Where do you look for companions?

[spacefaer]

I'm thinking of putting our fabulous retired hunter out on loan as a companion - he's a brilliant field friend - I thought he might suit someone who has one horse needing company, 2 horses where one stresses when the other goes - or even a stud needing a friend for youngstock....

I'm nervous about the sort of people who might come and think they can do more with him - he seems like a sensible sort that you could just pop your novice husband on and take for a hack, but he has too much of a sense of humour for that! He looks really well and they might get ideas of taking him hunting......

Where do you look for companion homes, while weeding out the scary people?

He's on loan to us, but his owner has said if we return him, she'll have him pts as she has no room/use for him

 

[Ranyhyn]

Well the ownership issue aside, we have been looking for a companion through all sources, finally finding one in the shape of a section a yearling who was advertised on the pin board in our local feed shop

How big is this lad? How does he mix with horses? And where are you based?

In answer to your questions, I'd say you weed them out by looking for someone who doesn't need to ride the horse, just needs an amiable companion lawnmower for their riding horse.. like me

 

[peaceandquiet1]

In my experience quite a few people looking for companions are really looking for a free or cheap riding horse.......They all anounce that they would actually like to be able to ride it occasionally! Thats not a companion thats a light hack!

 

[Gilbey]

What does the owner think about you loaning him out again? If you have had your use of him and don't want him anymore it might be kinder to be PTS, rather than go to someone who will abuse him. There is rarely a happy ending to 'just a companion' wanted.

 

[spacefaer]

The owner is more than happy for us to find him a home - she's just being practical that she can't have him back (no space, no extra money) We've had him in retirement ourselves and will continue to keep him, but we don't need a companion. I just thought he might have an actual use for someone else

He's Irish draught, 16.3, lives out, stays by himself quite peacefully if left while others hack or are stabled - unbelievably easy going. He's perfect with other horses - never kicks or bites and doesn't get kicked or bitten - he's good at settling into a hierarchy.

The only reason I say no riding is that he can be very naughty about getting on if he's not ridden regularly and the sort of person who wants a light hack is not going to ride him often enough! He's very sound and well, but is not up to hunting anymore and he doesn't do anything else like schooling (really doesn't see the point!)

Local tack shop here I come!