MizElz
Well-Known Member
Our neighbours own a little pony who they say cannot, under any circumstances, be left on his own in the field. So, they asked us if we could 'babysit' him whenever they ride out/go jumping/PC/lesson without him, i.e. take my girlie down to them (about 1/2 mile away, down a hill) and turn her out with him. I said no way - she is not good turned out in company, (and pony is prone to kicking) and I wouldnt leave her down there anyway as it is completely out of sight. So then they asked if he could come up to us - but warned that he may go galloping round the field as it was a new place. As we rent our land (and it is very much in sight of farmer) churning it up does not seem like a good option, and again, I don't want her turned out with him anyway. So we offered for him to stay in our girlie's stable whilst she's in the field, but they said no, pony is claustrophobic and wont stay in a stable, and would kick his way out. The only option is for us to keep her in the stable, rather than turn out, and have him in the yard, but I dont want my horse's schedule dictated by someone else's pony! Also, we have to ensure she gets turned out as often as possible because she has some kind of dust allergy, and needs to get out as much as she can. The thing is, these people have been very generous to us in the past - let us use their trailer, offered us use of one of their horses etc, so it seems nasty to say no. But I'm only thinking of my horse's welfare!
