[ellied]

I heard yesterday that the 20 acre hill field I have rented for 9 years is being sold either by the end of the year or latest by end March   There are currently 7 and would shortly have been 10 highland ponies (unshod mostly youngsters and older retired companions) on there for the winter so this is not good news at all!

I have 10 acres at home but still 16 ponies to accommodate til a few get sold and frankly they're unlikely to go within 6 weeks at this time of year so I am in desperate need of alternatives at least until spring - stubbles or rough grazing fine if securely fenced and with water supply, north Fife area while I'm here or somewhere that basic head checks/emergency calls could be handled for me between visits if it's further away.  I can't pay livery rates for the numbers involved so am looking to rent by the field/acre but am happy to offer help in partial payment if that might suit better.  Partial solutions eg for 1-3 ponies in suitable situations eg as companions also considered gratefully!

Alternatively, I am still looking for land over in the Trossachs area, to buy or rent longer term, 15-100 acres depending on Macaulay land type/value and location anywhere reasonably north of Glasgow, west of Loch Lomond, South of Crianlarich road, west of the northbound A9 from Perth, or anywhere along the A9 corridor from Perth down to the M9.  Buildings a bonus but realistically any habitable house will price it beyond my purse now so somewhere I can get a caravan or rent/buy a cottage within a couple miles would be fine.

All ideas gratefully received - it's my worst nightmare at short notice

[egglady]

Ellie, i cant give oyu anything just now but come march, then i think we will have enough for a couple of your highlands if that's any help?

[ellied]

Thanks, anything sounds great just now, will keep in touch.  I have a possible booking to send a couple more away to be backed in April if I get that far and am praying they get sold in May/June and don't come home so I just need to work on the long term future over in the Trossachs and the short term of surviving to March  

I guess what I'll save in diesel and time visiting Muchty I'll spend in extra hay and traipsing through boggy ground here once they're all at home but it may work out and I just hope I don't get the BHS welfare bodies at the door asking if I realise I'm overgrazing