Pondering on best option,

Penny Less

Penny Less

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For the past 12 years I have had two horses, one as a companion. I went down this road as I was fed up with sharing a paddock with liveries that had different/non existent field management systems,and also with horses that kicked/bit mine or tried to attack me when I was trying to get mine out of the field. Started with NF pony companion, at present have a 16HH friend for my 15.3.
I love my yard, am stress free with regard to yard and horse management. Anyway, due to my advancing years I have found this winter particularly difficult with the amount of work two large horses make. Neither of them are ridden so
no part share.

I have 3 options, I think

Send companion back to owners and try sharing with another livery again.
Find a yard where horse can have his own field
Exchange large companion for small pony.(in theory cutting down the heavy work)

My lad has been with his present friend for 4 years so he might not be happy
Both too old to live out in winter unless I could find somewhere with a shelter.Never seen anywhere like this locally.

Anyway, that's me musing idly. any input welcome
 
Right, now I keep mine at home and have done for decades as I like the autonomy it gives me - so my thought processes may not be coming from the same place as yours.......

I write everything down, pros and cons of every option however outlandish it seems, and sometimes its worth talking through with someone who isn't as close to the situation (sensible but non-horsey friends can be very helpful as they can see stuff without the 'baggage')

The sort of stuff I'd be looking at would include such things as:
Do the two horses get on well? If so, what are the pitfalls of splitting them up? Would they settle with new friends? Would a different companion be more difficult in handling (small unruly ponies can be harder work than a couple of polite big 'uns)
Would a small pony need different management? This can be a complete PITA.
What do you find the worst bits? Is there anyway in which you could minimise the hard work by investing in new equipment ie lighter-weight rugs if it's the size of the horse or would a well-balanced wheelbarrow help?
 
Can you invest in a field shelter on skids and put it together with bolts in case you want to move. If you had a field shelter would you be able to leave them both out?
 
Its been a hard winter and have horses is part and parcel of hating winter time, but its nearly over then summer will be here, deep litter in winter easier mucking out and more cost effective, i wouldnt change what seems a healthy set up incl field solely for yourself and yours, kust because winter is hard work, sorry i have 3 and am over 50 and i can manage.

Leave turnout rugs on in the stable, they are fine even if soaking wet they dry quicker from the horses body heat, feed hay from the floor no need to make up haynets. Keep water buckets outside stable to top up buckets that are still relatively clean.
 
Is there anyone who could give you a hand? Even a couple of mornings a week could make a big difference. A friend of mine recently hurt her back and was struggling with certain jobs on the yard. She couldn't afford to pay much but she advertised for help and a couple of people volunteered to help her until her back was better. There are people out there who just enjoy being around horses and might be willing to help you out through the tougher months, maybe even for free.

I keep mine at home, one big and one small :) I have to say I don't think swapping your larger horse for a pony would make a significant differencet in terms of work...I spend about the same time on both stables and I have to soak the ponies hay etc. and be esp carely about laminitis etc. The pony also needs quite a bit more grooming than the horse.
 
Thanks folks, I must admit option 3 was the one I was leaning towards. Cant do anything about a field shelter, yard would probably not be keen and I don't think it would be allowed anyway planning wise as they are really strict round here. It is the physical work that's doing me in, things will obviously ease in the summer. I have a few months till next winter to try and work something out. Although one is on loan they get on famously and it all works fieldwise,one not being left out alone etc, my non horsey mates cant see why I am grinding myself down when one is not even mine !
Every year I find it harder I am 66 soon so its not going to improve !
 
This winter is crap, I'm sure that it's been at least 50% harder with the amount of rain we've had. I'd be loathe to split them up if they get on. What bedding are they on? I use wood pellets and, although the bed isn't beautifullt white, it cuts down on my mucking out and I'm usually leaving having done everything else before others have finished searching for hidden turds.
 
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