ponies sharing a stable advice

[mandy@zoo]

Hi, I have a 12.2 pony who used to share a stable with a 9hh shetland at his previous home. I am thinking of buying a shetland or v small section a for my 3 yr old she she can ride with her sister and also as companion for 12.2. Has anyone got thoughts on this idea and also whether I would then be opening a can of worms if only one of them is being ridden and other one left in field/stable or when 12.2 goes off for events and comps without the shetland will they pine for each other ? Has anyone done sharing and had problems ?

Thanks for any advice its greatfully received x

 

[Bethie]

I've got 2 that share, its actually a 15.2 and an 11.2, and the little one is boss. It started as the 11.2 when I got him did not "do" stables and used to panic, lap the stable at high speed and then jump out. With the other one in with him he was calm enough to stay put. Over time he's got much better to the point that he can now be in the stable block by himself for a short while, and is totally fine if there is someone else in the block, but they have continued to share as it suits me and them. I can only do it with that pairing though as the dynamics between my others don't work in an enclosed space with no exit, even though they are all very close in the field. Since the 11.2 got over his fears I can take either one away and work them/do stuff with them individually with no issue. I've known ponies share quite successfully at quite a few riding schools over the years too.