Following on from my previous post re old pony - advice pls

[Supertrooper]

My friend and I are very concerned about how our shire x will react when god forbid the pony does die. He is a very sensitive chap and as far as we know has always been with alot of other horses, definately in his last two homes anyway. I think even with seeing her body he will be distraught at being left on his own. There are horses in the field next to us but I don't think this will help and we certainly couldn't risk stabling him at all as this morning when we took the pony out for a pick of grass with vet, he reared right up in stable and she was only gone for 2mins!!

We're not in the position to get another one now before the inevitable does happen as the field wouldn't cope with three and also financially! But we're worried something will happen suddenly and we're left with a very distraught horse.

Our only option that we can think of is that we could borrow a horse/pony at short notice till we can get a new one which is the plan anyway. Sorry for the morbid post but what would you advise xx

 

[Maesfen]

As you are planning on doing although you will be surprised how quickly they accept the death and never coming back as long as they are allowed to see, sniff and stay with the body as long as they want, don't drag them away, let them move in their own time.

 

[Sandstone1]

Maybe see if you can borrow or get on loan a small pony who would not cut up your grazing too much, Might be best to do this while you still have the oap. Failing that maybe a sheep or something would be better than nothing.

 

[Serenity087]

We had a mare put down whilst we still had her foal (we still have him...). We were really worried he'd take it badly as, although about 18 months old and weaned, he doted on his mummy!

He shouted a bit as she left the yard, but they took him to see her body and he said his goodbyes. Hasn't called for her since.

I think if they know they're dead they're less likely to fret

We did have one fret like mad after my mare was PTS. he couldn't see the body and although we felt he knew, he still fretted for days. Wasn't nice.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I would try to get another pony now, although I understand why you don't want to and of course you might not want to stress the oldie with bringing in a new one.
We were very concerned about our 2 mares who had been together 20 yrs but when the inevitable happened, it was very sudden, the younger mare had a stroke in the stable. The older one was in the adjoining stable, because of the configuration of our stables we couldn't get her out until after the hunt had been and removed the body. We did have 2 other horses who kept her company but we were amazed at how well she coped with loss of her best friend.

 

[riding_high]

if you really can't get a little pony now then possibly asking to 'borrow' someones pony is a good idea, would be worth putting out feelers before hand though so that you know there is someone there at the time.

someone in my area advertised for an emergency companion due to the loss of one of their horses, i offered my ponies (a mare or gelding) but they managed to borrow one from the neighbouring yard.
agree with the others about letting the horse see body, it seems to help them accept that it's over.

 

[brighteyes]

We had a pony pts with her best friend grazing close by. The old pony therefore had the comfort and security of her stable-mate in her last moments and her friend immediately came over and did the personal examination which is closure.

If it is at all possible and you are having the injection, why not do as we did? If the big one is screaming and 'performing', it may lead to stress for the older one at a time where quiet and calm is most helpful and indeed desirable.

If it's an emergency, or circumstances dictate otherwise, then you do what you can. We gave the old lass some precious time grazing side by side with her friend, the vet came into the field and with my family around her, off she went... Her usually scatty companion was completely unruffled and never 'looked back' once she had given the body of her friend a good check over.

Don't ask me how they understand, but believe me, given as much time as they need, they absolutely do.

If you can bear to, watch and see for yourself. I have seen it twice before, but was too heartbroken to watch this time. Close family assured me it was utterly peaceful and there has been no upset.

The first time I witnessed it, the remaining pony was inseparable from the one who was pts. Even though I managed it badly (thanks to RSPCA advice - NOT) and I took my pony away, had him pts, due to the continued hysterics of the remaining one the following morning, in despair I led him up to the field, moved the tarpaulin and allowed the closure I should have the previous evening. After that, there wasn't a murmur. He simply sighed and walked away...