Euthanasia help

[Noddingdonkey]

I currently have a 16 year old mare. She has behavioural problems and is very sensitive, as well as can be dangerous. She has been passed from pillar to post in her early years, has had a life threatening cut and is arthritic. She doesn’t trust very easily and in my mind it will be more or less impossible to find someone for her.

I will be looking for loan/trying to find somebody to buy her but as a last and final resort, do people think her being pts is the right decision for her?

 

[meleeka]

I currently have a 16 year old mare. She has behavioural problems and is very sensitive, as well as can be dangerous. She has been passed from pillar to post in her early years, has had a life threatening cut and is arthritic. She doesn’t trust very easily and in my mind it will be more or less impossible to find someone for her.

I will be looking for loan/trying to find somebody to buy her but as a last and final resort, do people think her being pts is the right decision for her?

If that’s what you think is best for her, I’m sure it is. You don’t need anyone’s approval. You are the one that knows her best and pts is not the worst thing that can happen to her. Personally I would pts over selling, because at least you’ll be in control of what happens to her.

 

[nagblagger]

Has she got any attributes?
Is she in constant pain with her arthritis or is it controlled with painkillers?
As a responsible horse owner you must do what is best for the horse which might not be want you want to hear, unless you could 100% guarantee that she wouldn't be doped up and sold on for a profit with her issues i would either try and keep her, maybe with a part loaner who understands her sensitivities, or pts.

 

[Maxidoodle]

I currently have a 16 year old mare. She has behavioural problems and is very sensitive, as well as can be dangerous. She has been passed from pillar to post in her early years, has had a life threatening cut and is arthritic. She doesn’t trust very easily and in my mind it will be more or less impossible to find someone for her.

I will be looking for loan/trying to find somebody to buy her but as a last and final resort, do people think her being pts is the right decision for her?

If she is genuinely dangerous and arthritic and has behavioural problems, then finding her a good home is going to be very difficult. If you were fortunate to find somewhere for her, then to loan is the way to ensure she doesn’t get passed from pillar to post. Are you able to expand on her issues? How arthritis is she? As a last resort, then to PTS is the way to definitely secure her future, so she does not fall into the wrong hands/ injure someone badly.

 

[AmyMay]

If she’s genuinely as described, you obviously can’t sell or loan.

 

[Horseysheepy]

So sorry you are in this position, but it would be in her best interests to have her quietly put to sleep.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I think if you have got as far as typing the question, then you know what the answer is. If you cannot keep her safe, then pts.

 

[Equi]

I would not pass this horse on to anyone. Why should someone else risk getting hurt for a dangerous/in pain horse? Death is not the worst thing for an animal, suffering is. Please put the horse down and let her be at peace.

 

[Tiddlypom]

It would be highly irresponsible to pass this horse on.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

There are far too many people who will make all sorts of suggestions for what you could do with her but you know the horse, you know whether you are able to keep her or not and whether you are likely to be able to find a suitable home for ( very unlikely, I imagine). Sometimes pts is the best thing that can happen to a horse and it is never the worst. You certainly don't need anyone's permission to do what you think is best.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Poor girl, there may be someone out there like me , who would take her on. Depends where in the country you are

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Personally I know what I would do in this situation; there will always be someone who will pop up and try to persuade you otherwise but at the end of the day you obviously know this horse and as a responsible owner are not prepared to pass her on. It really gets my ire when I see these sad little adverts for "companions" etc for horses such as this.

You are prepared to make a tough choice and I admire you for that.

So sorry you are in this position. Obviously none of us can tell you what to do but we can at least stand with you on what isn't ever a pleasant decision, but sometimes a necessary one.

Bless you for caring. There's a lot who don't. XX

 

[Surbie]

Pts absolutely isn't the wrong decision - you've said yourself it will be nearly impossible to find the right person for her and you can then be sure that she is safe. It could be hard for someone else to manage her, and potentially even harder if that person doesn't keep their horses at home and have the additional risk of more handlers at livery.

 

[Noddingdonkey]

[QUOTE="Amymay, post: 15156362, member:

 

[Birker2020]

I currently have a 16 year old mare. She has behavioural problems and is very sensitive, as well as can be dangerous. She has been passed from pillar to post in her early years, has had a life threatening cut and is arthritic. She doesn’t trust very easily and in my mind it will be more or less impossible to find someone for her.

