Advice re my old throughbred

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Staceylou

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I can't beleive that I am actually typing this but am in a bit of a mess and need some advice! I have a 23 year old throughbred who I have owned for 14 years. In the past I have jumped him and hunted him. He suffered from a kissing spine and arthritis in his hock and pedal bone. He can now only be used as a light hack. He also wind sucks and for the reason has no or very little front teeth! He therefore struggles with eating certain things. I don't have time to ride him and am struggling to pay for his keep. I have had him out on loan before but he was treated really badly and so i brough him back. I can't face him going out on loan again and hm having his last years been negleted. He is very pampered and cannot live out, needs his shoes doing every 6 weeks and is constantly rugged up to keep him warm therefore he is not everyones idea of a easy horse to keep! He always struggles with his weight but seems to be losing it a lot quicker this year which I find worrying especially as he stuggles to eat haylage and grass. I think I may be facing the option of having him put to sleep as think this may be best all round but would welcome any other suggestions that anybody may have. IT breaks my heart to have to think like this but can't really see any way out of this.
 
So sorry for you. That's a very hard decision and only really one you can make. I think you need to seriously consider his quality of life. I think you will know in your heart if the time is right. Better too soon than too late as is so often said and very true.
 
Poor you, and poor old fellow!

It's so easy to sit here and pontificate. Half me says battle on with him, feed him slops, which can work amazingly well, keep him all rugged up just as you have been, and so on.

The half that doesn't know you and can therefore be a bit more objective says that perhaps you have now done all you can, that his quality of life is decreasing, and ht harder option for you may be the kinder one for him.

Have you someone - not with a vested interest like family but a good riding friend - with whom you can talk this through? This looks like being a pretty dismal winter - probably a lot of rain, expensive fodder, and a long time until spring and the warmer weather again. How will he cope? How will YOU cope? And how will your bank balance cope?

I was in the same position as you some years back. I couldn't make up my mind over my much-loved, unrideable, arthritic TB mare. While I was dithering my poor girl went down with a twisted gut and that was curtains. I've sometimes wondered since what would have happened otherwise, and am grateful that fate took a hand. So I think my, very sad but truthful, answer in your case would be 'let him go'. And whichever way you go my thoughts will be with you and him.
 
Stacey Lou..this is the hardest situation to be in and just wanted to send you a hug. Have you thought about a rescue centre or a veteran home?? How about advertising locally for some support and help? I am a great believer in that the answer will present itself to you as one of the previous posts said.Thinking of you and wishing you both happier times x:(
 
Chaff , slop and a part loaner / sharer possibly a novice who wants to explore horse care and a safe hack under your supervision / terms. I can't tell how much weight he has lost but if he is otherwise well I would give him the chance unless he is dull and depressed.

I don't think the rugging and pampering would be an issue for the right person. Older horses have such alot to give in terms of experience, character and wisdom I love them and don't mind changing my old lodger's rugs all the time to ensure he is ok when his cushings thermostat is off base. Big hug.
 
Let him go quietly, I dont want to come across as being horrid, but I was in the same boat as you many, many years ago. I had no money, two toddlers and a TB I was struggling to keep. I felt that my kids where going without day's out,new clothes etc. I made the right choice and had him pts. Dont be giving him away. At least being pts you know where he has gone and not contstantly worrying about him. Good luck and be brave.
 
Just to say big hugs & it sounds like time to let him go,he's had a good life & better to let him go now with some quality of life than for him to go downhill during the middle of the winter.
I kept my elderly mare going for years comfortably but i still think i should have let her go sooner now looking back at it & i spent a bloody fortune on drugs keeping her going! Yet the day she went with the sun on her back was just such a relief.I wish you well & hope you come to a decision soon ....it happens to all responsible owners in the end.xx
 
So sorry for you, having to decide now how to give your beloved horse the best possible life, when his peaceful death may be the best option. You have given him all, and more, love and care for so many years. Talk through the options with your vet and make a decision on the basis of her/ his information and professional judgement. This is what I did with my much loved old boy. He went with dignity, looking lovely and in his best show rug! I could not bear to wait for the decline that was beginning to take hold, after many years of successful management, and he certainly didn't deserve to experience it.
Much love and strength to you.
 
OP have you had him blood tested for Cushings? The statistics are against him but getting diagnosed through the ACTH test (free if you download the voudher off talkaboutcushings website) and getting him onto Prascend (if positive) would make a massive difference, expecially with his weight and his outlook on life x
 
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