What gender companion pony to get & where to get it from?

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Gwena

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Our lovely loan Fell mare has been with us for nearly 3 months now & I think she needs a companion. She's in a paddock by herself but with neighbours. Out of a yard of 14, she is only 1 of 3 mares. She's very affectionate and seems to be seeking out physical touch which has made me think its possibly time for a companion. So what gender? Would another mare be good or should I leave her as dominant mare with her boyfriends surrounding her and a little gelding friend to play with?

I have been looking for at shetland ads but they're coming up as really expensive! I thought I could grab a companion for £100. The rescues don't seem to have anything either which I find amazing. I'm in the Nottingham area if you know of anything. Don't want it to be too big (have been oggling a gorgeous spotty filly but its £400 :eek: ).

Thanks for reading x
 
Hi, im currently looking for the same thing! There seems to be quite a few cheap welsh section As about so might be worth looking for one. Ive been looking on preloved and on sites on facebook
 
Try putting as on preloved, that's what I did and I had quite a few people contact me within my price range and I ended up with a Shetland on permanent loan who arrives at the weekend! You could also pick up a Shetland from a local sale/auction.

Good luck!
 
I did think about going to Derby Horse Auctions but I don't have any transport. I could arrange for a transporter but if I didn't buy anything then it would be a waste of money. Putting an advert up is a good idea though.
 
I wouldn't get an A or a shetland - too much lami management needed! That spotty mare sounds nice, a 13 - 14hh isn't going to need much feeding and should be cheap to run but not so difficult in spring/summer.
And I would get a mare, one mare and gelding together tend to get so bonded seperating them is a pain.
 
if she is out with other horses I wouldn't bother, you might end up getting something and it might pair up with another horse in the field, so would be a waste of money!
 
haha sorry, ignore me, i didn't read it properly! I'd get another mare if she was alone, don't want to worry about a gelding mounting her and having to separate them! I have 2 shetties, they are the best things since sliced bread! but if you get just one companion it might get upset when you take your mare out!
 
My friend has 2 ponies - 1 gelding and 1 mare and said its been a nightmare, trying to get a 3rd horse in the field with them due to the gelding's jealousy.
I got a mare companion for my mare and have had no issues. They've bonded well but I can take on or the other out, without the one left behind worrying.
I would always go for same gender.
 
Blue cross or RSPCA always have companions needing homes and as you only ever loan them if it goes pear shaped you give them back and don't need to worry. They usually have a large selection of horses and ponies to choose from,a native would be ideal I guess?
 
Faracat I have been looking at that spotty but its about 3HH bigger than I really wanted! may go and have a look anyway.

Some good suggestions as to why having a mare as a companion is a good idea. Thank you
 
but if you get just one companion it might get upset when you take your mare out!
Click to expand...

I have four and I still have that problem. *sigh* Twit-face loves the grey and leaving him with the two mares just isn't good enough apparently. :(

I selected the mare that I linked to because she's already been used as a companion (for one horse by the sound of it) for a year.

ETA.
G - just remember, quite often... the smaller they are, the naughtier they are. ;)
 
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I am having to be careful about Lami with the Fell mare already - so they would have similar needs. But I think that the one you put up realistically would be much easier to do. Def going to have a look at her. Could be a nice little project for my daughter too.....mmmm decisions decisions!
 
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