DragonSlayer
Well-Known Member
About three months ago, my sister bought a horse, who seemed to be everything she wanted.
Now, I'm not going to be drawn into comments like 'why didn't she do this, that and the other!' because it's all done and dusted, and quite frankly, we've done the best by the horse that no-one else obviously wanted to take responsibility for....
Sis took the decision yesterday after the prognosis from the vet yesterday to PTS.
It was done this morning, but due to said horses 'issues' wasn't as quite straight forward as it should maybe have been....
He was in pain in the field all the time, even with considerable bute, it wasn't touching it. He was aggresive, we put it down to the fact he was in so much pain, and it came to the point where I'd only allow me in the field to feed and put hay up, because he was more than willing to turn around and double-barrel you if you weren't prepared, after trying to bite your face off...he couldn't turn a circle without one of his back legs giving way under him, and when he walked, the foot often dragged behind.
Now, IF he didn't need so many painkillers to keep him comfortable in the field, then he would have made a nice companion for someone, but to offer a dangerous horse isn't quite the thing to do, though I know many other people don't seem to have morals about this.
One of his MANY issues was an aversion to needles, and he would freak at the vets but they had better facilities there to hold him then get him sedated for treatment, so the vet was prepared this morning, bringing an experienced extra pair of hands if needed. Shooting him was out of the question because anything 'different' freaked him out, rearing and bolting was his answer, but I had soon gotten wise to this and he was lead with a bridle which certainly helped.
The vet was absolutely amazing. In all it took about 50 minutes, from getting the horse sedated to the final injection, he explained what he was doing all the time, whilst we were both dodging hooves due to him rearing and striking out....sedation by degrees until the vet was happy he was under enough to administer the main injection.
It was all very dignified and the man who came to take him away (always have used him, excellent service) blessed him with the sign of the cross and a quiet prayer.
There were too many issues for this horse to be truly happy with his life, an absolutely massive vets bill later, my sister took responsibility for his life, that previous owners/dealers certainly avoided. His injury from waaaaaay back was too deep-seated and the vet is in no doubt that he would have been drugged up to be ridden etc etc whilst avoiding the actual vets treatment he really needed. There was nothing we could do, the damage was too great and untreatable because of previous 'lack of treatment'
In a way, yes.....there are things that could have been done differently, but I tell you what, I'd do it again. This poor horse is now out of his misery, and god knows how long he had been suffering for.....
RIP Horsie....
Edit to add - she also took advice from horse sancturies and other reputable experts who all supported her in the final decision.
Now, I'm not going to be drawn into comments like 'why didn't she do this, that and the other!' because it's all done and dusted, and quite frankly, we've done the best by the horse that no-one else obviously wanted to take responsibility for....
Sis took the decision yesterday after the prognosis from the vet yesterday to PTS.
It was done this morning, but due to said horses 'issues' wasn't as quite straight forward as it should maybe have been....
He was in pain in the field all the time, even with considerable bute, it wasn't touching it. He was aggresive, we put it down to the fact he was in so much pain, and it came to the point where I'd only allow me in the field to feed and put hay up, because he was more than willing to turn around and double-barrel you if you weren't prepared, after trying to bite your face off...he couldn't turn a circle without one of his back legs giving way under him, and when he walked, the foot often dragged behind.
Now, IF he didn't need so many painkillers to keep him comfortable in the field, then he would have made a nice companion for someone, but to offer a dangerous horse isn't quite the thing to do, though I know many other people don't seem to have morals about this.
One of his MANY issues was an aversion to needles, and he would freak at the vets but they had better facilities there to hold him then get him sedated for treatment, so the vet was prepared this morning, bringing an experienced extra pair of hands if needed. Shooting him was out of the question because anything 'different' freaked him out, rearing and bolting was his answer, but I had soon gotten wise to this and he was lead with a bridle which certainly helped.
The vet was absolutely amazing. In all it took about 50 minutes, from getting the horse sedated to the final injection, he explained what he was doing all the time, whilst we were both dodging hooves due to him rearing and striking out....sedation by degrees until the vet was happy he was under enough to administer the main injection.
It was all very dignified and the man who came to take him away (always have used him, excellent service) blessed him with the sign of the cross and a quiet prayer.
There were too many issues for this horse to be truly happy with his life, an absolutely massive vets bill later, my sister took responsibility for his life, that previous owners/dealers certainly avoided. His injury from waaaaaay back was too deep-seated and the vet is in no doubt that he would have been drugged up to be ridden etc etc whilst avoiding the actual vets treatment he really needed. There was nothing we could do, the damage was too great and untreatable because of previous 'lack of treatment'
In a way, yes.....there are things that could have been done differently, but I tell you what, I'd do it again. This poor horse is now out of his misery, and god knows how long he had been suffering for.....
RIP Horsie....
Edit to add - she also took advice from horse sancturies and other reputable experts who all supported her in the final decision.
Last edited:
