Where to look for rescue companion?

[Muddy unicorn]

We are (touch wood) moving next month to a place with our own land which means my gelding can come and live at home. We will need a companion for him and I was thinking of getting a rescue but there don’t seem to be many around. He’s a 13 year old IDxTB (much more ID-like than TB) - just under 16hh, very good social skills (usually is either top horse in a herd or part of the ‘cool gang’). He seems to get on best with horses that are a similar age and type so I was hoping to get a horse rather than a pony but I’ve drawn a blank so far. I’ve looked at WHW, RSPCA, Bransby and HAPPA - any other places to try? Eventually we will get another ridden horse but at the moment I’m just looking for a companion but I’d rather not be worrying about laminitis so would be wary of a small native/cob type

 

[JBM]

You could loan a horse? See horses up for loan sometimes who are retired?
for rescues you looking for in the uk?

 

[ponynutz]

That's odd all I ever seem to see on the rescue sites are 'companion only' types.

 

[Lintel]

I know you've said you tried WHW but I can highly recommend them if you do find something from them. I'm on my second companion and they have been fabulous!

 

[blitznbobs]

Blue cross have quite a few at the moment

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Blue Cross have companion horses looking for homes.

 

[JoannaC]

Blue Cross usually have a few

 

[ponynutz]

Suitable ones I've found from everything you've said (obviously I don't know whereabouts you are)

WHW

https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehome/profile/1075 (16.2hh gelding)

https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehome/profile/887 (16hh gelding)

https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehome/profile/1660 (16hh gelding. This one can't be out with mares - not sure if that's something you're looking at for next ridden horse)

https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehome/profile/1764 (16.2hh gelding)

HAPPA

https://www.happa.org.uk/rehoming-equine/companion-happa-laurie/ (16.2hh gelding)

BLUE CROSS

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet/dutch-3141327 (16hh)

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet/dirk-3137233 (15.3hh)

 

[daffy44]

Redwings, I've had couple of lovely rescue ponies from Redwings who have been brilliant companion ponies.

 

[Becc]

It’s worth speaking to Bransby Horses as they may not have all their companions advertised on their website. I can definitely recommend them as I’ve rehomed one of their ridden horses.

 

[Muddy unicorn]

Thanks everyone - there are a couple at Blue Cross that look promising so I’ll give them a call and Bransby too. Sadly we’re out of Redwings’ rehoming catchment area. We will need a horse that can be left alone for short periods (brought in if that’s easier) which I realise reduces the potential pool and at times my non-horsey husband will need to look after them for a day so we’ll need one that’s got a relatively straightforward personality and is easy to handle.

 

[ponynutz]

Thanks everyone - there are a couple at Blue Cross that look promising so I’ll give them a call and Bransby too. Sadly we’re out of Redwings’ rehoming catchment area. We will need a horse that can be left alone for short periods (brought in if that’s easier) which I realise reduces the potential pool and at times my non-horsey husband will need to look after them for a day so we’ll need one that’s got a relatively straightforward personality and is easy to handle.

Do introduce us if you find something! And good luck with the move

 

[Pippity]

Suitable ones I've found from everything you've said (obviously I don't know whereabouts you are)

WHW

https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehome/profile/1075 (16.2hh gelding)

https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehome/profile/887 (16hh gelding)

https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehome/profile/1660 (16hh gelding. This one can't be out with mares - not sure if that's something you're looking at for next ridden horse)

https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/rehome/profile/1764 (16.2hh gelding)

HAPPA

https://www.happa.org.uk/rehoming-equine/companion-happa-laurie/ (16.2hh gelding)

BLUE CROSS

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet/dutch-3141327 (16hh)

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet/dirk-3137233 (15.3hh)

The first two can't be left alone; the third can only be left for short periods; the fourth can't be left alone; the sixth needs a horse in sight at all times; the seventh needs company at all times.

None of them are especially suitable as companions.

 

[JBM]

I find a lot of horses aren’t great at being left alone in a field but are okie stabled
They feel more secure I think

 

[Bobthecob15]

This place is near us and has a very good reputation locally https://hoptonrehabhoming.org/

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Check out polo pony rehoming too, there is a Facebook page.

 

[kathantoinette]

I tried with a couple of the rescues but they didn’t want the companion left on it’s own when I went off riding or out competing. There are no other horses in sight here.
I put an advert on FB for a small companion pony and took on the most gorgeous Welsh pony that someone had abandoned at the livery yard. She’s the best companion and we all love her very much.

 

[meleeka]

Are there any smaller rescues near you OP? They often have an unofficial network so may know of something.

 

[Backtoblack]

Hopton Rehab and Homing, Google them they also have a FB page, they have several companions looking for homes at the moment,all sizes and types.

 

[Meredith]

Hopton Rehoming near Ludlow.
https://hoptonrehabhoming.org/

 

[Trouper]

Definitely recommend Hopton. They are just about to move premises to Abberley, Worcestershire so might be facing a busy weekend but certainly worth a look.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Mine came from the Blue Cross at Burford. He wasn’t on the website, I just called in and asked so may be worth calling round rather than just relying on website info

 

[Pinkvboots]

I tried with a couple of the rescues but they didn’t want the companion left on it’s own when I went off riding or out competing. There are no other horses in sight here.
I put an advert on FB for a small companion pony and took on the most gorgeous Welsh pony that someone had abandoned at the livery yard. She’s the best companion and we all love her very much.

I can't believe some rescues have this rule how do they ever expect to rehome them most horses are fine left for short periods especially if they are stabled.

 

[Red-1]

I just bought mine, found him on Preloved. Yes he did have some health issues, but he is a 15hh super horse, who can be left and who can do some ridden work. He was very cheap due to the issues and his age. His previous owners were devastated that they could no longer provide for him themselves and we are still in touch.

Bizarrely, many rescues won't take on unsound horses from private owners, so many people would have PTS (although not his previous owners).

I preferred to buy as I don't like other people interfering!

 

[Bobthecob15]

I can't believe some rescues have this rule how do they ever expect to rehome them most horses are fine left for short periods especially if they are stabled.

I thought this after looking at these links above!

 

[Fruitcake]

It’s probably worth giving the rescue centres a call as they don’t always have all available horses on the websites. One of mine came from the RSPCA. When I went to view him, they had a selection of ponies to show me, most of which weren’t on the website.

There was no rule about him not being left alone and he’s completely fine if we take the others out without him. In fact, I found the whole process to be relatively straightforward. (I think they can probably tell whether people know what they’re doing). After six months, pony was signed over to me.

 

[Red-1]

Oooh, someone local has one for loan, I will message you details.

 

[Muddy unicorn]

Looking at some of the sites it’s hard to imagine they’d be inundated with rehoming offers as most of the horses seem to have very specific requirements…. And while I want to help by rehoming from a rescue, I will still need the horse to do a job (ie keep mine company). Thanks for the further suggestions - we’ll be in the northeast (County Durham) if people have any info about smaller local rescues

 

[Red-1]

Looking at some of the sites it’s hard to imagine they’d be inundated with rehoming offers as most of the horses seem to have very specific requirements…. And while I want to help by rehoming from a rescue, I will still need the horse to do a job (ie keep mine company). Thanks for the further suggestions - we’ll be in the northeast (County Durham) if people have any info about smaller local rescues

If the one I messaged about doesn't work out, a friends has one she is fostering for Hope Pastures as well as one she has adopted. She has been happy with their communication. I think it is in Leeds.

 

[maya2008]

In the under £1000 group on Facebook, people have started to offload unridden horses in advance of winter. It is always a good place to pick up a small pony though.