Re homing from The Blue Cross

I got a companion pony from Blue Cross a few months ago, got a 4 yr old who needed to be left to grow a bit before backing, so I've just got her for 12 months on a short term arrangement. With the short term loan they provide wormers and refund vet fee for 1 call out to do jabs/check teeth. Support is great, they come and check yard/field initially, then I had a visit once she'd been with me for a few weeks. Can get in touch if I need anything/have any issues (not had any problems tho). Pony I've got was a rescue case and she was initially wary of people but seeing her progress is fab...follows me round the field now and whilst cheeky (and bit of a Houdini) is a pleasure to have. Giving her back may be a challenge!
 
Not Blue Cross but Bransby Horses (they rehome nationally) I;ve had my 14 hh companion for almost 5 years now, initial home check (simpler than the home check we had for battersy when we rehomed a dog) and they come every 6 months or so to check on him, I've not had any problems but they always offer help if I needed it.

Top tip on companions is to find one with similar nutritional needs to your current horse - little live on fresh air ponies sound like a good idea but can be a nightmare to keep weight off in spring/ summer so need very different management to a ridden horse which can be a pain.

http://www.bransbyhorses.co.uk/re-homing/re-homing-companions.html
 
Yes, I had a retired racehorse from them who couldn't be ridden as a companion to my youngster about 18 years ago. He was a lovely boy and I found the Blue Cross very professional. It was the one in Northiam East Sussex which unfortunately doesn't keep horses any more.
 
I have a companion mare from World Horse Welfare, who we've had for nearly 10 years. She has just turned 29, and I love her to bits. She's a grumpy old bat but that's the way we like her!
They came and did a yard check before we got her; my yard is nothing luxurious but they were more than happy. The Loans Officer comes unannounced every 6 months. I was a little worried when they phoned me the day after the visit last time, but the officer just wanted to tell me that they were really pleased with how the horse was looking, especially given her age. Cue, teary eyes from me!
I would second Polo's Mum's advice on choosing one who has similar nutritional needs to your existing horses. I needed one who could live out in the summer and didn't need restricted grazing.
 
Thanks, I'm looking to take on a rescue companion and Blue Cross nearest to me. Just had the thumb cup from OH so will contact them as next step :-)
 
Supertrooper said:
Thanks, I'm looking to take on a rescue companion and Blue Cross nearest to me. Just had the thumb cup from OH so will contact them as next step :-)
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Good luck and enjoy. I have two young cobs on short term loan from Blue cross at Rolleston and was very impressed with professional and knowledgeable approach. Great support given, and always available for advice etc. No hesitation in recommending a very positive experience.
 
We went for a visit, they have open afternoons during the week and weekends and make you welcome. There were people around to talk to. Or you can give them a ring and make an appointment to meet them at a time to suit you.

You complete an application form, they arrange a home visit to see your set up then it all happened smoothly.
 
I have a 5 year old mare on short term loan (she had been very poorly so needed somewhere to gain weight and mature before she is taken back and backed). The whole process is very professional and although i didnt get my choice of pony (to be fair i was very clear i just wanted something to help mow the grass and keep my older mare company when i went out on my riding mare) but the pony we did get is lovely and exactly as described (though she's never been cleaner than the day she arrived!). I would say though that what was a six month short term loan is already nearly 8 months, which is fine for us as she is absolutely no bother (and we are possibly looking at keeping her) but i would make sure you are clear what you want and/or are expecting.
 
I had a lovely pony from them years ago. I was inspected and my friend who was going to ride him had to pass a riding test to make sure she was good enough (he was a rather spirited retired show pony). They came periodically and without notice to check on him and sent me a report afterwards. I had him until the end of his life and go a thank you letter from the Blue Cross for giving him a lovely retirement. I loved him dearly despite the fact that he could escape from anywhere and taught my horse to go through an electric fence.
 
Make sure you are in their area...my friend rang up to offer a home for any youngstock ( even if just for winter as she has the room/fields) and was told there werent any in our area...she is in cheshire..right next to staffordshire..Majorly gobsmacked, wont believe them next time they are crying out for room due to too may rescue horses...
 
Micky said:
Make sure you are in their area...my friend rang up to offer a home for any youngstock ( even if just for winter as she has the room/fields) and was told there werent any in our area...she is in cheshire..right next to staffordshire..Majorly gobsmacked, wont believe them next time they are crying out for room due to too may rescue horses...
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This is not correct, there are Blue cross ponies rehomed in Cheshire, I am on edge of Cheshire and field officer often combines visitsto me with visits to Blue Cross adopted ponies in Cheshire.

It sounds as if there was some sort of problem or misunderstanding.
 
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