I will be looking for loan/trying to find somebody to buy her but as a last and final resort, do people think her being pts is the right decision for her?

Instead of asking us who don't know her why not have a conversation with your vet and friends and see what they advise?
I got shot down in flames by some people for asking on a similar post yesterday if the owner had considered pain relief in the form of steroid injection so I won't bother again but obviously it is an option. If you wanted to you could try it and If you don't feel that it has worked or will change her behaviour then PTS is the right thing to do. Please don't pass her on unless there is a vast improvement.

Disclaimer: Not being nasty, not being insensitive. Not being horrible. Not being silly. Just giving you another option you may not have considered.

Best of luck with whatever you decide. We are all different.

 

[SEL]

I put down a poorly handled verging on feral pony (we couldn't lead him - he'd take you off your feet in a well practiced manoeuvre) just over a year ago. He had something wrong with his back legs, was desperately in need of dental treatment but just wasn't safe for anyone to handle. I decided that for everyone's safety and his welfare PTS was the best option. Its a horrible call to make but so much better than passing on a horse who sounds like they have underlying health issues too.

 

[Noddingdonkey]

[QUOTE="Amymay, post: 15156362, member:

This is why I’m very against passing her on, I’m definitely not an irresponsible owner.
[QUOTE="Maxidoodle, post: 15156355, member]
If she is genuinely dangerous and arthritic and has behavioural problems, then finding her a good home is going to be very difficult. If you were fortunate to find somewhere for her, then to loan is the way to ensure she doesn’t get passed from pillar to post. Are you able to expand on her issues? How arthritis is she? As a last resort, then to PTS is the way to definitely secure her future, so she does not fall into the wrong hands/ injure someone badly.
[/QUOTE]

She isn’t severely arthritic, in her hocks but has tension all the way down her left side. However, with previous owners she has bolted multiple times with them, unable to be ridden in open fields due to the bolting. She doesn’t mix well with other horses, unless she knows them. A lively yard is not the best for her. When ridden, she doesn’t hack alone whatsoever and will try everything to get the rider off and nap. She has severe separation anxiety in all aspects.

There isn’t all bad to her, she is foot perfect for the farrier and loves a pamper/groom and will stand all day being fussed. However, on the ground she is very 1-1 and is very spooky and strong.
This is why I’m in two minds because once she trusts you, she is the most lovable mare and she will do anything. However, I know I’m not guaranteed to her going to a good home and I just want the best for this mare because I owe her everything and more.

 

[Birker2020]

This is why I’m very against passing her on, I’m definitely not an irresponsible owner.
[QUOTE="Maxidoodle, post: 15156355, member]
If she is genuinely dangerous and arthritic and has behavioural problems, then finding her a good home is going to be very difficult. If you were fortunate to find somewhere for her, then to loan is the way to ensure she doesn’t get passed from pillar to post. Are you able to expand on her issues? How arthritis is she? As a last resort, then to PTS is the way to definitely secure her future, so she does not fall into the wrong hands/ injure someone badly.

She isn’t severely arthritic, in her hocks but has tension all the way down her left side. However, with previous owners she has bolted multiple times with them, unable to be ridden in open fields due to the bolting. She doesn’t mix well with other horses, unless she knows them. A lively yard is not the best for her. When ridden, she doesn’t hack alone whatsoever and will try everything to get the rider off and nap. She has severe separation anxiety in all aspects.

There isn’t all bad to her, she is foot perfect for the farrier and loves a pamper/groom and will stand all day being fussed. However, on the ground she is very 1-1 and is very spooky and strong.
This is why I’m in two minds because once she trusts you, she is the most lovable mare and she will do anything. However, I know I’m not guaranteed to her going to a good home and I just want the best for this mare because I owe her everything and more.
[/QUOTE]
Horses can be particuarly spooky if they are in pain so it might be because of this. Mine was very reactive, VERY and considering he had SJ at affiliated level for years and also BE evented, he used to spook at the smallest things that a horse with his experience wouldn't be expected to react to.

It sounds like your options are very limited so maybe pts is the best answer, however sad it is. Thinking of you.

