We are looking for a new home for our Shetland Pony.

For those of you who dont know the story...our shetland "Checker" is almost 30 years old and has never lived on his own. About four months ago he lost his companion and stopped eating and drinking.

We brought 2 beautiful lambs from Paradise Country to keep him company, but today we have had to have one,'Jacy' put to sleep by our vet.

It seems she ate something in the paddock that was toxic to her and poisoned her. We are absoluely heartbroken as the 2 lambs were absolutly amazing and luckily we spoke to the people we got them from and they have taken the other lamb 'Ava' back, so she has a good home with loads of other sheep. We have brought Jacy home and buried her in the garden.

We have made the very difficult decision to rehome our shetland as we dont know what it is in the paddock that has caused this and we will not take the chance of the pony becoming sick.

He needs a home with another horse or pony as company as although he is elderly he still enjoys racing round the paddock and playing.

PLEASE PLEASE if you can help us send me an email. We live in Bonogin on the Gold Coast.

Thank you

Sharon and Brad

Sorry I can't help but wanted to wish you luck with re-homing him

Thank's for that nightnurse

I have no idea if they are worth contacting but there are stables at the bottom of Galleon Way, Currumbin Waters who may take him and there is also a horse kept in a field with a stable on the other side of the road which I don't think is part of the stables. The horse is always on its own. I've never noticed the name of the stables though.

Hope you find him a home soon. It's been a really sad story all the way though.

Hi moneypen

I will certainly have a look at these places. All we want is for him to go to a good home where he will be loved and have companionship.

I will let you know what happens.

Thanks


Sharon

This is a useless reply I know but I know what you mean when he has never been on his own.
I've had horses for much of my life until I had a disc removed from my spine so I can't ride. I would take him like a shot if I had another to keep him company, but alas I haven't.
The last horse I had was from an army barracks in the UK - he needed a retirement home, being retired from being a wheeler at around 20 years old we were told, and we had the necessary experience, so we took him. I just wanted a plodder to walk around on and not have excitable young horse to cope with - been there done that- just one to spend time with and look after.
Big Brian was certainly bigger than we expected - around 18 hands - and he was docile - until we (my mum and I - she was a professional groom when younger) got him into condition. He was then certainly a mans horse - very strong and excitable. Anyway - he has grown up in army stables, with other horses and routines and he just could not settle on his own. We ''borrowed'' a neighbours shetland to keep him company and I still look at the photos of them together now. He loved the shetland and vice versa. Unfortunately shetland had to be put to sleep because of acute navicular disease and Brian was heartbroken again. In the end one of the sargeants retiring from the army who knew him took him and kept him in communal stables - just Brians cup of tea. Brian turned out to be 35 by the way but acted like a 3 year old.
Waffle, waffle - Oh I wish I could help here to give your shetland a home - I can see that you are looking out for his best interests - best wishes

Thank you for taking the time to reply, it means a lot.

Sharon

Bump the thread, and to wish ya good luck

Wishing you loads of luck

Suexx

sorry to hear that sharon
it obviously got worse

regards steve

Best of luck to you with finding him a home. Have you spoken to your local vets? They may know of someone looking for a companion.

He looks in fabulous condition for a 30yo

I'm so sad for him - I wish I lived over there, we would have him tomorrow! He's a shetland which makes him determined , and I bet when you do find him a home - and you will - he will be really happy

Good luck

Nx

Not yet but hubby is taking our 20 year old dog there tomorrow so will talk to the vet then,

We have yet to find a suitable home for Checker so I thought I would just bump this back up......getting worried now as Checker is not eating properly

Please Please if you know anyone who could help. We are more than happy to pay for his feed.

Thanks


Sharon

I hoped when I got an email about an update to this thread that it was good news about a new home, really sorry to hear you haven't found one yet. I know how worried you must be - have been there myself with one who had never lived alone. I live fairly rural and in a ''horsey'' area - there is a saddlery at the end of our road which is busy and the local pony club meeting this weekend. I could put out some feelers if you like although it would mean transporting him up the sunshine coast if someone could give a home with companions.