Owner has new horse, and now dismissing the pony.

[Fools Motto]

The pony has been advertised, but is seriously not easy in any way shape or form, so not had a single serious enquiry over the past 6 weeks or so. The new horse is a delight. Owner is spending what time they have on playing with the horse one side of the yard, and pretty much refusing to even see the pony the other. Said pony is being attended to (by staff) but this is meant to be on a part livery basis, not a full livery. I think this is going to get out of hand. The pony isn't get rug changes (not a massive deal tbh, but is clipped and was wearing lycra hoods, and several rugs, now just lives in turnout) but when the owner isn't doing hay or water at owner time, it's getting more concerning. Owner, when confronted about this, honestly just shrugs shoulders and goes 'oh well'.
I understand it can be hard for some to move on after a loved pony - but this is nothing like that. The pony is hated.
Any ideas on what to do next?
Sadly its stable neighbour has got to be pts due to serious health issues very soon, and I can almost see myself suggesting the pony goes too. (it's so not easy, it's verging on dangerous).

 

[AmyMay]

Livery Yard owner needs to manage this, obviously, as they have a duty of care. If that means full livery and the cost that goes with it, so be it.

 

[Archangel]

Can the extra care be billed to the owner? That should focus the mind.

 

[Leandy]

Yard owner or manager needs to have a frank talk with the owners about the livery package, costs and their intentions for the pony. Obviously the pony cannot be neglected, not fed etc but there is nothing wrong from a welfare perspective with it being roughed off and turned away or whatever so long as the facilities are suitable and the process done properly. I doubt the pony cares whether it is staff or owner who looks after it so long as its needs are met. PTS is also an option clearly if this pony is difficult bordering on dangerous! So discussion needs to be had and owner needs to determine how they want to play it, and also if this incurs extra cost then that needs to be paid by the owner. So long as the owner is paying for the pony and the pony's needs are met by someone then this is only the owner's business however.

 

[MrsMozartleto]

Bill the owner for full livery.

If it gets too dangerous to handle then that's another discussion to be had by owner, yard owner, and vet.

 

[Fools Motto]

Thank you all. The pony will be cared for no matter what, so don't panic. Full livery shouldn't really be an option as we're full! Staff are feeling the pressure!! lol Owner is getting billed for the service, that doesn't bother them, but it bothers us - there are more than the odd moment where we know a kick, bite, squash, rear, strike ect will happen, and quite frankly, we'd rather not!!

 

[Leandy]

Thank you all. The pony will be cared for no matter what, so don't panic. Full livery shouldn't really be an option as we're full! Staff are feeling the pressure!! lol Owner is getting billed for the service, that doesn't bother them, but it bothers us - there are more than the odd moment where we know a kick, bite, squash, rear, strike ect will happen, and quite frankly, we'd rather not!!

So it seems you actually don't want to have to deal with the pony either and it is not just the owner. Then I think you need to give notice if you can't come to a proper agreement with the owner you are all happy with. Personally I would give notice for both the new horse and the pony or it will get too difficult.

 

[Polos Mum]

I would increase your full livery rate for a hard to handle pony - more time is needed to be slow and careful and watch your back - it' not unreasonable for you to need to be paid for your extra time.

Make that enough so you are happy to do the full livery / get extra hours for the staff etc.

If the owner is not happy they can make extra effort to sell the pony or go back to doing themselves or PTS - if that is the decision they reach.