What breed/type is best as a companion?

cblover

cblover

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Hi everyone, hubby has decided to sell Scrappy (our Clyde filly) and we have someone interested who may take her as soon as next week.

I'll be left with Lulu, which is fantastic, but I'd never keep her alone so I will need a low maintenance, hardy and good to be around little companion for her.

Can you suggest a type/breed that would best fit the bill? Cheers.
 
Shetlands and Welsh A/B both make good companions as long as you can manage with the possibility of restricted grazing. Both have lots of personality and can hold their own...that said, there are loads of small crossbreed and cob types in the various charities; I imagine they would bite your hand off if you mention the magic words "non-ridden"...
 
I'd choose a nice section B very straightforward pleasant little ponies with (usually) a nice even temper and less prone to packing on the weight, cheap to buy and less numerous than other small ponies so slightly easier to sell if needs must or exercise by a light adult if you choose to keep in to the future
 
I think it's important to get a companion that is a vaguely similar size. It's nice for them to have a proper groom together and I just don't see how it's achievable if the companion for your 16hh horse is a mini Shetland.
 
Something that has similar management requirements and is happy to be on their own for short periods. Speak to blue cross, they might have something
 
Something skinny! Don't get a good-doer as they will more than likely end up laminitic. Comes from experience. How about a retired racehorse? This would be my choice if I were ever to need a companion again.
 
My list when I needed a companion for my cob was:

- Big enough to groom together with my cob and have similar requirements for fencing (got an 11.2 for my 14.3)
- Similar grazing requirements (which in my case is good doer)
- No known history of laminitis or sweet itch
- Good to be left alone, not clingy at all - this was my KEY requirement

I got mine from a rescue, no clue what breed / type he is. He is low maintenance and hardy, very self-sufficient and takes good care of himself.
 
Ex racers are great as companions and I've sadly just lost one...however if you're unlucky the vet's bills can be horrendous. For example, the one I just mentioned ran through a fence, developed LV, had mud fever every winter even on decent turnout, and was finally pts after developing a pedal bone abscess. Total vet's bills in the last 3 years I estimate at around 4K, which is far more than I've spent on any other horse, even a ridden one! When he arrived, I said the first big bill would be a call to the knackerman, but you get soft...
 
I'd choose something whose needs are very similar to Lulu's. There's no point having a companion who has to be stabled all summer due to lami risk if Lulu will be out 24/7 (or vice versa given she's part Sec D). There are lots of rescues who find it hard to rehome larger companions so I'm sure you wouldn't struggle.
 
Agree with matching the horses needs. Plus one that is OK to be left for a bit (3 of mine call but are OK alone, one of mine flips even with 1 left for company'- wants the whole group- fine when on her one being worked though!)

Loads of charities have larger companions

My friend has a mini-Shetland and 2 sec As and they are fat even in the winter and need restricted grazing/ no good as companions for horses on grazing.

My new forests are quite handy- good doers bad hardy- but (touch wood) not laminitic living out.
 
WelshD said:
I'd choose a nice section B very straightforward pleasant little ponies with (usually) a nice even temper and less prone to packing on the weight, cheap to buy and less numerous than other small ponies so slightly easier to sell if needs must or exercise by a light adult if you choose to keep in to the future
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Agree. My little mare was a B and she was the easiest, sweetest pony to have around. Miss her very, very much.
 
dont worry about breed, contact WHW and tell them what you need and i am sure they will sort out a good match for you as they always have lots of horses/ponies wanting companion homes...
 
Its not breed or type you need but something with the same management requirements and is happy to stay on its own. My dartmoor is perfect as all mine need care on grass but you can leave him and he is quite happy given an extra strip of grass to chew on He would lay down his life for a meter square of grass sod everyone else
 
Dartmoor! Mine lives out all year round with no rugs just hay in winter, barefoot, not clingy at all although he can be a bit bargey if not done much for a couple of days.
 
Yes it's my hubby's Clyde filly. She's back to full health now and I think it was probably he plan all along to part with her....to a good home of course. My health is poor and he's has many other commitments. It's been a pleasure to have her tho. I'll be left with my beautiful lulu but I'd never keep her alone so I'll need a suitable mate for her.
 
cblover said:
Yes it's my hubby's Clyde filly. She's back to full health now and I think it was probably he plan all along to part with her....to a good home of course. My health is poor and he's has many other commitments. It's been a pleasure to have her tho. I'll be left with my beautiful lulu but I'd never keep her alone so I'll need a suitable mate for her.
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I remember seeing photos of her recently and she looked amazing. Well done to you both :)
 
Depending where you are in the country some of the bigger horse welfare charities won't even entertain adoption/fostering.
Might be worth finding out, my preference was a companion from a rescue, in the end bought a lovely 7yr old so am riding again, every cloud.......
 
There are quite a few little project ponies available at www.hopepastures.org who would be happy to have attention and love the best thing is if it doesn't work out or you have a problem financially they are also under their ownership so in the event of an emergency they are be rehomed with them, many charities do not work like they do. Just depends whereabouts you are.
 
Don't dismiss local studs either - I know people who have had some youngsters to be socialised away from the herd.
 
Peter7917 said:
I think it's important to get a companion that is a vaguely similar size. It's nice for them to have a proper groom together and I just don't see how it's achievable if the companion for your 16hh horse is a mini Shetland.
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You would be surprised, my 32inch miniature loves my friend's 16.2hh warmblood and they groom each other. She nibbles his knees whilst he grooms her withers, they adore each other.
 
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