As most of you know, I have a lovely mare named Charlotte, aka Charby. Now, horses are herd animals, but Charby has always been very independent. When the other horses were congregated in the upper field, she’d be down in the lower corner, grazing away. She is also the boss mare, if she wanted the horses with her, they darn well better be with her.
When my Mom moved, I figured that Charby would be fine by herself, as she had always been so independent. She was for quite a while, but she has slowly been getting more and more skittish. I have been considering a friend for her. I was thinking a mini horse or donkey, but had concerns on whether she might be too rough for something that size while impressing her dominance on it. This was also an abstract thought as I didn’t think I really had the funds to get anything anytime soon.
Yesterday however, I found a “free to a good home” pony.
Christopher Robin
Isn’t he cute?
The pros are that he’s male (mares like running geldings around, and geldings don’t seem to mind); he’s free; ponies don’t eat much; he’s large enough that she would consider him an actual equine being; he’s young so I can ride him more as Charby gets older.
The cons are an extra mouth to feed (for some time to come, as he is young); an addition to barn (fortunately small as he is a pony!); and another horse to exercise–I had some tough times exercising Charby last year.
So, I throw it to you guys: new pony for Charby or not?
PS if it helps, we are surrounded by all things Pooh. My husband still has his original Pooh from his crib, and does like to say “oh bother”! Our boat is named Pooh as well–it came that way 🙂 Sometimes things are just meant to be.
Personally, I wouldn’t get another pony if you wont be able to give it the exercise it needs. Maybe you should just spend more time with Charby? That way she gets used to being around you.. that should help with the fact that she seems skittish and distant. But then again, if you think she needs a companion and you feel like you can tackle the responsibility that comes with another pony, why not add another?
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hmmm, that helped!! lol Char and I have a great relationship, but she spooks where she never did before. She needs a friend as “backup” to let her know things are ok. She trusts me on the ground, but when I am on top of her apparently I can’t protect her. Horses! THe good thing is the pony is in a very limited space right now, he would be so excited to see the acres he gets to gambol over 🙂
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Ohhh horses! I would get the pony then, if you have the extra space and time, then I would do it if you think it’ll help! (:
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do you have horses? They are so fun, but just pesty sometimes 🙂
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I used to own two horses, but I ended up selling them because I just couldn’t give them the attention they deserved. I’m getting back into it though! I’m a groom at a barn right now.
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That is awesome! We have always had horses, and I am fortunate enough that my girl is living on my property. The most my mom every had was four, so I definitely know about multiple horses. More shoveling 😉
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What style do you ride? I rode hunter jumper for like 8 years and dressage for a little bit. I miss riding soo much! I’m just too out of shape to like ride..so I think I’m going to start with some walk/trot lessons to re-gain my confidence (i haven’t ridden in years and have anxiety) and get more in shape! It’ll be in a couple weeks, but I’m already excited! (:
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yea, someone who speaks my language! Most people do western. My mom was taught classical dressage and passed it on to me. My horse was actually a hunter, but I just jump for fun 🙂 Good luck, so much fun getting back on a horse
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I agree! Thanks for the luck! (:
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