My Pony died just before chritmas?

Question

My pony died just before christamas(20th december :( ) and i still have another pony and just after she died my other pony was REALLY depressed and to make it worse they where mother and daughter. The mother died but my other pony wasnt like a foal or anything she turned 7 on the 6th of June. this year. But anyway they had a really close bond and she was the only pony that she ever new. The pony that died meant alot to our family even my dad was in tears when she was being put down...but anyway we are thinking of getting another pony maybe next year? is this a bad idea... Do you think my pony will forget all about her mum who died? and since shes never been in a field with any other pony wouldnt she like be upset about a new pony come to live with her? i know that she is lonely though

Answer 1

Very sorry to hear you lost your precious pony. I lost my dear old mare last November, so I kind of know how you're feeling.  Ponies are very social animals, and most crave contact with more of their own kind.  She probably won't really forget about her mom, but she would probably really appreciate company in the form of another pony or horse.  Even if you spend lots of time with her, she is still left alone sometime and as a herd creature who is preyed upon by preditors, she probably is both lonesome and worried.  With the bad economy, there are many horses and ponies who have come upon hard times with their owners or ended up in auctions and rescues.  Perhaps your family could look for a buddy for her sooner rather then later?  Craig's list seems full of ads from people who have cheap or even free horses now.  Good luck!

Answer 2

I would definaty try getting another pony. She is probably really lonely so get her a friend!!!

Answer 3

Horses are creatures of company and will do better with company.  There would be nothing wrong in getting another pony or horse.  It is difficult to say whether horses remember their mother's or not, but she should have no difficulty living with another, though expect a few scraps in the first few days while they establish a pecking order.

Maybe you could take them out for a ride together before turning them out.  As I said, be prepared to bring one or both in for the first few days.  They might even become firm friends or at worst, tolerate each other.

Best of Luck.  Sorry to hear about the pony who died.  Very sad, but at least your family did not ignore the problem and made the right decision.  The vet would never put an animal down unnecessarily and she did not suffer.

Enjoy your new pony and ignore the "critics" who are in no position to critisize.

Answer 4

Well I think that getting a new pony would be good for your 6 year old. She will never forget her mother. Horses are very smart! Getting a pasture buddy will help because it will take her mind off of it. It is good you have waited some time otherwise your pony could have gotton even more depressed after getting a new horse rigth away. Make sure you share even love with both!

:)

So sorry for your loss!! Good Luck and hope I helped!

:) :) :)

Answer 5

Phillip M, that was a little harsh.  Humanely euthanizing an animal is often the responsible thing to do instead of letting an animal exist in a state of chronic suffering.  Pet owners who regard putting a suffering animal down as "murdering" them are the ones with the problem!

That being said, horses are herd animals and most horses (ponies included) would appreciate the company of another horse or pasture companion, like a goat or a donkey.  I'm sure your pony misses her mother, but only for the bond they developed as being companions.  Getting another pony for the one you have wouldn't be a bad idea.  But horses are like people, sometimes 2 just don't like each other.  Make sure you have the option to return or exchange the new pony if it doesn't work out.  You wouldn't want them to tear each other up - injuries could be serious.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Do you know of anybody with a stable of horses that you can take her to see how she behaves with other horses. Then take it from there

Answer 7

Of course she would love another pony!

Horses are herd animals and they need other horses for company. Keeping a horse alone is cruel, they need friends.. even a mule would do, or a donkey!

Answer 8

Getting another pony, even just as a companion, is a great idea.  They're herd animals and they need other horses/ponies around.

It won't be an issue that the former companion was the dam of your surviving pony.  She will likely bond with the next.  Not a lot of "herd dynamic" to sweat when you only have 2 in the herd.

I brought one of my blind (one eye) rescues home for a couple of days between placements.  Her colt (she was pregnant when I got her) is coming 5, and he was the only one out of the herd that didn't act interested in her.  He was really kind of a **** about it all...running her, ears back, nipping...the others were kind of bored "Oh, you again?" but he was just a t**d.

ADDED...just pick a calm, generally good natured pony who is neither the top or the bottom of the pecking order where they are presently living, and introduce them carefully.  Across the fence first, then stick around to watch their interaction in the field.

