tricky pony

[itsme123]

We're thinking about buying a new house (which hasnt been built yet... so would be AGES away). My first thought is for our elderly pony, who really is a miserable little git at times

.

ATM I keep him about a minute's walk away, where we have our own stable and field and I can get to him twice / three times a day. He's happy there, has his own field, company if he needs it (though he prefers to be alone), and obv. is nearby for the kids to ride daily.

Recently he's spent time at a friend's yard on 'holiday' out with her ponies. I've learnt that he doesnt really appreciate others, and gets quite agressive at feed times, and really does think he's king of the field, to the pojnt of fighting with others and has, in the past, double barrelled two people (myself and a groom) in the field.

This worries me. At home he's fine, because I know how to handle him, to never get behind him when he's loose etc... but if we moved I'd have to put him on livery.

It's been years since I've been on livery, and I've never had this worry before. There are only one or two livery yards nearby, and I'm worried he may hurt someone, or another horse (listen, he's only 10hh but he kicks like a good-un and hangs off other pony's necks...

)

How would the average yard cope with this? I don't expect any of the yards will have individual turnout...

IF i can't find anywhere for him then we won't move, simple. I refuse to sell or loan him because he's my daughter's first love (and mine

) and because of his age and 'difficult moments'.

He's not a beastly pony, he really adores children, and is fabulous with my two, he just likes to be left alone when he's in the field... and will react accordingly if he feels threatened in any way (ie another pony or human approaching him).

so any YOs or people who have experienced this, thoughts please...

thanks

 

[Smash]

Never mind the horse, buying a new build in the current housing market? It's downhill all the way!

Any pressing reason to move?

 

[itsme123]

It depends how long you want to sit on the new build, or if you want it as your 'forever' home.

curent house isnt worth spending the tens of thousands it needs spending on it so want to make a run for it whilst we have the chance.

 

[Smash]

Ah. How old is elderly pony?

 

[PeanutButterDragon]

From your posts and pics - that lovely pony and your adorable little girl certainly seem to get on amazingly well

All I can think of is - could you perhaps hire grazing local to your new build rather than stable him at a yard? Would be more work but you'd have individual turnout then at least? Hope it all works out for you

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Don't assume no livery yard will provide individual turnout. The DIY I'm at separates some fields with tape for those who need it.............................One Dun pony is on his own because when he was in the geldings field he would attack any owner trying to get their horse in. You just need to be completely straight with the yard owner. Start making enquires sooner rather than later in case they have a waiting list (in my experience the good yard normally do).

ETA alternately turn your garden to lawn, your garage/shed into a stable and keep him at home!!!!