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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would you accept an invite to a pony care party?

83 replies

Playingcatch · 13/10/2018 19:23

This has come off the paint a pony thread. We have an older pony. He adores people and is very gentle. Loves children. I am struggling to pay his stabling costs at the moment for various reasons and have been trying to think for a way to balance the books. I’ve had him for 20 years so don’t really want to rehome him. (Think it might actually break my heart tbh). Do you think there is a market for a few children to come along. Teach them how to care for a pony, groom him, much out, feed etc. Then show them how to put a saddle on etc then each get a little ride. Or does that sound a bit dull for a party? How would you feel if your dc got this kind of invite?

OP posts:
BrightYellowDaffodil · 13/10/2018 20:02

If the pony is the sort to enjoy attention, I don’t see that side of it as an issue, although overexcited party goers might be less than ideal visitors, plus you migh find unrealistic expectations of being able to ride etc.

I would think that the public liability insurance (plus costs of child safeguarding courses etc) could be prohibitive and there’d also be the aspect of what your yard would allow and whether or not a bunch of children around regularly would piss off your fellow liveries (if you have them).

Is a part share a possibility? I’m sure there must be children who’d love to be able to potter around on a reliable pony and parents who’d be grateful not to have the responsibility of owning.

rebelrosie12 · 13/10/2018 20:05

The insurance would be a lot. I would loan him out to a child.

FruitofAutumn · 13/10/2018 20:05

It's strange how people think it is abusive for animals to be groomed or even painted, but then have no problem sitting their fat arse on its back for miles

buscaution · 13/10/2018 20:06

I think at his age he has done his job. Let him enjoy his retirement.

AuntBeastie · 13/10/2018 20:08

If you can't afford his costs any other way it would be much kinder to put him to sleep than to put him into work.

This is insane bullshit. Kill a pony rather than have people pay for their kids to groom him?!

OP - if he is healthy and not in pain, and if you limit it to no more than about 4 kids at a time, this would be fine. I’m forever letting kids groom and have a sit on my old boy and he stands snoozing with his bottom lip drooping, loving the attention.

You will need to think about insurance and obviously his welfare is paramount, so if it becomes too much for him it couldn’t continue. But in principle I think this would work and there would be a market for it. It’s really good for kids to learn how to behave around animals, and how much work and care they need.

WellErrr · 13/10/2018 20:10

Insurance would price it out of being any use to you.

Most older ponies like children and like being fiddled about with and cuddled. It's not a welfare issue.

WombatStewForTea · 13/10/2018 20:14

Whilst people may like it as an idea I very much doubt you'd make any kind of profit from it after insurance and licensing? Doubt your yard would allow it anyway so unless you've got your own place?
Own a pony type days can work but would need to be on a bigger scale than one pony.
If you're struggling to keep him it would likely be better to part loan him out to a couple of kids? That's assuming he's in work. Failing that grass livery if suitable for pony or pts would be kinder than selling at that age.

Caprisunorange · 13/10/2018 20:16

I’m not sure about the insurance point. I mean plenty of other people manage it, it can’t be that prohibitive

Honeyroar · 13/10/2018 20:17

A few riding schools around here do them, but there are usually two or three ponies and the party gets to ride too.

I don't think they're disrespectful to the animal (whereas pony painting parties most certainly are). However your insurance costs will be high. As a freelance instructor teaching people on their own horses you'd be looking at £500/yr and you usually have to be qualified to be able to get it. Then you'd have to insure the pony for everyone to ride. You could be looking at huge costs before you even start.. You'd be better looking at ways that you could cut your costs for keeping him.

Pebblesandfriends · 13/10/2018 20:18

Absolutely. Been to one at a well respected riding school so as long as you investigate appropriate numbers etc. Why don't you go to one and see what they do and ask questions before deciding?

MakeAHouseAHome · 13/10/2018 20:18

If you can't afford his costs any other way it would be much kinder to put him to sleep than to put him into work.

This angers me so much!! Can't afford your child, shoot itm same fucking principle.

t00dle00 · 13/10/2018 20:19

Can you loan him? Use him for beginner lessons?

StuckSoutherner · 13/10/2018 20:19

I say this as someone who feels the pain of the pinch with hay and straw prices increases due to the shortage this year, I think this is a really bad idea. You would need as a minimum insurance (your personal public liability won't cover as it's hire and reward), you'd need to be DBS checked and safeguarding trained, what qualifications do you have to teach? (Sorry if I've missed this phone keeps freezing!). I expect you would need to register with local authority plus would need to keep accounts and possibly register with HMRC. There's also the biosecurity and health and safety to consider. Sorry OP

Caprisunorange · 13/10/2018 20:19

Well no, your child’s medical needs will be free won’t they, so it’s a moot point. If you can’t feed or house your children you might find the government removes them.

£500 a year isn’t much for the insurance. The criteria to get it sounds tricky though

Honeyroar · 13/10/2018 20:20

Caprisun you'd be crazy, in this day and age, doing anything with horses and young children without insurance.

Caprisunorange · 13/10/2018 20:21

I didn’t say do it uninsured, I said it can’t be that expensive- and cross posted with a poster who suggested £500 a year which isn’t

Honeyroar · 13/10/2018 20:23

That insurance cost only covers you as an instructor, you'd have to then insure the pony and the premises, which may well change to business rates... The £500 is just a small part.

Honeyroar · 13/10/2018 20:25

Sorry I keep cross posting with you. It was me who mentioned the £500, but that's to teach freelance, not on your own animal.

Caprisunorange · 13/10/2018 20:25

Oh I see, thanks for clarifying

Wonkypalmtree · 13/10/2018 20:26

A local charity offers this, they are therapy animals but rely on private hire, parties and the like to survive financially. We had a miniature Shetland for a party and it was fantastic.

buscaution · 13/10/2018 20:29

Can you loan him? Use him for beginner lessons

Please please please don't do this to an old horse. He is done his job.

VintageFur · 13/10/2018 20:32

No way.

This pony has earned her rest - if the squeeze really is too much then it's time to do the honourable thing by her. She owes you nothing and personally I don't feel it's fair thrusting her into this "scene" so YOU get more time with her before her inevitable demise.

Insurance will probably be insane too. If you do it properly I mean. I won't let anyone ride my horse full stop due to insurance reasons.

Goldmandra · 13/10/2018 20:32

Advertise him for part loan remaining at your current yard on local Facebook groups. Get a contribution for stabling for one child or a couple of siblings to care for him and ride him a few times a week.

buscaution · 13/10/2018 20:36

Loaning a pony who has earned his right to retirement Sad

FuckCancer · 13/10/2018 20:37

You know you're pony.

Do whatever you need to to keep Him.Get liability insurance and go for it.