HHO's morbid fascination?

Cazza525 said:
Posting videos is most certainly morbid.
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Not morbid at all. Whilst it might not make nice viewing for most, it does show that for the majority of horses, if a decent knackerman/slaughterhouse/vet is used, the end result can be a very peaceful process.
It may also help in that if you cannot see a horse you have no emotional attatchment to, destroyed, you may find your own impossible when the time comes, and make arrangements accordingly.
 
50 -60 years ago death of people and animals was very much a fact of life. A lot of people died in what we would call middle age and horses which were very much working animals lived until they were of no use which I think was on average of about 10 years.There was also very little money so things were done by families, or someone they new and the proffesional only called when you had no alternative. Frank McCaughts Anglea's Ashes paints a very vivid picture of what it was to have people you know well dying on a regular basis.
In our world it is very rare for someone to die at home and even rarer for the family to have the body at home. We and our animals live longer and I think, the terms 'passed ' are PTS really no one no favours. Whilist I understand some do not want to think about the envitable some understanding of the processes that will happens can only be a good thing.
I sometimes wonder with the proliferation of 'vampire' movies and dramas on TV that there will be section of society that thinks we can live forever.
 
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I think it's an interesting subject & also agree it needs to be discussed, I've always thought that the bullet was the best way to put a horse down but then the injection started to become a popular method.
So then I couldn't decide which would be best for my horse when the time came, I read several threads about people's experience of both methods & after reading some very upsetting posts about bad experiences with the injection, I decided that I would go for the bullet.
When the time came I had to make a quick decision but after reading about other people's experiences I had already made my choice.
I'm very grateful for those previous posts made my fellow horses lovers & it's thanks to them that I was able to make a quick & well informed choice. When you're in that situation it's hard to think straight so it's very important to do your thinking & decision making before hand.
Long live the mobid posts I say!
 
I think it is an interesting subject; particularly if like me you have never seen a horse PTS by either injection or gun - when a video was posted on here of a pony being PTS at Potters I watched so that the first time I haven't got to potentially deal with what happens is when I am in a state because my horse is being PTS (hopefully I am a LONG way off having to make any decision!!).

However, I do agree that people have a morbid fascination. We are all a bit curious about things you hear about, but don't necessarily get to see...for example in my job, I find that people always ask me about any murder or rape cases, post portem pictures etc..it isn't PC to be asking about it but people can't help!

If someone has already posted a thread about it etc, I don't always see the need for an immediate second one which essentially barks up the same tree; however some one else may.

The thing I find most disappointing on this forum is that there can be a lot of doom and gloom, but people seem to find it hard to comment on positive posts. Not to be attention seeking, however I will use my boy as an example. I have just started backing him, and have been putting little updates on here because of how well he is doing, how happy I am and just to tell people who understand how brilliant it feels because lets face it, most non horsey people don't get why you can be excited that your horse has learnt to walk in a circle :S but people on here do:D but, no one seems particularly bothered to comment...perhaps it isn't controversial enough etc but sometimes it would be nice for a few people to comment on the "smaller" posts - in relation to Bailey and I, even if they can see us doing something wrong in pictures or can advise on something I have written about. I'm sure this applies to other HHOers feeling this way.

Anyway; waffled on for long enough!!!

:D
 
I don't think the topic of putting a horse to sleep is necessarily morbid. Sometimes it's a sad necessity and something every horse owner needs to know about because you might be in the sad position of having to put your horse down. An older mare at our yard colicked in the field and I was there when they gave her the lethal injection. Those are the realities that need to be faced and I'm all for healthy discussion on shooting vs lethal injection and which is least traumatic for the horse, etc.

What I did object to in the "meatman" discussion was the point of view that unless one agrees 110% with the very rosy picture of horse slaughter as depicted by some posters in that thread (it's *never* traumatic for a horse to go to slaughter, they *never* smell blood or panic, *all* slaughter house employees are wonderful horse lovers, etc.), one is branded a deluded fluffy-bunny who doesn't live in the real world and will be forcefed pony pie by the other forum members until reality sinks in.

I certainly hope that slaughter houses treat the horses humanely and with dignity. I can see why that would be the most viable option for situations like the horse cull in Ireland--better than letting all those animals starve.

But there are two sides of the horse slaughter issue and it would be nice if we could have discussions that go deeper than "horse killer" vs "fluffy bunny."

So instead of black and white, I think there are lots of shades of grey here. I'm all for a more nuanced discussion of difficult topics.
 
If you don't like it, terminate your account.

This forum is for all parts of horse ownership and care - all of it, putting to sleep included.

Just because you don't feel the need to discuss your feelings does not mean that others should be restricted.
 
MrsMozart said:
If you don't like it, terminate your account.

This forum is for all parts of horse ownership and care - all of it, putting to sleep included.

