I am too big for my pony but can't bring myself to sell him!

[pony1895]

i have a 13 hand pony and have outgrown him now, he is a chesnut gelding and really lovley. i do not want to sell him because it would break my heart after having him for 5 years but i can't afford to keep 2 so if i kept him i wouldn't be able to get a new horse that is bigger for me to ride.He is 19 and is getting quite old which makes me feel like he is too old to be sold and needs to just settle down and have an easy life. any suggestions??

 

[Geraldine]

Can you not loan him out as a quiet hack? If he is quiet and unflappable (as much as any pony can be) he would be the ideal beginner loan pony.

 

[Jazzaria]

Move him to somewhere and keep him at grass and retire him - Without hard feed/rugs/shoes (if he's hardy enough and can go barefoot) this would be fairly cheap compared to a livery yard. I used to rent a field for £10 a week

 

[MissMistletoe]

Agree with above as long as he had another horse for company.

Also could you loan him out as a companion?

 

[Happy Hunter]

Loan him I would say.
Imagine he can give another child such joy - keeping them in light work keeps them busy and I have found keeps them around for longer.

Do you know anyone who might know someone?

 

[Honey08]

Just bear in mind that he may well come back from time to time if he was out on loan - possibly for good when he is older (this is what happened with my first pony that we loaned out), so you will probably have to pay for his keep at some point as well as your next horse...

 

[Beatrice5]

At 19 he could be a great first or second pony for someone - try your local pony clubs.

I wouldn't say 19 is particularly old my 11.2 Welsh mountain was nearly 27 when he was pts and he was still active until his last year and loved doing stuff at his own pace with my little brother.

Also agree ponies are tough and grass rent much cheaper than livery if you can find the right place and a suitable friend or two for him.

Good luck

 

[pony1895]

Thanks alot for all the replys, i will bare all this in mind and try and do what is best for him. he is a super pony and has done so well and i agree if i could find someone who will take good care of him then maybe a loan is a good idea.

 

[Penny Less]

i am sorry you are so far from me asI am looking fior a companion loan pony. Someone will want him as a companion I am sure

 

[millimoo]

Where are you..... PM me if you'd prefer. I live Ilkley way. Would also suggest an ad at Beevers tack shop if you decide to loan him. They have a really good for sale and loan notice board. I'm sure he'd be pretty easy to loan - even from your current yard.
Another suggestion if he's still rideable and safe may be to loan him to the RDA. My friend highland pony lives in the lap of luxury at Middleton Park, Leeds.