Reputable equines charities can be an ideal place to find a new horse or pony as every effort will be made to ensure your new companion will suit you and vice versa. Also you will know that the pony will be in good health and any particular issues will be explained to you. As charities tend to prepare their residents for re-homing over a considerable period of time, it will be well known to them so you can discover quickly all the little quirky traits of your pony straight away.

 

So the preferred carrot or mint can be offered at home, too!As you would expect, equine charities that re-home have strict guidelines and requirements. The pony will also stay in their ownership as well to ensure its lifetime security, so you will be obliged to keep in touch with the charity and return it at either their request (normally in unusual circumstances such as the charity being unhappy with your horse husbandry) or you will be expected to return the pony if your circumstances change and you can no longer maintain proper care. For some, a rescue pony is a way of having a pony without the initial expenditure but for others it is also a chance to have the background presence of equine professionals who are always at the other end of the phone if you need advice or reassurance. You may also find that having a rescue pony from a large charity will open up new friendships!

Equines available are not always riding ponies – they could be companions, too. Some rescue ponies cannot be ridden due to problems resulting from mistreatment, their age or size but they are perfect to keep working horses company. Horses and ponies benefit from having horsey friends as they are herd animals, so giving a home to a companion pony helps everyone. It’s not unusual for large competition horses to enjoy the soothing effect of a pintsize companion who travels with them!

Once you have been approved and matched with your new best friend, you need to start to think about how to settle him in. Of course, you will get plenty of help and advice from your charity but here are a few thoughts from the Rescue team. Introduce your pony to its new paddock and stable or shelter by first ensuring there is plenty of water available and it is clean and tidy. Lead your pony into the paddock, make a good fuss of him, then quietly unclip the lead rein and gently retreat. Linger a while at safe distance. Your pony will either go bananas and leave you in a cloud of dust or put its head straight down to graze – either is fine so don’t panic.

Let your horse settle for a few days before riding but make sure you have plenty of chats and grooming sessions. This means you can bond with each other. You can also bond by walking up for a chat and pat as you wander past or you could sit in a safe spot and read. If your Photograph courtesy of HorseWorld pony ambles over for a look, you will know he is interested in you too!

When preparing the first night feed, don’t give your pony too much as he may still be a little stressed about the transition. Make sure you continue what the rescue centre has done and recommends so rug if needed, don’t if not. Try and transfer as much of the routine as you can. Don’t suddenly change diet as well as home and start trying on numerous rugs and tack that you have excitedly bought! Keep things normal and calm. Just think of how when we move house we often seek out our kettle and mugs from the boxes first and have a cup of tea whilst taking it all in...your pony is no different. He’s also nervous and excited; apprehensive and expectant.

Even though you will have ridden at the rescue centre, the first time you ride at home take it easy. Ride in a quiet paddock or along a quiet lane, with someone else about to look out for you. Remember lots of praise and don’t expect or do too much too soon.

Let your pony get to know your other horses as well, but look out for any prolonged squabbles. Lastly, everyone will want to meet your new pony and they will be as excited as you! Don’t let your pony be surrounded by lots of people five minutes after arriving. Try and stagger the new people so the pony can digest it all at a comfortable pace. Make sure younger friends are calm and certainly don’t offer everyone a ride. Take it easy and treat your new pony with the respect and love it deserves and you can ensure that your rescue pony’s story was a happy ending after all.

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