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Post by Ziggy on Jan 30, 2009 12:52:01 GMT
We have just got a stunning lead rein pony. we love him! hope to be out later in the year. He is in a field at present on his own, keeps calling for his friends. I ',m sure he will settle down. will get loads of love from us.
???what is everyones view on ponies being on thier own? Have been looking for another with no luck and my husband is not keen anyway.
Will he be ok?
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Post by morwenstowstud on Jan 30, 2009 13:32:19 GMT
Some horses don't mind living on their own, but most won't appreciate it much, especially if they are used to living as part of a herd. Horses are herd animals afterall. Imagine being locked in a house on your own for the rest of your days. Not a nice thought. Would it be possible to advertise for someone to share your field so your pony has company? Or even get a goat or similar to keep your pony company.
Under the animal welfare act it could be considered bad practice to keep a horse alone as it would not be allowed to express natural behaviour, ie a herd environment. I'm sure I remember someone on a forum saying they had been reported for keeping a horse alone, though in this case it was a stallion who could not be kept with another horse.
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Post by nikki on Jan 30, 2009 21:33:14 GMT
I think that by calling for his friends he is giving you the very distinct message - he wants company. If he was a loner he would not be bothered by being on his own. Yes he might settle down and stop calling as often but that doesn't mean he will stop wanting a companion. Why not try a rescue 'pony' as a companion? Quite often they can no longer be ridden and the rescue homes are looking for homes where they can go off just to be a good companion.
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Post by ponymum on Jan 31, 2009 9:47:22 GMT
As already said, ponies are herd animals, they do not want solitude. We rent a field and in this field was a lonely old horse, we think from what locals tell us that he is about 31/32  , he is the sweetest , most gentle big horse you could meet, and i am sure he has improved since we have been there as we always leave 1 pony in with him to keep him company, when we moved on he had no life in his eyes, now he calls to us, always comes for a cuddle and a scratch - and food of course, but his mobility has improved and he will never be alone again...he is part of our family now..So if your pony is neighing - give him a pal xx |
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Post by bowditchblobs on Jan 31, 2009 20:24:30 GMT
Get a shetland [sorry i know iv said this before!] i bought one last year for £80!!! And they cost nothing to keep apart from feet and jabs!!!
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Post by sallymean on Feb 2, 2009 11:31:09 GMT
yes its a good idea to get a companion, but what happens when you want to take first pony to a show, let alone championships, so make sure you get one perhaps that dosn't mind staying on his own! just a thought to complicate things further! sorry
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Post by nikki on Feb 2, 2009 12:45:02 GMT
yes its a good idea to get a companion, but what happens when you want to take first pony to a show, let alone championships, so make sure you get one perhaps that dosn't mind staying on his own! just a thought to complicate things further! sorry Very good point sallymean. Yes, perhaps Nursey needs to get two companions, not one! |
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Post by Ziggy on Feb 2, 2009 14:55:24 GMT
Yes all very good points, thanks folks! He does seem unsettled. Looking at little pony this weekend to keep him company. Won't be able to afford two though, so they'll have to go to shows together!
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Post by overatdaknee on Feb 2, 2009 15:02:08 GMT
Nursey, let me know if you need to borrow something- have a sane youngster!
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, he is the sweetest , most gentle big horse you could meet, and i am sure he has improved since we have been there as we always leave 1 pony in with him to keep him company, when we moved on he had no life in his eyes, now he calls to us, always comes for a cuddle and a scratch - and food of course, but his mobility has improved and he will never be alone again...he is part of our family now..So if your pony is neighing - give him a pal xx 
