Pony - time to move on?

[jeeve]

I have to start thinking about the number of ponies we have - 7. My OH and I are splitting up. I have mine, we have a foal, that is rising 2.

My kids each have a pony, we have a spare pony, and and old horse -30 years old.

I am thinking that at some time the old chap will be put down, but will wait until that is necessary, the spare pony is only 18 yrs old, nicely bred Australian pony with papers, and I do not feel I can sell her on, as while she is a good sporting and jumping pony, (up to 90 cms without an issue - she is 13.2hh), she also can be headshy, nap, rear, and has competition nerves, (if the rider is nervous, she loses confidence fast, and falls apart.) But with a good confident rider, who is endlessly patient, she can be a lot of fun.

I can ask her old owner if she is interested in having her back on loan, but am worried she may sell her on, I could put her in foal but am worried about her age, I could just keep her but had to justify her not being ridden, I could advertise her and try and find a home that can deal with her issues.

 

[Honey08]

Could you advertise her for loan in general, not just to her previous owner? I definitely wouldn't be putting an 18yr old in foal.

 

[twiggy2]

it all depends on wether time and or money are going to become an issue when you seperate

 

[jeeve]

The old owner rang me a couple of years after I bought her and said she wished she had not sold her, which is why I thought of her, she looked after her well, and was used to her quirks, but who knows what she is doing now. I have her number and address, so should be able to trace her.

The cost of one pony is not excessive, it is doable for me, it is more the impact on the pastures, I have 7 horses on 12 acres, if I can get down to 5 horses, that is more realistic in managing the pasture. It is also more realistic number with respect to all doing something, as opposed to being ornaments.

My kids are mid to late teens, they may not ride as much as they have been, kind of aware that even 5 horses probably excess to requirements, but happy to wait until I know that for sure.