And Phillip is an ignorant twerp.  Ignore twerps.  Their meaningness little ravings are the product of limited intellect.

Answer 9

Horses and ponies tend to do better in groups.  I bet you are right - I bet she is very lonely.

It is possible that at first, your pony won't get along well with a new-comer.  That is normal.  They have to figure out the pecking order.  Sometimes that means biting and kicking.  once they figure out who the boss is, they will probably get along just fine.  Most do.  (there are exceptions, but lets not go there)

In time, the pony will come to appreciate the company, will be less bored, any vices she has may go away, and my guess is that she will be happier.

Answer 10

I would try putting another horse, maybe a mini, or at least a horse smaller than her, in with her. My horse, after not having another horse for 8 months and having left her daughter when we bought her, was OVERJOYED to get another horse in there. I don't know if I had ever seen her that happy before we got my second horse. Ever since then she's just had this air about her, and it makes me feel so good that I could give her a companion for Christmas. I would try getting your pony a companion and see what she thinks, I bet she'll adore it.

Answer 11

Ponies, like horses, are herd animals. Ofcourse she is going to want another buddy. But before buying one analyze your current pony. Is she on the top or bottom of the pecking order. Is she very aggressive or more passive. Try to find a buddy that compliments your ponies personality traits.

Answer 12

You wont know if your pony will like it or not, unless you try it.  I think its a good idea, she wont completely forget about her mom, but hopefully she will enjoy her new friend.

you can always ask the people you buy her from that if it doesnt work out, if they would take her back.

hope this helps. sorry for your loss

Answer 13

the best thing you can do for her is to get her a new buddy...they may have to establish the pecking order at first, but my guess is that she'll be so happy to have a new equine buddy, it won't be much of a problem.  Sorry about your mare...it's hard to make the decision to euthanize, but it's often the best choice.

Answer 14

You know, you could get another horse/pony to get as companion horse, or you could even get a goat ors omething. ANimals are herd animals, and feel better in groups with other animals than by themselves. :]

So see if you can't find like an odler pony maybe and just introduce them slowly, possibly keep the new pony in a different corral next to your pony, and have the two get to know eachother through there, and then gradually introduce them into the same pasture.

Answer 15

First of all I'm so sorry to hear this. My own pony passed away almost two months ago from Peritonitis, and I know how deeply devestating it is.  I have two miniature shetland colts too, who were very upset.

We have just got a new pony, this is NOT to replace my old, we were looking for over a year for one as a companion to mine anyway,and decided to keep looking.

My miniatures love the new one, and have settled in just fine with him, although they are general easy going lads.

But, they do come over every now and then just for a cuddle,and its then obvious that they still miss him.

If you do decide to get another, remember to make it the right one, and one you think your horse will like. When it arrives, let them meet on neutral ground (nobodys territory e.g the school?) and then split the paddock in two for a few days, and then let them in together, and let them sort out the pecking order. Try to make sure all back shoes are off, so if there is a shifty kick then the damage will be a lot less.

Also make sure its the right horse for you, and spend lots and lots of time with your new/present horse to comfort them and let them know you love them.

I really hope you all the best,and good luck with it all.

Please let me know how it all goes.

=] x

Answer 16

well if i was you i would lone a pony which you will be able to buy and keep it in a paddock next to it if they get along fine then you could buy the pony if it doesn't work out then at least you can give it back to the owner and are not having to go through selling etc. then you can think of another solution.

Sounds awful, i agree a*****e who said it was murder!!!

xgood luckx

Answer 17

Oh my dear.

How terribly sad. But your familly did the right thing and sending your pony to horse heaven. Loving an animal truely means knowing when to let go.

The other pony will of course be very depressed and doesn't know where her friend is. But what is more important is that yout get a friend for her. She might be a bit naughty at first, just like kids are sometimes to a new pupil in the class, but it won't take long and they will be the best of friends.

I would suggest you get a mare, as that is sometimes easier. You could also ask at the International League for the Protection of Horses and Ponies (they've got a new name now, but I don't know what it is) about adopting a pony companion. That way the companion could come on trial and if there really are battles, then the companion could go back.

best of luck and remember - real love is also being able to let go.