Dilemma about whether to get a pony or not

[Fireinthegrate]

I have a dilemma- I want a pony, but don't want to look after it all the time! Don't get me wrong, I loved looking after the ponies and horses we used to have, but it was shared latterly with my daughter (now at Uni).
I work part time and historically my wages paid for ponies and horses for myself and my daughter. As she got older, we shared the care rather than me supervising and helping her. We had one or two horses at any one time at livery which was next door to our house. The livery at the time was DIY but we could pay a little extra for holiday cover, or odd days here and there if needed.
So daughter went to Uni and we currently don't have any horses, but I really miss it. Daughter finishes Uni this summer and so my wages will be freed up once again for a pony. I just want to hack around the lanes and bridlepaths, not full on as we used to be.
BUT I don't want to do all the care myself. I just don't want that commitment.
Also, the livery next door closed down and now she only has her own horses and 2 other people who are her friends. I'm sure I could keep a pony there but it would be fully DIY.
I don't know what to do. I fully realise what a huge commitment having horses is, we've been there before.
Essentially I guess I just want a pony for 3/4 days a week. But I don't know anyone who might like to share with me like that.
It's not a given that daughter will live at home after Uni as she could move anywhere in order to secure a good job.

[5OBalesofHay]

Could you find (and afford) full livery? If so you could do as much or as little as you want

[CaroleService]

Friends growing up kept their pony at the local riding stable. He was a bombproof old thing, and paid for his keep as a lesson pony. So they got less time with him, but he was affordable.

[Fireinthegrate]

CaroleService - it's not money I'm short of, it's time and inclination!

50Bales , there is a livery place in another village I could look at, as they do various packages of livery I think. It was just so handy before having them at the farm next door.

[Ilovecaindingle]

Local horse mad teenager or two?

[Wolfiefan]

A local riding school has a scheme where you can pay to share the horse.
Horse share with an owner.
Working livery?

[Fireinthegrate]

Anyone know of any websites where people might advertise for a sharer?
I might put a card in the local feed store.

[user1480179933]

Feed store would be a good place but facebook groups are probably the best way, if you're not familiar with facebook there are loads of equestrian 'groups' on facebook where people advertise things for sale/wanted/horses to loan etc. some are specific to your area and some are national. I found my share pony this way and from my experience (although probably depends where you live) you'll have people queuing up to share your horse as long as it's a safe and sane one and you're not asking a ridiculous amount of money

[user1480179933]

Oh forgot to add - websites preloved, Friday ad, horses4homes, equinesharers are also good places to advertise a horse for share!

[Pixel]

A sharer does seem the obvious solution, I'm just not sure if you could really advertise for one before you've got the pony. People would want to know what they were taking on before making a commitment.
I think Wolfiefan's suggestion of you sharing someone else's pony would be a good idea if you can find anything locally. There must be plenty of people who would like theirs to get a bit more exercise during term-time for example.

[Fireinthegrate]

Pixel
Yes, I think you're right, maybe I should try to share someone else's pony instead of getting one of my own.

[Laughsandgiggles]

There always seems to be lots of adverts on Facebook sale pages looking for sharers. It's something I might consider over the summer - advertising one of mine for share - and someone like yourself looking for a few days a week to hack and pamper would be exactly what I'm looking for. I'm sure there will be plenty of other people looking for the same.

[Fireinthegrate]

Laughsand giggles - where are you based? Would be handy if you were in my area then! I am in Lincs.

[Laughsandgiggles]

Fire - would be a bit of a drive....I'm SW Scotland. Shame.

[MysticTwat]

I agree Facebook local equestrian groups would be the first step, people advertise them self's as shares (usually with refs and experience) aswell people advertising as self employed grooms/stable hands.

[CupOfTeaAndAbiscuitPlease]

Facebook has loads of equine sites

[flashheartscanoe]

Sharing is the answer! My daughter found a sharer by advertising on a Facebook group. This was shared by the horse community. Our sharer pays £20 per week and can ride weekdays as much as she likes.

[flashheartscanoe]

Also, you could even advertise yourself as a sharer. Experienced adults are very much in demand as most sharers are kids and teens.

[Moanranger]

Hi, try the County FB page - most have one-I am on West Sussex Riders Group & if there are Riding Clubs in your area, try their FB pages. You will definitely find something that way

[TortieandWhite]

@Fireinthegrate

Whereabouts in Lincs?
I am in a similar situation with DC going to uni later this year and am considering getting another horse (haven't ridden for 20+ years, so will have lessons first to see if I still love it!)

[Fireinthegrate]

Hi Tortie.
I'm on the border of Lincs and Notts near Newark. Whereabout are you?

[TortieandWhite]

Hello, I'm near Boston.