How can I keep my pony amused?

mrsjcmking

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My pony is stabled 24/7 at the moment and I dont want him to get bored.

I have a couple of problems as there are no beams that I can hang anything from and I don't want to get him a ball as his stable isn't huge and I don't wanting him kicking it to pieces or hurting himself (he already has a few scratches from clumsiness!)

Any ideas?
 
Put the hay in 2 haynets to create smaller holes to it takes longer to munch at it? I've heard people fill a haynet with tennis balls and carrots so he can jangle it around searching for a treat.. Could work? xx
 
Can you make a pen outside for some of the day? Can he see company? Maybe get him outside to groom him twice a day as well.
 
there are a couple of horses nearby,

he cant go outside because hes not gelded, and he cant be gelded until he's vaccinated.

He's groomed every day and taken for a walk at least once a day ( but not too far as hes thin and don't want him burning calories)
 
You dont have to vaccinate a horse to geld it.
If hes thin just increase the calorific value of his feed and take him out more- graze him in hand. being in 24/7 in a small stable really can damage his mental health, its not good for their musculoskeletal system or their breathing either. Isnt there anywhere with decent fencing or can you make a paddock with decent fencing?

eta- or turn out when the othe horses are stabled, even if its only for an hour its better than being in a stable all the time
 
I know. My yard owner had a problem with a colt who they let into a field of his own, he then dropped, jumped the fences and started trying to cover their mares, so they are very very cautious.

He hasn't dropped yet either (he's about 16 months old, is this normal?) and he has NEVER had vaccinations, so when I rang the vets to ask about this they said he has to have his tetanus,a dn then wait 6 months for booster before the will geld him...I didn't think this was right, but I haven't had a chance to speak to the vet because the callout day for our area is tuesday, and my work keep putting me on tuesdays (I work shifts part time)

I want him out to grazing (so am looking for just a field to rent somewhere) but no success!

and most places don't want a colt on their yard if he hasnt been gelded.

Not fair on him, but I do try and take him out everyday even just for a little walk,
 
I know its not what you want to hear but you either need to find a different yard or sell this pony. The poor little man can't have no turnout for the next six months, it'll affect his mental health.
 
He cant be gelded until hes dropped but he can without being vaccinated- the vet can give tetanus cover at the time.

But he cant stay in until hes gelded as theres no way of knowing when his balls will descend! They are usually there by now though!

Why not make the fencing better and less jumpable- simple solution. Otherwise the poor s*d could be stuck in for months!
 
Thanks for the advice on vaccinations...I'm going to be firm witht he bloody receptionist next time, and i'll have to have a word with yard owner once the vet has been

problem is that for such a little man (12hh) he's got a bloody good jump on him (already jumped previous owners 4ft+ fence) so i don't think he'd have a problem getting into other fields if he started to feel a bit randy...I'd have to build a bl**dy 6ft solid brick wall.
 
I know its not what you want to hear but you either need to find a different yard or sell this pony. The poor little man can't have no turnout for the next six months, it'll affect his mental health.

I am looking for somewhere new, and i'm not selling im, I just bought him and he's for life!
 
Double row the fence with electric tape. He shouldnt jump out if he can see company at a distance. unless hes hungry or a mare stood flashing her backside at the fence it would be unusual for him to try and jump out.
 
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