Really confused and could do with some advice

[mystiandsunny]

We have recently moved to a field of our own, so now the price is per field, not per pony as it was on livery. This move means I need all 4 as otherwise when you take out two, one is left on their own, not even within sight of another horse. However, one of them was meant to be sold for this winter, and I'm just not sure what to do. She maybe has someone to part loan her, but they're not sure if they will, and probably won't through the worst of the winter. I can easily find riders for her, but they wouldn't offer help towards her keep (and half the time don't have time to help with the chores either).

The plan was to sell her - but she has health issues - she headshakes (controllable with supp/nose net) due to hayfever type allergies, she doesn't tolerate a bit well due to mouth conformation (so PC/junior BSJA is out) and she's better off sugary feed. When I bought her she was unbacked, so none of that was apparent! She's lovely otherwise, v sweet, fantastic jump, but there seems no point in that when no one will want her! I want a nice home, pref long-term, but worry she won't get that. Should I just keep her and use her as a companion, roughing her off so she costs less? I worry I won't get enough for her to even replace her with a nice 2yo, and she is a good companion, gets on well with the others and anyone can ride her as she is. Would a loan work? Would anyone loan a pony in a field with no facilities? We have a lorry and can hack to local shows.

 

[La Fiaba]

If you don't have to sell her right away and you can get someone in to ride her and keep her ticking over, I would keep her until I found a suitable home for her. Whilst her 'problems' (although to be honest I've seen a lot worse than what you've described!) might make it more difficult to find her a home, it's certainly not impossible.

There are plenty of riders who have horses that don't compete. How is she out hacking? Dressage? (I believe nose nets are ok now, correct me if I'm wrong). Would she be ok in a riding school? (shock horror I know, but not all of use riding schools are bad you know!).

I don't know how old she is, but I would not like to relegate her to just 'companion' as if you ever got in a situation where you had to sell, it makes finding a home even more difficult I think.

Good luck whatever you decide in the end

 

[mystiandsunny]

If you don't have to sell her right away and you can get someone in to ride her and keep her ticking over, I would keep her until I found a suitable home for her. Whilst her 'problems' (although to be honest I've seen a lot worse than what you've described!) might make it more difficult to find her a home, it's certainly not impossible.

There are plenty of riders who have horses that don't compete. How is she out hacking? Dressage? (I believe nose nets are ok now, correct me if I'm wrong). Would she be ok in a riding school? (shock horror I know, but not all of use riding schools are bad you know!).

I don't know how old she is, but I would not like to relegate her to just 'companion' as if you ever got in a situation where you had to sell, it makes finding a home even more difficult I think.

Good luck whatever you decide in the end

Thanks, I've put up loan ads and will see if anyone's interested. If not, put her up for what I bought her for I guess (not much), and focus on finding a happy hacker/few shows type home.