Just because you don't feel the need to discuss your feelings does not mean that others should be restricted.
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I agree with you MrsMozart.
You don't have to read the posts if you don't want. Somedays I will read some posts that I probably wouldn't have read the day before. Depends on how I'm feeling. If that makes sense.
 
I repeat, I choose not to read the threads anyhow, and would like to thank all the people who have sent me a personal message on this topic of morbid fascination,in fear of being shot down in flames on this open thread.

I think we are all entitled to our opinion on this matter and it has raised some valid points of ppl that find the posts informative and educational, and then those that in some kind of strange way actively enjoy them.

Such an emotive subject has sadly become one full of scorn and condescension.
 
No shooting down, certainly no more than the OP may have made people feel who have come on here distraught because they were having to have a horse put to sleep.

With regard to someone else's comment re. 'the small posts', I believe the current layout of posts coming to the top when they are responded to causes some of the angst. The last style of forum the thread default was to stay in the order they were posted, which seemed to give better and more even exposure.
 
MrsMozart said:
No shooting down, certainly no more than the OP may have made people feel who have come on here distraught because they were having to have a horse put to sleep

With regard to someone else's comment re. 'the small posts', I believe the current layout of posts coming to the top when they are responded to causes some of the angst. The last style of forum the thread default was to stay in the order they were posted, which seemed to give better and more even exposure.
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Didn't mean that,in fact I think you'll find I always respond on ppl's posts who have had their beloved horse PTS,my heart goes out to them.....it's the chewing over of the final deed constantly that could be deemed unhealthy.

The layout however certainly doesn't help,and yes I prefer the old way!! :)
 
I had my old set up just like this - suits me fine:D

I think probably the people who "chew over" the actual death are those who were severely traumatised - you know, the ones you sympathise with at the time.

Don't you think that shows a very good case for people being more informed of their choices and of what they will experience during and after? So that they might still be sad but not so traumatised by the actual event.
 
Havn't looked at all of the replies so forgive me if i'm repeating what anyone has already said. As expected it's an emotional subject and I know that some people end up in tears discussing their horses, or indeed any animals last moments. Despite having horses around all my life I have never witnessed one pts. I want to be prepared for when my boy goes (hopefully not for a long time). By reading these threads I now know what to do, who to call, what happens and what not to do.

Having had my childhood dog pts last year at a very grand old age, discussing this subject always has me in tears. At least here I can discuss it, in a calm, rational manner without people seeing me cry...oh dear here I go again! Hiding behing a computer screen can have its good points.
 
Charem said:
At least here I can discuss it, in a calm, rational manner without people seeing me cry...oh dear here I go again! Hiding behing a computer screen can have its good points.
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:(
Precisely

Quick, think happy thoughts about your good memories and smile as you remember them.
 
Charem said:
Ahhh mascara running down face! Happy thoughts still make me cry-I just smile and cry at the same time...god im a mess lol!
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Reading your first post made me cry in sympathy - but I haven't got mascara on. Smiling gives a better workout for your facial muscles anyway so stick with it:D

(and it makes you feel better)
 
Only read first page. Horse owning is about life as well as death. Personally I dont see what your problem is with us discussing something sad!
 
Charem said:
At least here I can discuss it, in a calm, rational manner without people seeing me cry...oh dear here I go again! Hiding behing a computer screen can have its good points.
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I know exactly what you mean *hands over a tissue*
I have a lovely mare, I am very attached to her. She is only 13 but for various reasons I am having to face a reality that having her put down may be the best option.
This kind of thread - where the facts, the options, the gory bits and knowing what to expect are explained in full - are very helpful and help me to separate my sentimental (there I admitted it! :D) self from my practical and realistic self.
Death is natural. It shouldn't be such a taboo.
 
nativeponies said:
it works both ways..

just look how many inane and totally rediculous threads that are on here ATM..there are at least 2 on page one..

i don't open them/nor do i feel the need to comment on them as i am not remotely interested in what colour numnah suits which horse/who horse is the nicest colour/who has the prettiest pony..complete drivel to me, so i dont open..

i do however, open, read and comment on subjects that interest me, so it is very easy to ignore subjects you aren't likely to be interested in..
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Oh thank the Lord it's not just me then!

This is real life and with life comes death, many many people commented that the meat man thread had been very useful.

This forum can be a mine of very useful information for those that need it. Not everyone wants to read how Dobbin farted after breakfast this morning :mad:
 
You don't like posts about it but then you start a new one.......?

We could either pretend that death doesn't happen or that when it does the horse simply gives a little whinny and then lays down and goes to sleep in a field full of lush grass and daisies.

Alternatively we can discuss the subject factually and relating to actual experiences, which some may find upsetting or distasteful but then they have the option of not reading them. For some people who have never experienced the death of a horse, it can make them more prepared for what to expect.

It is true that they get a lot of replies as it is an emotional subject but there is no more fascination than there is over say Parelli for example or animal cruelty.

If you don't like it don't read it but don't try and dictate what should or can be discussed.
 
