WWYD...

Lintel

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Long story cut as short as possible.

Hipo and WHW Shetland, together at home for 3+ years, sole companions to each other, but not "clingy".

WHW Shetland nearing the end of his time due to arthritis, will have to be PTS sooner than I had hoped unless there is a miracle. :(

This will leave Hipo alone, he is not the needy type but has never been "alone" and I don't particularly feel comfortable with the thought of him losing his friend and having nobody.

I would like to rehome again but WHW have nothing suitable at present (ideally wanting ridden/potential gelding).
Ideally was wanting "now" to give settling in time for everyone before the time came to PTS.

Nothing suitable on the market or at least nothing that I would justify paying the money for at the minute(crazy!!)

WWYD?
I'm thinking about getting another WHW gelding of some sort, but wouldn't ultimately want to keep them here for life, I would want to "swap" should something more suitable come up from WHW?
I'm thinking would the Hipo be ok by himself for a bit ?.. but what if he wasn't?
I'm thinking about buying some sort of companion that is closer to me but I would be selling when something more suitable came up?
I'm thinking I am over thinking.
The little man has days where he is much better but yestarday wasn't a great day, I'll be chatting with the vet next week.
 

tiahatti

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Are there other horses in ajoining fields? If he has neighbours he could be ok. My Tia lost her soulmate in January. She lives alone with neighbours. I really didn't want her to be alone but she seems very chilled and her usual self whenever I see her.
 

Lintel

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Are there other horses in ajoining fields? If he has neighbours he could be ok. My Tia lost her soulmate in January. She lives alone with neighbours. I really didn't want her to be alone but she seems very chilled and her usual self whenever I see her.
Sorry I should have said we are at home, alone, we have neighbouring cows sometimes?
 

Pinkvboots

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I keep my 2 at home and personally I wouldn't keep one alone for too long, mine have had to be alone on a few occasions if a stay over at the vets is needed, and tbh they really are not settled at all so I wouldn't want to do it for an indefinite period, I have horses adjoining my fields but neither of mine are particularly bothered about the horses in there.

I had a mare with separation anxiety and I truly believe that it can trigger it if a horse is left to live alone at some time in there life.
 

Wishfilly

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Sorry to hear about your shetland.

I agree that a companion on loan could be a good option.

On the other hand, taking a horse from WHW (or perhaps another charity) on a temporary basis with a view to swapping later is fine, I think? You're still freeing up a space in a rescue and the horse may well benefit from being with you for a while? It's certainly an option worth exploring if the charity will allow it, I think.

I wouldn't want a horse without any equine company, personally- and it might take a while for you to find something suitable in the current climate.
 

HorseyTee

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Blue Cross?
I have my companion pony from them and after 18 months ownership was signed over to me. I can have him backed if I wish.
They have all sorts available, ridden/companion and different breeds although cobs are the most numerous.
I found dealing with them positive so would recommend.
 

Lintel

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Thank you all, hope you are doing well Teajack!

Im so uneasy with leaving him alone, it's going to be my ultimate last resort. I'm going to give WHW a phone tomorrow, they are already aware of the situation but I think I need to look for another unridden companion at least for the moment. Going to contact the SSPCA as well.. there is nothing on the website but I know they have stables in Edinburgh(abit closer to me than WHW) surely they aren't lying empty?

Thanks for the bluecross recommendation, I think though its going to be abit far for us nearly 5 hours away but I will keep it in mind!
 
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Must it be a gelding? Would a colt or a mare do in the short term?

There are plenty of studs that have empty mares or colts running on that they may not mind lending you for a while. Just a thought.
 

IngramsRoughDiamond

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How about one of the Dartmoor hill ponies? Have a look on the Friends of the Dartmoor hill pony Facebook page, Charlotte Faulkner is the lady with all the details on it all.
 

SO1

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Are there any riding schools or trekking centres that need to cut back on numbers for a few months due to less customers due to Coronavirus. They might be able to lend you something for a few months to tide you over.
 
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