new companion

[Sallyfinn]

I'm not a new owner or rider but i think this might be the best place for my question.
I keep a 7yo cob at home for general hacking, schooling, pleasure rides etc. He hates to be alone so I have always had a loaner here to keep him company. I have been looking after a retired horse for a while but he has now gone home. I want to get another horse/pony of some description quite quickly so mine isn't miserable. I am thinking of getting a youngster. I figure if I'm paying to look after a horse and spending time poo picking etc. it might as well be one I could eventually ride. I am thinking of a 14hh ish cobby type. I have never owned a youngster before. Will i be taking on too much? I would send him away to be backed.
Thanks

 

[hnmisty]

If you get a youngster, you'll have to put in the time and effort to bring him on. You may end up in the situation where he takes more of your time than your 7y/o.

That seems to me very much like you are getting a second horse, not one to keep yours company. As a ridden horse, he'll add on more cost than a companion, through things like saddle checks, shoeing, and as a youngster you'd probably want lessons on him, especially, as you've admitted, you don't have much experience of youngsters.

I don't know what your budget is, but if I was you I wanted a ridden companion for my horse, I would get something that was older and only needed lighter work. Or just buy a tiny pony and face the fact that it is only a lawn mower, and have all that time to give to your horse.

Plus- does he not like to be alone to the extent that you couldn't take his companion out of the field/stable? Or does he cope on his own for an hour or so ie how long it would take you to ride new horse?

I don't mean to be rude, but I'd ask yourself whether you are trying to justify getting a second horse as it being a companion for yours, when it is in fact for you (as you could get a non-ridden friend for him).

 

[POLLDARK]

Just to point out some pitfalls..A youngster is a lot of work & your 7 year old should still be getting a lot of your attention. He may also object strongly when you take the new horse out & about. Ditto the new horse may be just as anxious when you take your 7 year old out. Why not give a good home to a golden oldie ? Or a small breed that won't be going out ?

 

[Tammytoo]

Your current horse has years of working life ahead of him so, unless you are thinking of selling him when your youngster becomes rideable (and it will need a lot of attention as a youngster) I would get a small companion for your cob. The Blue Cross is desperate to find homes for their companion ponies, even just temp. foster homes, and they come with free wormers and vaccinations/teeth rasping each year.

 

[Sallyfinn]

Thank you for your replies.
I have actually bitten the bullet and bought the 24 monther. I know he will need lots of attention but i am prepared to put the time in.
I was very reluctant to get a small pony as I had a sec A on loan 2 years ago for my daughter (who no longer rides) and it was a nightmare endlessly trying to escape and then got laminitis. My paddocks are large and trying to make smaller ones with electric tape was an endless losing battle.
More recently i have had a geriatric on loan but he really wasn't happy limping about when my 7yo wanted to play.
Wish me luck. I will be needing advice!