horsegirl
Well-Known Member
What is the best thing to do with an elderly horse that can no longer be ridden if the owner is no longer in a position to keep her? She has arthritis which is why she can't be ridden but I believe she is not in pain.
Elderly horse - what to do?
- Thread starter horsegirl
- Start date
PaddyMonty
Well-Known Member
Possibly find a companion home but could be difficult if arthritis requires regular treatment. May be better to PTS.
hatters
Well-Known Member
PTS, or a companion home.
There is so much risk of them being sold on as ride-able horses, I would only consider a loan, and preferably to someone I know. Otherwise PTS.
There is so much risk of them being sold on as ride-able horses, I would only consider a loan, and preferably to someone I know. Otherwise PTS.
PaintboxEDT
Well-Known Member
yes as a companoin if they are more than willing to keep her pain free and comfortable in her last years,or sadly pts its a horrible choice as ive seen over the years down here but at least the horse is then at peace and pain free !!!
Porkie
Well-Known Member
Can't she be put on a retirement yard ? I know there is still a cost involved but sometimes its not too expensive.
I would look into every option before making the final decision. I am a veteran loaner and even though I don't actually own him I would still keep him even if he couldn't be ridden - I think it is so sad when a horse has given years of pleasure to people to be pts sleep when they are no longer rideable - just when they need the love and care the very most in their lives! Just my personal opinion so don't want to start a debate here or anything, I appreciate everyone has different views on this ...........
What about contacting the Veteran Horse Society? Julianne Aston is great and you would proabably be able to put this horse on her list to try and find her a home as a companion ... her email address is : julianne.aston@veteran-horse-society.co.uk or google search veteran horse society and/or veteran horse welfare. They are the only charity that concentrates entirely on the welfare of the veteran horse and re-home hundreds every year, some rideable, many not and many with health issues.
Hope this helps.
I would look into every option before making the final decision. I am a veteran loaner and even though I don't actually own him I would still keep him even if he couldn't be ridden - I think it is so sad when a horse has given years of pleasure to people to be pts sleep when they are no longer rideable - just when they need the love and care the very most in their lives! Just my personal opinion so don't want to start a debate here or anything, I appreciate everyone has different views on this ...........
What about contacting the Veteran Horse Society? Julianne Aston is great and you would proabably be able to put this horse on her list to try and find her a home as a companion ... her email address is : julianne.aston@veteran-horse-society.co.uk or google search veteran horse society and/or veteran horse welfare. They are the only charity that concentrates entirely on the welfare of the veteran horse and re-home hundreds every year, some rideable, many not and many with health issues.
Hope this helps.
horsegirl
Well-Known Member
She isn't my horse, just belongs to someone I know. I know pts is a horrible thought but surely better that than being put on loan and then potentially buted up and sold on? I know that does happen more than we would wish to believe. I don't believe the arthritis requires any regular treatment.
TGM
Well-Known Member
The three most appropriate options in my opinion are:
PTS
Send horse to a REPUTABLE retirement livery place
Loan as a companion ONLY to somebody very well known and trusted by the owner.
I think if the second two are not possible then the first is the only option. I would definitely NOT advertise the horse for loan, because it is likely to attract the sharks that scour the wanted ads for exactly that sort of horse to bute up and sell on. And of course it goes without saying that I wouldn't put it up for sale as you have even less control over its future than if you loan.
PTS
Send horse to a REPUTABLE retirement livery place
Loan as a companion ONLY to somebody very well known and trusted by the owner.
I think if the second two are not possible then the first is the only option. I would definitely NOT advertise the horse for loan, because it is likely to attract the sharks that scour the wanted ads for exactly that sort of horse to bute up and sell on. And of course it goes without saying that I wouldn't put it up for sale as you have even less control over its future than if you loan.
MagicMelon
Well-Known Member
I would try and find a home for her as a companion. I would not put the horse to sleep as you say it's not in pain so not needed. If she cant be found a home, I believe there's veteran charities around who could possibly take her if its the last option. Try contacting: http://www.veteran-horse-society.co.uk and asking them for advice.
spotty_pony
...
Maybe you could advertise her a companion horse? If she is not in too much pain she could happily live in retirement for at least a few years.