Keeping a horse as a pet

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Happytohack

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We have a 4yr old 14.2. I handreared her as we lost her mum. Husband & I are obviously very fond of her, but she is too small for either of us to do anything with and although she has had a saddle on, she hasn't been backed. My feeling is that we should sell her (perhaps on Project Horses -views please), but husband doesn't want to. I think she is bored being a glorified pet and would be better getting out and about. What do you guys think? (I have two oldies who are pets already - but they have had busy working lives and enjoying some peace and quiet)
 
if you really really want to keep her, try clicker training and other stimulating stuff to keep her interested.
i think they like a bit of work, even if it's just a hack a day, unless they are in an enormous field with tons of other horses and constant interest... and not many people have those facilities!
could you maybe get someone to come and ride her for you... in effect, have her on loan but kept at your place? that's what i've done with one of mine.
 
Maybe loan her out from home to someone locally, let them back her etc and let them see to her ridden life and then you'll still own her but you could see her being used and enjoyed by someone that's small enough to ride her, or maybe you could loan her out locally and then you could go and see her but not have to worry about her being bored, she'll be enjoyed by someone that can bring her on and she'll be happier with a job to do too.
 
Agree with fruity - there are hundreds of talented riders who cannot afford horses of their own and would jump at the chance to bring on your youngster. Plus you'd get to see her excel. Keep her at home and vet any loanees carefully but I think taht's the best way of keeping her.
IMHO I would not keep a healthy young horse just as a pet.
 
I have to say I agree with you; if a horse is wanting to do more in life then it's your responsibility as a caring owner to find that someone who can enjoy life with the horse. Old horses are definitely different - I have a couple here and if they never went out of their fields forever more they would be just as happy as they are when they pop out for the odd ride.

If she were mine, I'd look for the best possible home and sell her. If she were happy to plod about the field doing nothing then I'd keep her.
 
Horses don't have ambitions though, they don't know there is a world out there. They don't go out for a ride unless they are taken by a human. All they would do if left in peace is to eat and sleep all day.

Still, having a 14.2 not doing anything does seem a shame. It is a bit big to drive as a "first" driving pony, but I would go along with the idea of having the pony broken to ride, certainly and see if you can get someone to ride it. If you have a good driving club nearby there may be someone who would take it on, but it is quite a big committment to break a pony to drive, and some do not take to it, or have a fright and then cannot be trusted. If it has been broken to ride first it can stick with that.
 
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Horses don't have ambitions though, they don't know there is a world out there. They don't go out for a ride unless they are taken by a human. All they would do if left in peace is to eat and sleep all day.

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agree with that

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It is a bit big to drive as a "first" driving pony,

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why? 14.2hh is actually a very good size to start with, smaller ponies have a tendency to be a bit 'sharp' or fast
Our cob was broken to harness at 3/4 and was broken to ride at 10, so breaking to harness first should not be a problem.
If you send him away to break to harness, the average time is 4 weeks.
Certainly worth considering
 
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