Price of a companion?

[Sir barnaby]

I have a friend with lots of horses and always short of grass so I have one of his while it’s resting or lame for awhile then swap over for another one when that goes back home currently have a horse in foal and when she goes home to foal he will bring me another it works brilliantly and have done that for the last 7 years. They have all been great to keep, and Barney never on his own

 

[catembi]

My reason for charging low hundreds is because I don’t think people value things/animals that they have got for free. It’s an amount that I hope would make them think about whether they really want to commit while at the same time not being cheeky. FWIW, the purchase price to me of those horses was £4k, £5.5k and £2.5k. Not that it’s relevant now that they are known to have PSSM, but I am NOT trying to make a profit.

 

[IrishMilo]

My reason for charging low hundreds is because I don’t think people value things/animals that they have got for free.

Why? Aside from the arses who sell on for profit, I think there's an argument to say that a lot of people would value them more, as they appreciate what a nice gesture/good deal they have.

 

[windand rain]

A companion should come with a bunce of £250 to go towards pts and removal not be charged for. I guess if you know the person well then you know their policies if you don't know them well it might be that you could be unlucky and the companion will be sold on. I am not sure where you are but about now some racing yards are clearing out the less able so for a few quid or free you might be offered one of these. I know our local small race stables sometimes gives away their less able youngsters

 

[milliepops]

Why? Aside from the arses who sell on for profit, I think there's an argument to say that a lot of people would value them more, as they appreciate what a nice gesture/good deal they have.

in fairness to catembi, i think it's easy to feel this way ^ when you are such a person (I have received multiple freebie horses over the years and treasured them all) but there are a LOT of chancers out there who would not necessarily do the same.

 

[Kaylum]

yes if you can get one from a charity thats great they will have had everything done to them. Vetting, dentist, mircochipped, strangles tested, farrier, body works, assessed. Save you a lot of money and you know what your dealing with. Just because a horse cannot be ridden doesnt mean it cannot have a life.

 

[Leandy]

Would you be happy to loan a companion? If so, I'd ask around everyone I knew and all local riding and pony clubs etc etc. Surely someone has an aging unrideable companion type knocking around they would be happy to loan?

 

[jessykai]

Would you be happy to loan a companion? If so, I'd ask around everyone I knew and all local riding and pony clubs etc etc. Surely someone has an aging unrideable companion type knocking around they would be happy to loan?

I will be loaning the one that the owner wants £900 for for now. But I would rather own, and I will aim to do that longer term but obviously not with this one unfortunately.

I want to own, so that ultimately I am the one responsible for any decisions and can pts when I feel necessary and not have to potentially wait for the okay from an owner ithey end up being the type to prolong life at any costs etc, whereas I am a week too early rather than a day too late type of person. I couldn’t watch a horse I feel is suffering and equally I couldn’t just send them back and have it playing on my mind.

 

[jessykai]

My reason for charging low hundreds is because I don’t think people value things/animals that they have got for free. It’s an amount that I hope would make them think about whether they really want to commit while at the same time not being cheeky. FWIW, the purchase price to me of those horses was £4k, £5.5k and £2.5k. Not that it’s relevant now that they are known to have PSSM, but I am NOT trying to make a profit.

I think I have seen your QH x tb advertised, he is gorgeous, but at £750 he is also above what I’d be expecting to pay for a companion, but I can understand your reasoning of not wanting to sell too cheaply and having them drugged up and sold on

 

[milliepops]

I will be loaning the one that the owner wants £900 for for now. But I would rather own, and I will aim to do that longer term but obviously not with this one unfortunately.

I want to own, so that ultimately I am the one responsible for any decisions and can pts when I feel necessary and not have to potentially wait for the okay from an owner ithey end up being the type to prolong life at any costs etc, whereas I am a week too early rather than a day too late type of person. I couldn’t watch a horse I feel is suffering and equally I couldn’t just send them back and have it playing on my mind.

I hope you find the right companion because you sound like a great "final" home for a retired horse.

 

[J&S]

I got my companion pony from a closing down riding school. I was offered a choice of her or two big rangey, elderly horses. I wanted just a pony and am very happy (at £200.00 purchase price) but either of the bigger elderly ones would have been just the ticket for you.
Perhaps you could find a RS or Treking centre that has horses ready to retire.

 

[jessykai]

Well, I’ve possibly dodged a bullet!
Horse was meant to be coming tomorrow but she has backed out this morning.

Back to the drawing board and looking again!

 

[maisie06]

I’m currently looking for a companion horse, I have been offered a lwvtb of a 15 year old retired with arthritis. But, the purchase price is much more than I would have expected. And I want to see if I’m just out of touch! I know horse prices have gone up, but I assumed that was just for rideable or ones with potential etc.

I am looking for a horse, preferably not a pony/too much of good doer as their biggest job will be eating my masses of grass so there’s less for my 2 fat ponies. They must be a pleasant non dominant horse that is easy enough to handle, and live out (can be rugged and given plenty of additional feed if needed). Will stay with me until the end and will be pts not passed on when it is time.

How much would you expect to pay for what I’m looking for?

You would probably be able to get one for free!! What about a retirered racehorse? not all are lunatics and some take very well to a life of companionship and grass mowing. I should imagine a charity would snap you hands off for offering a non ridden horse a home too - rehoming fees are £300 - £500 and if your circumstances chane you can hand the horse back

 

[blitznbobs]

I paid for a companion once — because i was desperate and needed one pretty much the same day. I bought a 3 yesrold sec a straight off the hills (hes still with us now and has never done a days work in his life (hes way too sharp to be a kids pony and way too tiny for an adult) But i wouldnt pay anything for a walking vets bill tbh …

 

[HaylStorm]

I have one that might be suitable. Feel free to message me.

 

[honetpot]

Well, I’ve possibly dodged a bullet!
Horse was meant to be coming tomorrow but she has backed out this morning.

Back to the drawing board and looking again!

Have you tried FB or the local feed shop. I have two out on loan at the moment, one as a companion, one as a ridden, just by FB and talking to people. I loan because I have plenty of room and they are usually older, and I know they come home when ever they are not needed, and I pay for any treatment needed, vaccinations etc.
What about the WRP, I have one from them and it's very rewarding watching them grow and change. Mine may be going out to a disabled adult.
https://www.facebook.com/wprrct

 

[Chiffy]

I am rather late to this thread, I don’t look on Tack Room every day but was attracted by the title. I didn’t know you had to pay for a companion in retirement! There must be so many people who would love their old horse to be in a caring home.
We have two out as companions at the moment. Not what you want as they are ponies. They are with people we know and can come back if circumstances change. We even pay for the Cushings medication for the older, smaller one!

 

[Hackback]

We have a retired horse who is on full livery. I'd never sell him but what you're offering sounds like free retirement livery. Maybe you just need to reword your advert!

 

[exracehorse]

Any good ?