I've inherited a pony!

[Jenny B]

So my mother died a few weeks ago and her retired newforest x arab is coming in to my possession. He's in his late twenties and has been in the family since I was two. I never learned how to ride but I can look after him quite well.
He's currently field kept at treliever livery yard and I don't know when he last saw a vet or dentist (kenwyn vets), this will be the first thing I will arrange for him.

If anyone has advice about costs of vets and dentists, DIY grass livery and what feed is best please let me know.

 

[HeyMich]

Sorry to hear about your mother, and congratulations on the pony. What a bitter sweet situation!

If I were you, I'd get the vet out first to give him a once over. If they are happy with his condition (weight, muscle tone, quality of hoof etc) then I wouldn't change anything about his feed, diet or turnout, and just keep on keeping on. If the vet says he needs more/less, then you can change things slowly but take advice. Absolutely don't change more than 1 thing at a time, as being an oldie, he may struggle to adapt. The dentist and farrier should also advise, but again, make any changes slowly and carefully.

Good luck, and I hope the pony is happy and healthy!

PS just saw that you had asked about costs - probably better to wait till someone local comes along to advise on that, as I'm the other side of the country!

 

[Ownedby4horses]

Sorry about your mum.

First thing is to see if the yard (I’m assuming he’s on a DIY yard?) know what feed etc he’s on, do the yard know when he was last seen by a vet/farrier?

I would keep everything the same as much as you can, don’t change feed unless you don’t know what he was getting etc. The livery yard will let you know the cost of livery and give the vets and farrier a call. Prices vary depending on where you are, what services you need etc.

Good luck. x

 

[Jenny B]

Thanks for the advice about only changing one thing at a time, I can see how that would help him adapt.

 

[Jenny B]

I'll email the livery yard, I know they sometimes do vet clinics so he might have attended one at some point. If not I'll get him registered and seen too as soon as he's signed over

 

[vhf]

I'm very sorry for your loss, but congratulations on your new friend!
You can't be far from me. If you get yourself in a pickle, PM me and I'll see if I can help. I use Meila Clifford dentist but am sadly thinking I may need to change as she's moved to Ireland. I'm with Rosevean vets, but Kenwyn have a good reputation. Decent grass livery isn't easy to find, if it's working for you at Treliever, don't be hasty moving.
See who they use for farriery on site. Again, a good one is hard to find so don't rock the boat too quickly if his feet are in good condition.

 

[Orangehorse]

The vet should be able to do his teeth at the same time, some practices have one vet who specialises in teeth work (but check the price).

 

[Red-1]

I am sorry for your loss.

I hope the pony brings you some happiness!

I would imagine the livery yard would know which vets were used, the vets will have vet records to tell you what is due and when stuff was done.

Other than that, I would agree not to change things quickly, if they need changing at all.

The pony will need feet trimming, if he isn't shod. That can be anything from £25 to £40 around here, but the livery yard should be able to help with costs for you locally.

Round here a dentist is £40 to £60, but I did mine with the vet while they were here. An older one will need 6 monthly to keep ontop of it.

 

[Jenny B]

He's had the same farrier for over a decade, he's very patient and I'm glad I don't have to look for a new one!

 

[Spotherisk]

I am very sorry for your loss. I would have a chat with the yard manager, they may have all the info you need to hand.