am i right to "give up" on horse?

[kombikids]

In a bit of a dilemma, beloved horse was diagnosed with moderate arthritis in one hock and changes in other hock and both back fetlocks last week, he is a super safe sane hack and has given me tons of confidence so I was about to start jumping and competing when i found this out. Vet said he would only be light hack and a little schooling (amounting to 4/5 days a week of work) so I have started to look for a sharer/loaner for him. Everyone at yard and friends have told me that i am overreacting and he will be fine to ride school and even jump as he doesnt look lame. Hes on 2 bute a day and joint supplements and although hes comfortable I dont think its right to introduce a new level of workload that hes not used to.

Am i rubbish giving up on him and getting something else? I wont sell him, just will loan him at yard to someone who wants to learn/return to riding as he would be perfect for teaching them what hes taught me. Sorry its so long!!

 

[Cliqmo]

Ooh tricky one, for his comfort I would say reduce the workload but on the other hand there is a 'use it or lose it' mentality which might mean he gets worse if you reduce the amount he is doing. Whichever way I don't think I would increase the amount you expect from him

 

[lexiedhb]

I would say if he isnt lame doing what he is currently doing ie Hacking, then continue, I wouldnt push him to jump TBH.

 

[Nailed]

Ok.. hes on 2 bute a day which is a good dose.. not really a 'maintenance' does and i definatly wouldnt be doing any hard work with him or jumping!!!

Im with you on this one. Loan him out to someone who just wants a light hack.

Lou x

 

[welshied]

When my horse was diagnosed with arthritis we reduced his work load to just hacking and he managed ok but he wouldn't have coped with jumping and after a couple of years he can now only manage about one ride a week

 

[MrsMozart]

Nope. No jumping. Not if he's on two Bute a day to help him cope with hacking duties.

Your loan plan, i.e. keeping him at the yard where you are and therefore able to keep an eye on him, is sound in my view.

Hugs to you hunny.

 

[cariadssogreat]

Ditto Nailed

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

[ QUOTE ]
Ok.. hes on 2 bute a day which is a good dose.. not really a 'maintenance' does and i definatly wouldnt be doing any hard work with him or jumping!!!

Im with you on this one. Loan him out to someone who just wants a light hack.

Lou x

[/ QUOTE ]

What she said

 

[teddyt]

He doesnt look lame because of the bute. But the problem is still there. You are right kombikids, introducing jumping would shorten his life. Loaning/sharing as a hack is a great idea. Well done for still keeping him even though he cant do what you wanted him too. I admire that

 

[smirnoff_ice07]

No, I don't think you are over reacting. If the vet has said to only do hacking and schooling then you are being fair to find someone to loan him to who is happy to do that.
Also you will eventually start to resent him if you want to do more than he is capable of, so getting something else is a better option for you.
It doesn't sound like you are giving up on him exactly, just doing the best thing for him and you.

 

[kombikids]

thanks - good to hear this - thought i was right!
teddy t - yep i am keeping him, i just worry that if i sell him i wouldnt know where he would end up, and hes given me so much.

Going to be mega skint/stressed/tired with two tho!!!!

 

[AmyMay]

I think you're very sensible to think about your horse's future. It would be lovely for you to find a loan home for him where he can carry on working - but not jumping.

Well done you for putting him first.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

[ QUOTE ]
He doesnt look lame because of the bute. But the problem is still there. You are right kombikids, introducing jumping would shorten his life. Loaning/sharing as a hack is a great idea. Well done for still keeping him even though he cant do what you wanted him too. I admire that

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with this and would also suggest trying magnet boots to help manage the pain.
Good luck in finding the right loaner.

 

[kombikids]

thanks - glad someone thinks im doing the right thing! Just had it all out with the vet who basically said in black and white no matter what we give him - adequan/injections in joints he will never be able to jump and take me further but thinks he is more than capable of teaching someone else to ride. At least I know now - better start saving for a horse as the loan ones seem few and fer between!