escape issues..

Here is the issue with Sarah, since Zach has been gone she's developed an escaping problem.. and has been doing it more and more frequently. We lowered the fence and even put on a more stronger charger and here lately, meaning, in the last couple of days she's gotten out 4 times.. 3 times today.. Our neighbors right next door have an old mare that she seems to be rather attached to and that's where she always goes.. so my feelings are that she is lonely and is longing for companionship. Do you think getting another mini will remedy this and eleminate her need to escape? I really feel it's because she's lonely.. that's always where she goes is over next to the neighbor's fence and stands... chit chatting with her mare.. :P Actually she's over there right now.. but I figure she'll be fine until the morning, she wont leave her.. and I figure she'll be ok til in the morning..since she'll just get back out again and go back 10 mins after I put her up.. So what should or can I do? Pen her up? I know I'm going to have to go over the fence tomorrow and look it over.. and see if it's cutting out.. Im really hoping though that companionship is all she wants.. and another mini mare will be good for her.

From what you've said it sounds like she is just lonely. All horses are herd animals and do better with more then one (IMO). If I take Rain out of the field and leave Arrow in, he can get out and come find us. BUT he never comes out if someone is in there with him. I think if you get her a buddy she will be fine and be very appreciative as well :)

Do you think getting another mini will remedy this and eleminate her need to escape?

Maybe, however probably not. Once a horse knows how and where to get out GOOD LUCK!
I've never had luck with electric fence and minis. Try to find a saw mill near by, you can buy 8' wood rails for under $2 a piece in most locations. If you or family members have woods, cut fallen trees that are "post sized" at 3.5 feet length. For about $50 you should have NO trouble making a 3' high 3 board wooden rail fence, 20x20 - put one hot wire around the top so other things don't go in.... This is a cheap fix, if you have the money now make it as big as you'd like, if not as I said $50 could easily make a sturdy 20x20 paddock until you can ad on. At least your little guy is SAFE.