Small Companions .... Advise please

[tatty_v]

I have a 2 year old Shetland as a companion for my 15hh Connie. The Connie suffers from severe separation anxiety in a field (cannot be left alone even with companions over the fence) so although I was worried about a small youngster, I didn’t really have an option when his old companion died suddenly.

I think we’ve been incredibly lucky with our Shetland, he’s a fantastic companion, nothing fazes him, absolutely fine left alone in the field or stabled for short periods of time. He’s in charge despite his size!

I watch my connie’s weight so luckily the grazing set up we have seems to suit him. He does come in and stable overnight with the others, but he seems not to mind that at all (I often find him flat out snoozing!)

 

[Scotsbadboy]

I have a 2 year old Shetland as a companion for my 15hh Connie. The Connie suffers from severe separation anxiety in a field (cannot be left alone even with companions over the fence) so although I was worried about a small youngster, I didn’t really have an option when his old companion died suddenly.

I think we’ve been incredibly lucky with our Shetland, he’s a fantastic companion, nothing fazes him, absolutely fine left alone in the field or stabled for short periods of time. He’s in charge despite his size!

I watch my connie’s weight so luckily the grazing set up we have seems to suit him. He does come in and stable overnight with the others, but he seems not to mind that at all (I often find him flat out snoozing!)

Thanks Tatty_v they both look adorable. Chatting with people off the forum its eye opening to hear so many people who have a youngster happy and healthy living 'adult' horsey lives rather than being in baby groups. This boy is so laid back he is practically horizontal, i do get the impression he will fit in well, he is ever so chilled. Its just getting my head round the pro's and cons. Do you/ will you do anything with the Shetland? I rather like the idea of a bit of inhand showing and ridign and leading on hacks come summer, and creating a nice little driving pony in a couple of years to be honest Thank you for sharing.

 

[tatty_v]

Thanks Tatty_v they both look adorable. Chatting with people off the forum its eye opening to hear so many people who have a youngster happy and healthy living 'adult' horsey lives rather than being in baby groups. This boy is so laid back he is practically horizontal, i do get the impression he will fit in well, he is ever so chilled. Its just getting my head round the pro's and cons. Do you/ will you do anything with the Shetland? I rather like the idea of a bit of inhand showing and ridign and leading on hacks come summer, and creating a nice little driving pony in a couple of years to be honest Thank you for sharing.

Yes we are hoping to - have started some groundwork with him, plan is some in hand showing and maybe a riding pony for my toddler in due course depending on temperament, timing and size. Although I plan on having him for life, I want to make sure he gets a proper education and is a useful sort of person in case he does need to find a new home in the future.

He has totally surprised us in how well he has settled in and how at ease he is. I think he was well shown as a foal at foot across the country though so this is probably a nice relaxing life with plenty of stability and routine for him! We wouldn’t be without him now (and I say that as someone who never thought she’d be smitten by a Shetland ?)

 

[oldie48]

I had a succession of small ponies as companions after my old TB died and left Mr B on his own. Some were more successful than others and all of them were more work than Mr B. They were all retired or semi -retired but I think the 2 important things are the ability to have them on their own both in the field and stabled without them having a nervous breakdown and them having similar needs food wise (or be willing to stay behind a leccy fence). My horses have always have a companion but I know of several people who having kept a horse like yours without issue introduced a companion and first horse developed separation anxiety. You just never know how they will react. I would not have a yearling though.

 

[Quigleyandme]

A friend of a friend, so anecdotal but I would say my friend is unimpeachable, bought one of those life size tack shop mannequin horses to keep her horse company. Her horse is apparently very happy and settled with it and it doesn’t require the vet, farrier or physio and is a very good doer ?

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

A friend of a friend, so anecdotal but I would say my friend is unimpeachable, bought one of those life size tack shop mannequin horses to keep her horse company. Her horse is apparently very happy and settled with it and it doesn’t require the vet, farrier or physio and is a very good doer ?

I thought a lot about a nice big plastic (ie field safe) mirror. I'd kind of dismissed it and assumed I was being ridiculous, but now I'm starting to wonder again..... ?

 

[myheartinahoofbeat]

I have 3 16.3 hh horses and a 13.2hh companion, the companion is 3rd in the pecking order!