Need a companion - can anyone recommend a horse rescue centre?

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Chantelle R

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I'm looking for a non-ridden companion for my horse. I'm thinking of rehoming a rescue as that might be the best way to go forward.

Anyone had a horse from a rescue centre?

What was your experience of that centre?

Thanks
 
My companion came from World Horse Welfare. They always have horses looking for homes so if you are near one of their centres, I'd recommend them.
 
I have a part Exmoor pony From the Blue Cross, I have had him for 17 years. Have had good support from Blue Cross over the years.
When I first enquired about getting a pony the local centre wasn't very helpful until I said the magic words "non-ridden companion" I went down to see Strider the same day and he was home 2 days later. I think they find it hard to find companion homes so it was all straightforward. Good luck.
 
I'm about to have a youngster from the Blue Cross and so far they have been brilliant. I needed a companion for my 6 month old filly that I'm about to wean. I can 'foster' this youngster until they are both old enough to be brought on to be ridden. The Blue Cross will then have the youngster back to school and find a new home. Suits both of us and really happy knowing the pony will be found another good home, not just sold from one home to another.
 
Please make sure that wherever you get it from, they have had it themselves for longer than two weeks and it is healthy. Someone posted a while ago that a rescue sent her a companion with strangles, and she lost both that pony and her own horse :(
 
We have one from the Blue Cross. It was all a very easy and quick process. They are helpful but never in your face. He's on the assisted companion scheme so they pay for his injections, teeth and a wormer. I had to pay a £100 rehoming fee and insure him third party.
 
Horseworld were great only had the pony for a year they were happy to take it back (small section A companion with my 15.2, couldn't keep weight off little one) I understand they now only rehome horses/Ponies as companions with others of similar size
 
meesha said:
Horseworld were great only had the pony for a year they were happy to take it back (small section A companion with my 15.2, couldn't keep weight off little one) I understand they now only rehome horses/Ponies as companions with others of similar size
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Yess that's a point. I know loads of people who have bought small ponies as companions and the ponies end up needing restricted grazing and have to be in a separate paddock to the original horse, putting the owner back to square one!
 
Ginger witch who posted earlier has a fieldsound 17 yo who some are advising her to pts as she wants to reduce her numbers before winter sets in. You could ask her.
 
I've had companions from world horse welfare and happa and couldn't recommend either of them highly enough.....both brilliant charities.
 
ycbm said:
Please make sure that wherever you get it from, they have had it themselves for longer than two weeks and it is healthy. Someone posted a while ago that a rescue sent her a companion with strangles, and she lost both that pony and her own horse :(
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I remember this - it was dreadful and avoidable.

I would love to rehome when I am in a position to have two, but I will be asking that the horse/pony is tested for strangles.

ETA: Because I am slightly paranoid I would probably iscolate a horse/pony for 3/4 weeks if it hadn't been at the rescue centre for long with an unknown history.
 
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wherabouts are you, OP? That will probably have a bearing.

I have a horse from HAPPA, had her for nearly 13 years, all good.
 
I am another who has had very positive experiences from rehomeing companions from Blue Cross, when they were ready to return, they were collected promptly.

All horses and ponies go into special isolation area for 4 weeks before going on to their yard, and are only rehomed when they have been handled and assessed.

OP do visit a rehomeing centre and see for yourself, Blue Cross WHW and Redwing all have regular open days when you can go along and have a look, before you take it further.

Good luck, it is very rewarding taking on a rescue.
 
World horse welfare, I have my home check today for a companion and very easy process. We're taking on one of the more difficult horses but they also have very healthy 'easy keep' horses, they get a vet check before they leave and you can ask their grooms anything about them and they should know. All the horses are kept for at least a month before rehoming!
 
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