I have to say I can see both sides here...


I found the 'meat man' thread extremely informative and very useful, and although a hard read (and an even harder watch) I'm glad I did, as it has broadened my horizons no end, and for that I'm thankful.

At one time though, there seemed to be (and I stand corrected if I'm wrong) about 5 or 6 threads all related to the death of a horse filling up one page, which I'd never whitnessed on here before, and I will admitt to thinking 'Jeez, lighten up HHO'ers'

So I guess I can stick myself well and truely on the fence in this thread :rolleyes::p
 
The curious thing, to me anyway, is that everyone has a valid point! To date, no-one's talked crap!

There is the odd poster who seems to have a morbid fascination with the final act, no question. There are also those who will, understandably, be in a state, because they are facing it within the next few hours, or days, and are asking what they should expect, and perhaps how they should best cope with it. Generally those are the only ones to whom I will respond.

I have attended at the humane destruction, of many horses, and think that I can speak with a little experience. Whilst it's a job which I loathe, in a strange way, the responsibility of being quite certain that suffering ends, instantly and humanely, is what gives me the needed impetus, and perhaps perversely, a degree of pleasure. It's to do with taking pride in the act of bringing an end to a life, in a humane, gentle and kindly fashion, though I may not have explained myself too well!!

Again, the OP was quite right, in that there are those who enjoy a certain morbidity, and there may well be a degree of inexperience on their part. For those who need to ask, and would want an experienced opinion, then ask, and I will help you, if I can.

Alec.
 
I would much rather read about practical topics that deal with real issues than read some of the utter fluffy bunny crap on these forums, I'm assuming the OP prefers the latter. Each to their own, I might suggest that as all of these "morbid" posts have pretty clear titles, the OP shouldn't open them.
 
I am of the opinion the more we talk about responsibly despatching our pets and managing them responsibly, the better animal owners we become as a country. The more we bring welfare (and that includes humane slaughter) of our animals, to the forefronts of everyones minds, the more chance we have of changing the frankly ABYSMAL attitude britain has towards animals.
 
Alec Swan said:
I have attended at the humane destruction, of many horses, and think that I can speak with a little experience. Whilst it's a job which I loathe, in a strange way, the responsibility of being quite certain that suffering ends, instantly and humanely, is what gives me the needed impetus, and perhaps perversely, a degree of pleasure. It's to do with taking pride in the act of bringing an end to a life, in a humane, gentle and kindly fashion, though I may not have explained myself too well!!
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*applauds*

That is beautifully put. It describes perfectly what my lovely slaughterman / butcher feels about his "job". Obviously he has dealt with thousands and thousands of animals but he treats each as an individual, gets its acceptance of him being in its space and does the job calmly, efficiently and with compassion. It was a privilege to work with him as he dealt with the animals I had reared, he was able, with us, to take the time to say "No, that one's a bit wary of me, I'll just stand in the pen and have a cup of tea till it knows I don't mean it any harm." I am aggrieved that he is no longer legally allowed to kill my animals, I have to do it under his tutelage. Obviously the animals know me but it's out of their routine - they are all used to strangers popping in and admiring them though.

But that satisfaction in it being the last good deed you can do for them - I can understand that.
 
Having had to go through this recently, it was the information, advice and personal experience and suppor that people on HHO shared with me that made it all more bearable. Sometimes you just cant ask these sort of questions in the real world nor do non horsey people understand.
 
3Beasties said:
Threads like these seem to come in spates, next week it will be a different topic, Parelli, barefoot, fatties, cobs etc, etc. and the PTS ones will be long gone, one innocent thread does tend to create more on the same topic, that's how forums seem to work :)
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So true. Christmas is nearly upon so we will soon all get our fill of ' jingle bell' posts and loads of piccys of horses covered in tinsel etc So don't tar us all with the same brush. Most of us us pretty light hearted and fun.

party.gif
 
I haven't posted on any of the other threads but to me, these topics are brought up due to inexperience with the methods. Although I have been around/working with horses for many years, I haven't had to deal with the task of PTS. The YO has always been around and kept everyone away. It was never discussed as it is a highly emotive scene.

I now have 2 ponies and although they are reasonably young at 3 and 8, you never know what's around the corner so I personally would prefer to know all of my options and also hear other people's experiences and also to recieve information or be pointed to websites which are highly informative so that I can ensure I make the best decision for me and my pony, if the need should ever occur.

It also means that I am in a better position to know how/what to discuss with vet. i.e, different methods of PTS.
 
Not sure weather it is because I'm more sensitive to it atm but I think recently there has been a lot of deaths and pts of horses which then relates to other posts.

But this forum is so random next week it will be weight issues and the week after that it will be whose horse is the prettiest :p
 
There are many threads that I do not open and read, for various reasons. Might have no interest, might anticipate not liking what may be there, so if you think something might upset you, just ignore.
 
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