Shoreditch
Member
Hello,
I am desperately in need of some advice. I have two horses on livery. My mother has/had a mini Shetland mare who she has kept as a pet for over a decade. Mother is non-horsey generally but acquired pony as a rescue and has adored caring for her. Up until last yr she kept her in a little field behind a nursing home with another mini who belonged to said home.
The pony belonging to the nursing home was PTS and my mum's pony was kept alone (not ideal) while mum started looking for a companion. During this time my mum was diagnosed with cancer and begun treatment. Pony was moved to my livery yard so I could care for her while mum was sick. Unfortunately treatment hasn't been successful and we are now looking at more treatment, surgery and then more treatment (if all goes to plan) so a long road ahead of us.
Pony is still on livery with me, however my yard is individual turnout and pony is clearly miserable. She loves attention and fuss, is the sweetest natured pony in the world and it's breaking my heart to see her so sad. She needs friends (both equine and human).
Due to helping to care for my mum, work, OH and my own horses I don't have the time for her. I can't afford to put her on a retirement livery/grass livery (my yard are being very kind and allowing me to keep her for a nominal sum) and I just don't know what to do. I couldn't have her PTS as she is a healthy pony who my mum adores but I am struggling to think of what to do to give her what she needs.
For those who got to the end, thank you and any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.
I am desperately in need of some advice. I have two horses on livery. My mother has/had a mini Shetland mare who she has kept as a pet for over a decade. Mother is non-horsey generally but acquired pony as a rescue and has adored caring for her. Up until last yr she kept her in a little field behind a nursing home with another mini who belonged to said home.
The pony belonging to the nursing home was PTS and my mum's pony was kept alone (not ideal) while mum started looking for a companion. During this time my mum was diagnosed with cancer and begun treatment. Pony was moved to my livery yard so I could care for her while mum was sick. Unfortunately treatment hasn't been successful and we are now looking at more treatment, surgery and then more treatment (if all goes to plan) so a long road ahead of us.
Pony is still on livery with me, however my yard is individual turnout and pony is clearly miserable. She loves attention and fuss, is the sweetest natured pony in the world and it's breaking my heart to see her so sad. She needs friends (both equine and human).
Due to helping to care for my mum, work, OH and my own horses I don't have the time for her. I can't afford to put her on a retirement livery/grass livery (my yard are being very kind and allowing me to keep her for a nominal sum) and I just don't know what to do. I couldn't have her PTS as she is a healthy pony who my mum adores but I am struggling to think of what to do to give her what she needs.
For those who got to the end, thank you and any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.