how easy is it to find a companion pony home?

[Morgan123]

As in title! We're talking, if the pony is nice, friendly, low maintenance, no health problems that would need extra vet attention, just not rideable. Pony under 10 yrs.
Do homes exist for them or is it a nightmare finding anything decent? Also I've heard all those horror stories abt them being sold on or for meat or whatever, how can you ensure it's safe??
Thank you!

 

[ladyt25]

I think thetre are a lot of horror stories but not sure it's very well balanced as there's plenty of people who like to say about a horror story - it's like bad news, people are more interested in horrid stories than nice ones!

I bet there are plenty more happy loans/companion home stories than bad ones and yes, i am sure there are plenty of people look for ponies as companions.

How come at that age though you would seek a companion home only? I think you are more likely to struggle if said pony has a medical/physical problem that requires long term treatment and therefore cost.

 

[Cazza525]

Do not panic,good homes by far outweigh the bad.

2 years ago I passed the word around about needing a companion. 24hrs later Delilah arrived! A 12.2 welsh/arab retired pony. She's low maintainance,lives out,is happy to stay on her own and keeps whatever I've got in company. She's 27 this year! Dear little thing that I pop a cub saddle on when its sunny and lead my 2 year old son and 3 year old nephew around on.

I really don't need her anymore but keep thinking up excuses for her not going home!!

 

[Depp_by_Chocolate]

Yes I found a lovely permanent home for my horse who also could no longer be ridden. His owner gives me updates on how he is doing.

I quickly discounted most people that enquired as I didn't think they would be suitable homes. I saw this home where he is living now and the horse he would be a companion to and liked them and I liked how his new owner came across.

 

[Tanta]

We have a companion pony for our horses - she was not safe as a ridden pony off the leadrein, but ideal for us as she doesnt mind if she is in the stable or in the field (so can stay in if any of the horses on box rest and want a friend), happy by herself or with the others - and also a good traveller so handy to sling on the lorry as a companion. Only diasadvantage is she can get laminitic - but we manage her fine. And I'm sure we will have her for the rest of her life. She is adorable with children to handle - we just dont put them on her!

I'm sure there other people around wanting something similar - BHS has a good loan agreement which is what we used - and her owners occasionally pop by to see her (although not been for a while so the obviously know she is safe)

 

[MHOL]

make sure you get proof of who they are and make sure the contract has the wording "Must not sell with out my written consent" Also make sure you associate yourself with the passport on NED Online and in the notes section add "pony on loan- not for sale"