My little ponies causing me a lot of anxiety.

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Sarah04

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I only started with horses 5 years when I got my first riding pony. I then ended up collecting Shetland ponies. I have 4 Shetland ponies... I got my first Shetland as a companion to my riding pony he's also a lovely little driving pony I would never part with him... I then got pony number 2 to show as he's a registered Shetland but when I take him to a show (he's been to 3 now, he's 5 years old) he rears alot so I'm not enjoying taking him to shows and he goes through my electric fencing even when connected to the mains! Pony number 3 another registered Shetland lovely to show but started with sweet itch 2 years ago and mild lami this year. Pony number 4 I bought to drive with pony number 1 had her professionally broken to drive had an accident and I've never driven either since she's a sweet mare. She went on loan for 18 months as a companion and has just come back through no fault of her own.... Pony number 2 broke through electric fencing and has not left her side since. So basically since the mare came back its changed the herd with one gelding becoming attached to her and him being mean to the other 2 gelding that were his best friends. When I brought them in for their feet trimming pony number 2 was jumping up at the wall to see the mare at the other side, he did settle but I feel like I've lost loads of confidence and I'm really not enjoying or wanting to spend time with them which is sad. I do suffer with anxiety and feel like I am trapped with all these ponies as I'm too scared to rehome any of them incase they were to do anything awful. So basically I can't decided whether to loan the mare back out but then she could keep coming back and unsettling the geldings or try and find a livery yard that could take her. I'm too scared to give her away or sell her incase anyone ever decided to drive her. So basically I'm just at a loss as to what to do and feel so alone trying to sort it out :-(
 
I would loan her. Mine had an accident driving and hile he could have gone as a riding pony as hes a big chunky 14.2hh, he didnt really enjoy it, so hes retired as a companion. Hes only on loan so I never lose track of him and can make sure no one drives him again.
 
Terrible situation, I'm guessing you are on your own, not at livery with other people who could help. Not all shetlands go to terrible homes, if you're really struggling then advertise them and thoroughly vet all potential homes. There are other people capable of taking care of the ponies.
 
JennBags said:
Terrible situation, I'm guessing you are on your own, not at livery with other people who could help. Not all shetlands go to terrible homes, if you're really struggling then advertise them and thoroughly vet all potential homes. There are other people capable of taking care of the ponies.
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Yes I keep my 4 shetlands at home and my riding pony at a livery yard through the summer as he likes company when hacking out.
 
Sarah04 said:
Ideally since life has got busier I'd just like two again that I can spend quality time with rather than sharing my time between 5.
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I'd loan the others out then as companions. I'd start with your little mare as it sounds like she's causing a few stresses and then once she's settled, start on the search for the next home and then the next. If the homes turn out ideal they could then be transferred at some point.
It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed which is understandable so breaking it down and having a plan would help me. Where abouts are you? People might know someone that's after a companion.
I've got a little Shetland as a companion and he's loved just like the horses and isn't going anywhere, he was given to me so there are nice homes out there.
 
Also... you're not alone in feeling alone. I often think having horses can be a lonely hobby if you've not got close family or friends that are actively involved xx
 
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