neighbour on one side 24/7, I would love to be able to keep him where he is but it isn't possible due to distance/finance as from 1st October horses only get limited t/o and have to go on full livery.

Does anyone have experience of dealing with 'unsettled' horses in this way, do calmers have any impact and if so suggestions and a build up time most appreciated. My OH says that I spoil him and should simply walk away when he starts trotting up and down shouting - I did try it in a stable and he did 'give up' after a while!

I probably am soft, but I am being told 'no buying a companion'..... not fair!
 
I hate seeing any horse on its own, they are herd animals and need company. Have you thought of advertising to see if someone would like to rent your field with you, that would help you with the cost and your horse would have company.
 
What about a wee shetland. Just tell your oh it followed you home
:) to be honest my oh wouldn't be getting a say, i would simply get a companion. He knows better than to argue when it comes to the welfare of my horses.
 
What are the reasons your OH doesn't want you to get a companion - the additional cost I am thinking!? A little native breed pony can be obtained for nowt and will cost next to nothing to keep. A companion will make your horse happier and your life a lot easier!

Saying that though, you then have to cope with the separation anxiety when you want to ride your horse, but that's another story!! :eek:
 
I'd do as suggested above & get a mini-companion.
Mini's can be a pickle to keep in if you get the escaping kind - but get a good electric fence & they are fine.
They can be easily shut in a stable & left when going out if they are worried when being left the 1st few times.
They can wear grazing muzzles to keep their figures in good trim.

Just dont get too 'into' the I must do 'something' with the companion :D as you will then be losing the reason you got them in the 1st place.

Big Fuzzy needs a friend in the field & yard, tho is as happy as larry to go out riding solo at all times.
Hence Tiny Fuzzy does companion duties - she takes these very seriously & is stuck like glue to Big Fuzzy 99% of the time. Has now learnt to be left in a stable or small paddock on her own - and best of all...... my dear horse-hating-husband LIKES Tiny Fuzzy so is actually asking how she is most days! :D He will even go up the fields on occasions to 'give the midget a sweetie' :rolleyes: :D

Go for it!! :cool:
 
What about the rescue centres, they always have native types for companions only, something about 11.2 wouldn't cost a fortune to feed. Don't really like horses kept on their own, i think they need at least one friend either in the field or next door field.
 
Well, firstly, he would not be totally 'alone' as my neighbour has a couple of mares which he can see - albeit across a drive and occasionally obscured by trees. He will have company when my comp horse comes home from a pro yard - end Sept I would think. It is the initial period that I want to help him with, getting a companion for a few months is a non starter sadly.

Have had a nightmare with a pony from a 'rescue' in as much as they failed to mention some awkward vices and the minor fact that he was a rig! Fence rails chewed through, stable door frame similarly, OH will not budge!

Awkward dilemma.
 
How about looking for someone who is looking for livery with a pony? This could have added bonus in that you have someone else there to do yours when you go away (this often 'sells' the idea to OH's ;) )
The best livery is a retired horse/pony that someone wants to still keep but its not able to be ridden any more.

:)
 
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