I'd appreciate some opinions and alternative suggestions from the horsey Mumsnetters for the situation which we're in at the moment please. Sorry if this becomes a bit of a ramble....
We have a 26 year old ID x TB mare who is retired, very laid back about life, but who needs very good grazing and plenty of food to ensure that she keeps condition and weight during the winter. She lost her "husband" of many years 2 years or so ago due to heart problems. This was is a shame because as two old codgers the got on very well together. After this loss, we took on a Welsh Mountain Pony from the RSPCA as a companion and a pony for DS1. The pony was not a cruelty case, but was not broken. We have since had him backed, and he is ridden and schooled once a week by an instructor at the moment.
The reality is that DS1 is only really intermittently interested in the pony, so it could work out more cost effective to take him to a riding school when he does want to ride.
I worry that the pony is basically being wasted as a field ornament as, a part from an hour a week being ridden and being lunged from time to time, he does no other work. The expense of paying someone to ride him is silly really. I also think that the pony is too sharp to be a suitable first pony even though he is nice natured and quiet on a lead rein. He could make someone a fantastic 2nd pony for Pony Club as he is fast, nimble and loves to jump.
The needs of the older horse are the complete opposite of the pony, who at this time of year is being strip grazed to keep his weight down in case of laminitis. We rent a small field with two stables which has great hacking locally, but it is too small for the amount of grass that the older horse increasingly needs. The great location is completely irrelevant for an older horse who isn't ridden any more. It is however, incredibly convenient. Our land lords don't mind what time we come and go to check the horses and we are able to leave some toys around for the DS1 to occupy himself with. We have a more freedom than if we were at a livery yard. However, we've got no back up for holidays, sickness etc that you would get with a livery yard.
I'm increasing thinking that since the older horse's needs and the pony as so completely different, and since the pony is really being wasted (he deserves to be used more), that I need to look into some alternative accommodation. I'm also about to go back to work, and when DS2 starts being mobile, continuing to look after the horses by myself is going to become tricky.
I think that we need to put the pony out on loan/sell him, and move the older horse into part livery somewhere locally.
We live on the North Hampshire/Surrey border and I have found a lot of livery yards near us are (understandably) more geared up for horses that are being ridden regularly and offer facilities to suit with a price to match. Which is fair enough, but not what I need. What I really need is a yard which offers part livery, with great grazing and stabling where my old lady can enjoy a quiet life as a lawn mower.
Does anyone know of such or livery yard in our approximate area, or am I dreaming that such a place exists? Or, can you suggest an alternative to livery. I have considered some sort of loan arrangement for the pony, but I'm worried that this might turn out to be more hassle that it is worth?
Well done if you managed to read through my ramble and get the to the end!