 

[Noddingdonkey]

Thank you for the other option of the vet. I have spoken to friends/family about this and they’re very against my potential decision, hence why asking on here. Im still on a yard with her previous owner and she isn’t for it my decision, there are practical reasons to why she cannot have the horse back. I know she is my horse but I just want some advise

 

[Above the snowline]

You wouldn’t have written this if you didn’t think PTS is the right thing to do. Sadly there will always be people that will make you feel guilty. The easy option would be to loan her out but could you live with yourself if she severely injured or killed someone. Only you know your horse. I’m very sorry that you aren’t being supported by those around you - perhaps tell them your vet thinks it is the right thing to do. Sending lots of love.

 

[Maxidoodle]

She isn’t severely arthritic, in her hocks but has tension all the way down her left side. However, with previous owners she has bolted multiple times with them, unable to be ridden in open fields due to the bolting. She doesn’t mix well with other horses, unless she knows them. A lively yard is not the best for her. When ridden, she doesn’t hack alone whatsoever and will try everything to get the rider off and nap. She has severe separation anxiety in all aspects.

There isn’t all bad to her, she is foot perfect for the farrier and loves a pamper/groom and will stand all day being fussed. However, on the ground she is very 1-1 and is very spooky and strong.
This is why I’m in two minds because once she trusts you, she is the most lovable mare and she will do anything. However, I know I’m not guaranteed to her going to a good home and I just want the best for this mare because I owe her everything and more.
[/QUOTE]

I admire you for putting her welfare first. I think you’re going to struggle to find a good home for her. Even if you loan her out as a companion, you would struggle to be certain someone wouldn’t think they knew better and get on her, risking themselves in the process.

It is very difficult for any of us to give you specific advice, as you know the horse. I’m afraid you have to try to put the old owner’s opinion behind you, unless she is able to take her on.

 

[Noddingdonkey]

I currently have a 16 year old mare. She has behavioural problems and is very sensitive, as well as can be dangerous. She has been passed from pillar to post in her early years, has had a life threatening cut and is arthritic. She doesn’t trust very easily and in my mind it will be more or less impossible to find someone for her.

I was looking at the possibility of loaning but definitely not selling- as I don’t want her being neglected or hurting someone or herself. However, this is still seems the impossible. I need advice as i do think in the future being pts is the best option for her. Please can someone advise

 

[Jenko109]

Pts. Do not put anyone else in danger. Do not loan out this mare.

 

[Noddingdonkey]

EXTRA INFORMATION:

She isn’t severely arthritic, in her hocks but has tension all the way down her left side. However, with previous owners she has bolted multiple times with them, unable to be ridden in open fields due to the bolting. She doesn’t mix well with other horses, unless she knows them. A lively yard is not the best for her. When ridden, she doesn’t hack alone whatsoever and will try everything to get the rider off and nap. She has severe separation anxiety in all aspects.

There isn’t all bad to her, she is foot perfect for the farrier and loves a pamper/groom and will stand all day being fussed. However, on the ground she is very 1-1 and can be spooky and strong.
This is why I’m in two minds because once she trusts you, she is the most lovable mare and she will do anything. However, I know I’m not guaranteed to her going to a good loan home and I just want the best for this mare because I owe her everything and she owes me nothing

 

[nagblagger]

Haven't you posted this on another thread with many replies?

 

[SantaVera]

I would look for a good retirement livery and send her there.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Haven't you posted this on another thread with many replies?

Indeed, OP started another thread on the same issue earlier today. Not sure why another thread is required.

Do not pass this horse on to anyone else.

Euthanasia help

I currently have a 16 year old mare. She has behavioural problems and is very sensitive, as well as can be dangerous. She has been passed from pillar to post in her early years, has had a life threatening cut and is arthritic. She doesn’t trust very easily and in my mind it will be more or less...

forums.horseandhound.co.uk

 

[Noddingdonkey]

Thank you for some different advise

 

[toppedoff]

Pts or retirement yard would be my call. I wouldn't consider loaning but so sorry you're in this position

 

[nagblagger]

[QUOTE="Backtoblack,
I would look for a good retirement livery and send her there.
[/QUOTE]

If you read the other thread the horse likes one to one, needs to build trust, doesn't get on with a lot of horses - so retirement livery was not suggested.