Alf - hanging up his dancing shoes

Auslander

Auslander

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I think that Alf might be retired. He's had a few issues with front leg lameness recently, which is unusual for him, as it's usually his back legs that let him down. Vet/chiro was out a few weeks ago, and picked up some inflammation in the pastern, so he's had a few weeks of r&r, but wasn't really getting any sounder - fine in walk, a bit off in trot. He had a hooley in the field last week, and was pretty sore the next day. I watched him trot down the field for breakfast, and just thought "You don't owe me anything, and if you don't get ridden again, it's not the end of the world".

Had a chat with the vet, and she said what I was thinking - either give him the winter off and maybe reassess in spring, or investigate/treat - but her view was that he's nearly 21, he has all sorts of hindlimb issues, and he's worked his little socks off all his life - so it's not necessarily in his best interests to patch him up again, just so I can indulge myself by riding him - until he breaks again. So - he's currently happily mooching round the field with his shoes off, all fluffy and grubby - and as happy as larry. I may try again in spring, or I may not.

He's had an epic life - not many PSG level carthorses around. He's taught loads of people how to ride the advanced movements, and he's taught me that it's not about riding - it's mostly all about having the horsey love of your life in the field beside the house - nickering at you every time you walk out the back door!

Here's hoping for a long and happy retirement for the "pony more precious than diamonds"!

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Aww, the fact that Alf's been sound enough to be ridden up to recently is testament to the huge amount of care and professional input that you have given him. He's a very lucky lad to have landed with you.

I'm sure he will keep you on in your toes in his retirement as he plots escapades with his mates. Just maybe he will be up to a bit of gentle pottering around under saddle next year.
 
Tiddlypom said:
Aww, the fact that Alf's been sound enough to be ridden up to recently is testament to the huge amount of care and professional input that you have given him. He's a very lucky lad to have landed with you.

I'm sure he will keep you on in your toes in his retirement as he plots escapades with his mates. Just maybe he will be up to a bit of gentle pottering around under saddle next year.
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I think I've been very lucky to keep him ticking over as long as he has!

It would be lovely if we could do a bit of pottering - although he's not entirely trustworthy in that respect! I'm very glad that last time I rode him, he grabbed the bit, and buggered off the canter track with me - and I had to run him into a bush to stop him! Old devil!
 
ahh lovely Alf <3

So sad when they get to that point especially when the mind is still willing, but I'm sure he will enjoy every minute of his retirement... plenty of naughty antics to be schemed ;)
 
lovely to think he will still be there for you, like an old friend who you look forward to seeing every day, happy retirement alf.
 
Oh Alf, silly lad, he has no idea how lucky he is to have an owner like you, Auslander! *raises glass* here's to a wonderful retirement for a wonderful horse, and here's to him entertaining HHO with his antics for many more years. <3 <3 <3 <3
 
He's landed on his hooves with you, clearly. it sounds as if you'll both enjoy life and each other's company whether his retirement is just for winter or long term.
 
Tell Alf I know the feeling about old legs letting me down in this cold wet weather!
Thank goodness he has you, who is able to pick up on the most small thing and thus save him (and others) from worse issues down the line, where others might not have picked up on before.

Def need pics of him over the garden fence requesting attention :)
 
He's a gorgeous boy.

I retired my beautiful dancing partner 2 years ago following firstly a mystery illness which nearly killed him and then a freak accident resulting in a nasty injury. My theory like you was he's worked his gorgeous mincey little bottom off for me, we've had some amazing times, and he doesn't owe me a thing.

Retirement isn't something every hard working horse gets, and to me it's lovely to be able to give him the chilled life being a horse that he now deserves, its a big thank you present for all of their hard work.

I wish Alf a long and happy retirement and I'm sure he will get up to as much mischief as Crumpet does now! Xx
 
Happy retirement Alf!
Hang those fluffy dancing shoes over the fence, chuck on a pair of doc Martins and stomp up some chaos :D
 
We retired one of ours a couple of years ago and I love seeing him relaxed and happy without the stress of competing. It's taken a while to get used to the fluffy coat and lack of muscle but like Alf he owes us nothing. I'm sure Alf will keep you amused with his antics even in retirement, he sounds a wonderful character and is lucky to be with you and to have this option.
 
The Xmas Furry said:
Tell Alf I know the feeling about old legs letting me down in this cold wet weather!
Thank goodness he has you, who is able to pick up on the most small thing and thus save him (and others) from worse issues down the line, where others might not have picked up on before.

Def need pics of him over the garden fence requesting attention :)
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Over the garden fence? How about IN the garden!
He has free access to the garden in summer when it's dry, but not in winter. I didn't realise he can open the garden gate - found him peering in through the sitting room window earlier! Gate is now chained up!
 
Auslander said:
Over the garden fence? How about IN the garden!
He has free access to the garden in summer when it's dry, but not in winter. I didn't realise he can open the garden gate - found him peering in through the sitting room window earlier! Gate is now chained up!
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He heard he was retiring and thought that meant he got to lounge around in the sitting room, watching telly.
 
Sorry Alf, it's only part retirement. Your new job is chief hand-warmer and anything else (shoulder to cry on, nose to snuffle to) that is required so you need to be gracious about it! ;)
 
Auslander said:
That's why it's so hard - he doesn't look or feel like an old crock. Just his worn out legs letting him down!
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bless him I know exactly how that feels although my legs are not worn out I am hoping about on one leg due to broken ankle and it's driving me mad I just want to get on and do things it's very frustrating, I really wish him well and hope his enjoying being a field ornament his certainly handsome enough to be one :)
 
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