Any suggestions for an unridable 6 year old (also in competition riders)

J

jellyshark

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 October 2010
Messages
167
Visit site
A friend has a lovely 6 yr old mare who after investigation due to bad behaviour was found to have a spinal issue, this was treated with tildren and the horse put on a bute challenge - out come was the same horse still diplaying 'dangerous' behaviour when ridden. Vets feel she has learnt the behaviour due to the pain and as she is also a headshaker so will always have these tendancies. they have suggested that a proffessional might be able to ride throught the issues but that she will probably revert if sold!

Now the dilema is what to do with her options so far seem to be

Breed - but may get temperament and conditions passed on!
Give her away - but feel this will lead her into a awful life
Keep as field companion - wont be good for this as won't stay on her own!!
PTS!

If anyone has any ideas we haven't thought of please let us know!!
 
jellyshark said:
She is about 15.1hh warmblood x throughbred thanks for the responses even if some are a little brutal!!
Click to expand...

JS, I would not use her for breeding, if she can remain pain free without drugs, then I would look into the possibility of her going to a blood bank. Seems the best outcome in a case like this, if not I would consider PTS unless you are able to retire her yourself and ensure her life at home. In my opinion it is just to risky to move her on as a companion to anyone with such a condition.
 
If too small for the bloodbank then I think keep as a pet or pts are the only kind options. If she has behavioral problems on the ground too, then even as a surrogate her actions will influence the foal.
 
What is the dangerous behaviour she displays? Has she ever been ridden safely / sanely prior to discovery of spinal issue?
What level/ standard of rider is she displaying the behaviour with and what is she like on the lunge with full tack on?
I find it surprising the amount of advice to pts a 6 year old with such little info, lots of youngsters look dangerous to ride till they have a confident pro on board to give them the confidence they need.
 
Have her put down.
She is no good for anything else and would be better off all round if she was euthanised either by your local hunt (which would be my choice) or the vet.
 
PTS I'm afraid. Definately wouldn't breed with her, chances are you'd breed the same.
You couldn't pass her on either with a clear conscience. At 6 yr old, that's a long time as a field ornament. Sorry to be so blunt but that's horses for you and sometimes it goes wrong.
 
Farma said:
What is the dangerous behaviour she displays? Has she ever been ridden safely / sanely prior to discovery of spinal issue?
What level/ standard of rider is she displaying the behaviour with and what is she like on the lunge with full tack on?
I find it surprising the amount of advice to pts a 6 year old with such little info, lots of youngsters look dangerous to ride till they have a confident pro on board to give them the confidence they need.
Click to expand...


On the lunge she is fine although she headshakes, has been broken by her owner then ridden by an young eventer who has evented up to intermediatte so a good confident rider she was fine for about 8 weeks - just the usual youngster issues- had a tantrum and threw rider when tack was changed about 5 weeks in - put down to the headshaking issue- competed local sj, dressage and hunter trails we thought she was going to be a quirky but talented mare, but started bucking and bucking then started rearing - hence MOT check. Now will walk and maybe trot a circle then stops dead and bronc's quite nasty to see! Vets feel that whilst she may be ridden through this she would revert if sold or had a change of rider! also that the back issue may reoccur and they feel the headshaking is very sever!
 
I definitely wouldn't breed from anything that had a condition like this as who knows if it's something that could be passed on. Also, may be painful for her to actually carry a foal. I would not suggest having an otherwise healthy (and young horse) PTS but, unless the owner is able and prepared to keep her as a field ornament/companion then sadly I would say PTS may be the best option. I think if she was sold or even loaned as a 'companion' the risk is someone could ride her or sell her on as rideable and lord knows what could happen then! She could end up being pretty dangerous if in pain. It's not the poor horse's fault, she is just reacting to the pain.

Not a nice situation to be in but you have to think of the horse's welfare first.
 
I'd PTS based on your original post OP, your second post with more info confirms it for me. If you don't mind not riding and are happy to keep on livery as a pet then why not, but if she was mine I'd not be sending her for any more vet investigations, ie the next time something goes wrong its treatment on the yard or PTS. I feel its wrong to pass her on, both for her sake and the sake of any future rider/handler. Sorry things have gone so badly wrong for your horse so early on.
 
Not kissing spine - vet was hoping that it would be because some hope of treating - she has bone spurs on her spine! Owner has already discounted the giving her away as a companion for all the reasons mentioned - we just wanted to make sure all options are researched before making the final heartbreaking decision!!:(
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top