Would anyone want my pony as a companion?

[Oldred]

I've got a 9 year old 14.3 mare that has sweet itch (wears a Boett) in summer and has to have fairly restricted, i.e. not unlimited lush, grazing as she's a good doer and has had one mild laminitis attack several years ago. She may be able to be lightly ridden (old suspensory damage) but I have retired her. Do you think she has too many problems for anyone to want her as a companion? Also, how to avoid her falling into the wrong hands and ending up being sold. I would consider helping towards her costs - does this work?

Any advice from people who have taken on companions much appreciated.

 

[hollyandivy123]

i loan my oldie out as a companion normally for young stock, he teaches them field manners and also keeps him moving. i see this as a 2 way benifit, i always provide winter feed/hay all the vet feet trim stuff etc, in return i expect him to be looked after hoof picked etc. this has always worked well but then again i have always found people threw word of mouth. not by advertising. i have even lent an electic fence like your mare he can be a bit itchy. by looking at this as a two way option you are prob going to see more people interested rather than expecting the loan home to foot all the bills especially during a credit crunch

 

[AmyMay]

Unless you can keep her yourself or loan her as a companion to a friend then your only option to ensure her wellbeing (IMO) is to have her pts.

You hear too many horror stories of horses going out on loan as companions and then disappearing. Only for the owner to discover it's fate was to be sold on as a riding animal.

 

[ladyt25]

I believe the 'horror stories' of ponies being sold on when on loan are completely out of proportion. I have loaned ponies and loaned out ponies with no trouble BUT I would agree the best way is through word of mouth, local ads (ie tack, feed shops etc).

I think saying to have a 9 yo horse PTS is rather harsh (IMO). What are the reasons you cannot keep her?

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
I believe the 'horror stories' of ponies being sold on when on loan are completely out of proportion. I have loaned ponies and loaned out ponies with no trouble BUT I would agree the best way is through word of mouth, local ads (ie tack, feed shops etc).

I think saying to have a 9 yo horse PTS is rather harsh (IMO). What are the reasons you cannot keep her?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, I think you're probably right and hopefully there are more success stories out there about loaning horses as companions than not. But I do maintain that if you can not gaurantee it's safety by loaning it to someone who can be trusted - and you can absolutely not keep it yourself then have it pts.

Obviously that is only my opinion. However, I would much rather see a dead animal than an abused one.