Horse at home or livery? advice appreciated :)

wallykissmas said:
Its there a possibility you could arrange another stable and let it out to someone who would hack and help you out if needed.
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Faracat said:
I find that very sad - you've never met me and I honestly have my horse's best interests at heart. Not a bad thing surely?

I can only go by the horses that I have met and the only one that was happier on it's own was 'sub-normal' socially (I hope that makes sense) as it had been kept on it's own as a youngster and really didn't understand horse body language properly.

It's not a big secret that horses are herd animals. They are very social and it is very interesting watching how they interect with each other and who is friends with who. Watching the older horses teaching the younger ones how to behave is also a wonderful way to waste time.

When I was at livery, the mares were in one herd and the geldings in another. If when it was time to bring my mare in and there were only two left out, I would bring the last horse in too. Infact I arranged this with the horse's owner and did that for a whole winter as she worked late. There wasn't a problem between us at all. She didn't want her mare left alone and it wasn't any hassle for me to bring in two rather than just one.

I'm not at a livery yard anymore, so you can't livery with me anyway! :p
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yes I am aware that horses are herd animals by nature, funnily enough.
I do however feel that a lot of horses get along better without company, my coloured came to uni with me on a yard and stopped eating, he hated being with our other horses and honestly gets on beat alone. I don't think people should be encouraged to buy companion horses if they don't need them, after all it is another horse to care for and be liable for. Horses suprisingly get along with a lot of change.
 
Wagtail and Faracat... I do appreciate your comments however I wouldn't ever compromise a horses welfare or well being for my own selfishness. In fact the only reason I mentioned my concerns about a companion was so that the it wasn't left alone! This didn't mean that I would buy a horse and keep it alone for my own benefit . I would only keep a horse alone if it was in the horses best interest. ( my previous horse hated company and much preferred her own space) even then my fields are within sight of other horses.
 
Can't think of anything worse than a livery yard!!!! far too much bitching and too many know-it-alls! Horsey women can be really horrid creatures sometimes.
I keep my horses 2 miles from home ina friends field, I keep his horses fit during the spring/summer in exchange for grazing etc, he's never up there, it's only me and it's bliss! I have no facilities (not even hard standing or electricity which is a struggle sometimes) but I couldn't go back to a livery yard. Would be home and a companion every time for me.
 
havent read all the replies but I would suggest keeping horse at home with a companion from somewhere like horseworld/blue cross - you pay a small amount of money for a companion horse and if for any reason you cant keep it or it becomes very ill or the 2 dont get on you can call horseworld and they will take it back (or even offer you different companion if its just that they are not getting on).

If keeping horse at home doesnt work and you need to go onto a livery yard your companion will go back to its charity.

Sounds harsh in a way but better to take on one that you know you dont have to worry about if you decide being at home is not for you (assuming you cant afford 2 lots of livery if you move).

good luck
 
pone-less said:
Wagtail and Faracat... I do appreciate your comments however I wouldn't ever compromise a horses welfare or well being for my own selfishness. In fact the only reason I mentioned my concerns about a companion was so that the it wasn't left alone! This didn't mean that I would buy a horse and keep it alone for my own benefit . I would only keep a horse alone if it was in the horses best interest. ( my previous horse hated company and much preferred her own space) even then my fields are within sight of other horses.
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I understand now. I really hope that my earlier post didn't upset you.

Good luck with finding your perfect horse, I'm sure that he/she will will be very well cared for by you. :)
 
For me, it is at home or at private yards. I have a horse and a companion and the companion is fine when we go out for rides.

I can't stand livery yards - there are too many know-it-all gossips around.
 
meesha said:
havent read all the replies but I would suggest keeping horse at home with a companion from somewhere like horseworld/blue cross - you pay a small amount of money for a companion horse and if for any reason you cant keep it or it becomes very ill or the 2 dont get on you can call horseworld and they will take it back (or even offer you different companion if its just that they are not getting on).

If keeping horse at home doesnt work and you need to go onto a livery yard your companion will go back to its charity.
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This seems a brilliant idea. You are keeping all your options open, doing a good deed for a horse that's in need of some care, and making sure that the companion will get along with yours without buying another horse and then finding out too late that your horse doesn't get along with him.

Although I was surprised to even read the title of this thread - for me it's at HOME all the way, the security, the peace-of-mind, the pleasure from enjoying them any time of the day or night, and being able to control every aspect of their care and turnout.
I can't imagine wanting to be at a livery yard if you had a choice. But that's just me :):)
 
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