Someone please tell me this is a bad idea ?

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BBH

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Was reading today about a horse charity and as we know they are overwhelmed with the likelihood of things getting worse. I had this mad notion of offering a home to one. A little miniature as a lawn mower / pet .

I decided I'd had enough of horses a couple of years ago and have been glad of the break . But My little Sec A is out on loan and I am missing him.

I have plenty of land and stables so accommodation isn't a problem and if my loan boy came home it doesn't matter.

I know people criticise these perceived ' poor quality ' animals but they are here now and it would just be about the sentiment of at least offering one a new beginning.

Is this a bad idea. ?
I'm just not sure I'm liking the idea because from the comfort and warmth of the sofa you forget the harsh winter.
 
He'd need a friend though! The charities generally don't rehome unless it's going to be kept with another horse.


To be honest, with two little nativey types living out 24/7, you probably wouldn't have to actually do that much over winter? But then I'm a pony addict so you probably shouldn't listen to me! (can I come and live with you and put your land and stables to use? ;) )
 
The only bad part of that idea is the one of being a lawn mower. I have a mini that gets worked 1hr x 4 times per week, he's on a starvation track with my lami's and he still has a grazing muzzle on. He is still grossly overweight. I'm looking at having to further up his workload to shift the weight. Don't underestimate how fat they get on a tiny amount of grass.

That said I'm enjoying long reining him, lunging him and jumping in hand. But I don't agree with any equines being kept on their own, so if you get one you should really get 2
 
It's not a bad idea - there are far too many unwanted horses out there - as you have said you have land & stables available - you could have a couple :) - have a think about it for a week or two & if you still feel the same contact a rescue centre - one of ours is a rescue it took time to build up the trust & he had a few issues but he's a totally different horse 2 years down the line & I don't regret it x
 
I should have said there are about 15 ponies/ horses here owned by others so he wouldn't be on his own.

The management of weight for a mini is prob the one concern I have.
 
Ha Ha, a new pony, how exciting! I had a Shetland from a charity, Rolo was great, a FAB lawnmower, had nothing expected from him but still we long reined and lightly backed him just for fun, and fun it was.
I guess a winter in front of the fire has its attractions, but I always remember a quote from a friend from America, spoken as we scooped poop. With her horse she reckoned she did not need a gym membership, and her horse acted as her shrink too.
I hope your little adoptee is happy alone or it may be a case of "then there were two", or even three if your section A later comes home!
Good luck.
 
BBH said:
I know people criticise these perceived ' poor quality ' animals but they are here now and it would just be about the sentiment of at least offering one a new beginning.
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If you simply want a companion/pet, surely the 'quality' is not that important? Obviously if the animal has defects that need management/medication, you'll need to be happy to provide, but you're not going to be breeding from it and therefore won't be adding to the stock of poor quality animals. As you rightly say, they're here now, and if you can offer one a home, and it will give you some pleasure in return, then all's a winner, I would say.

We have a rescue cat. She is certainly not a 'quality' animal - and she was spectacularly overweight when we took her, with a food fetish and tendency to weight gain that means she needs her (now normal) weight managed for the rest of her life. An accident has left her with only one eye. But the pedigree/quality doesn't matter, because we just wanted a little furry friend, not a show animal, or to breed - and that she does extremely well!
 
Fubsy I have no issue at all re the poor quality thing as I'm not bothered, pony won't be in show ring . I only mentioned it because some people have an issue with them because they think rescuing / helping them encouraged breeders to keep churning them out.
 
BBH said:
Fubsy I have no issue at all re the poor quality thing as I'm not bothered, pony won't be in show ring . I only mentioned it because some people have an issue with them because they think rescuing / helping them encouraged breeders to keep churning them out.
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Ah, I see what you mean. I would personally see rescuing some poor unwanted creature as rather different from getting one 'at source' as it were, which yes, I can see might encourage their production. I think a little rescue mini is a fabulous idea of course (especially if there will be pics!):-D
 
It's a great idea! I fostered a young gypsy pony cob last year as weaning companion for my homebred filly, she's gone back to the rescue charity after 15 months with me to find a forever home (it was only ever a temporary arrangement). I loved having her! Her conformation was 'interesting', think 14.2hh body on 12hh legs, but she was a lovely fun feisty girl! I think she'll make a great driving pony for someone. Nearly considered taking up driving myself so I could keep her......

There are lots of ponies in the rescue centres who would love just the sort of home you can offer. It's tricky to rehome the ones who can't be ridden. Have you had a look at some of the rescue websites to see what's looking for a home at the mo? Go for it!
 
Thanks everyone.

I haven't looked at any rescue yet as it was / is only an idea from earlier today having read the paper . I Deffo don't want to collect ponies as
I've learnt my lesson. I started off with one rescue dog and now have three lol.
 
I took two yearlings from the Blue cross last year, for a similar reason as you suggest. Empty field and stables and I missed seeing and having ponies around after children left home!

I have no regrets, the ponies happily live out coming into stable for handling and checking each day, as a short term adoption they will return to rehoming centre for training when they are old enough and I know they will only ever go to approved homes.

They are like many abandoned young cobs, but their lovely affectionate natures will make them lovely family ponies in the years ahead.

Any of the rehoming charities are worth approaching, and it is worthwhile.
 
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