Horse PTS - WWYD?

My friend had a talented but slightly nuts young eventer. A fairly minor field injury ended up with her being PTS because the vet and owner could not safely handle her even when sedated. It was very sad but some horses are just like this (this mare had been owned by two people both very successful and competent horse women, it was definitely the horse not the handling).

Your horse has been lucky to end his days with you and you've done your best. Keeping horses is meant to be an enjoyable hobby. Yours sounds like a nightmare.
 
I think you have made the right decision too. You gave it a really good try which is all anyone can ever do.

I really feel for you but you are being so brave and putting the horse first.

For what its worth I've seen 4 horses PTS with injection over the past 2 years and none were at all traumatic. Horrible yes, as it always is at a sad and tragic time, but not at all traumatic. There's always scare stories for both methods so no matter whether you go for gun or injection you will be fine - the people doing it are professionals and they will handle it all for you.
 
You are so brave and a you're true horsewoman. You made the best and right decision for your boy.
Be kind to yourself, rest and be happy in the knowledge you did good.
Sending a huge hug xx
 
To be honest, youve done the hardest bit already - making the decision. The rest kind of takes care of itself then its a case of putting yourself beck together again. Mine was PTS last month and it was very very very very hard. But it was the kindest thing to do for him. Youve not taken this decision lightly, have considered all possibilities , and I think have come to the correct conclusion. Thinking of you . All the best xxx
 
So sorry to hear of all you've been through. Well done, for stepping up to the mark when your horse needed you - he was so lucky to have ended up with a responsible owner. x
 
Sorry to hear your news but at least you know that your boy cant come to any harm now & he can rest in peace. You sound as if you've had a rough time & got the knocks & bruises has a reminder. Hopeful you can have a short break to reflect & when the time is right you can find the loan horse you mentioned & build your confidence & enjoy riding again. Hugs xx
 
You made the best decision for the horse, difficult as it was.

It is never an easy decision and must have been especially difficult in your circumstances. At least he is out of pain now.

Your next horse will be getting a very caring owner.
 
I was there a week ago today when I made the same decision as you hun, sometimes they simply can`t be helped ... I know how hard it is, all of it ... so huge massive hugs from me xxxx
 
It really is the hardest decision in the world but you did the right thing, though I can completely understand how difficult it must have been for you to have a physically healthy horse but a mentally very unhappy one. It's clear from the way you wrote about him how much you cared. He's very lucky to have found you, a lot of people wouldn't have shown him the kindness that you did or given him a chance, he's very lucky to have had such a kind hearted last owner, you just need to remember that he's free and at peace now, no longer suffering from whatever demons were in his head. Take care of yourself, we're all here for you if you ever need to talk xx
 
The world is sometimes so unkind to horses , sometimes all you can do is help them out of it .
A baptism of fire OP to the world so owning horses you deserve an easier time next time .
 
It was the best thing to do, and the fact that he went down fighting everyone just confirms that it was the right decision. Not nice for you, but the best thing for him. I hope you're ok.x
 
It's such a hard decision, but through your sadness you can console yourself that you've done the best thing for him. The pain eases slowly, I now only cry when people talk to me about or I see photos of my dear old pony who I had to have PTS last month. Be kind to yourself, and let yourself grieve.
 
You sound like a great and brave owner, so sorry that you had to deal with this with your first horse.

Just think of the life he could have had, through dealers and sales, being passed pillar to post, you've done the very best thing for him, shame on those that passed their problem to you, I hope they fell suitably ashamed of what they did, you were much bigger than them, you dealt with it!
 
Ah - so sad to read this. You absolutely did the right thing by putting his needs first - as hard as it was for you. Be kind to yourself.

P
 
JLH85 said:
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I has been quite matter of fact about it all but reading that just made me cry my eyes out! I know its for the best but unfortunately it doesn't make it any easier. I really wish I had never laid eyes on him - he must have had some horrible things happen to him to be so miserable and grumpy but I still love him given all his vices. I couldn't bear for him to be shot so will go with injection. The vet will struggle to get near him and I couldn't leave someone else to handle him so I will ask the vet if I can give him something to sedate him before he arrives as I want to stay with him until the end. All the other liveries will be very supportive but I will struggle with friends and colleagues who are not horsey and I don't think I will be able to tell them I willingly had him PTS.
Click to expand...

This sounds a very practical approach, you are obviously a very caring and considerate owner - to your human and equine friends.

It is such an awful position to be in and although very difficult you are handling things extremely well. When the time comes (I've not yet read all the messages) I do hope that things go as well as they can for everyone concerned.

Don't worry about your non-horsey friends, you can always say it was on the vet's recommendation, they'll understand that.
 
JLH85 said:
I just wanted to let you all know I had my horse put to sleep yesterday. It took me a while to pluck up the courage to actually do it but I know it was for the best. I was given a sedative gel by the vet to give him before the vet arrived and he was pretty chilled/dopey until the vet went near him with the clippers (I decided injection as wanted to be there with him at the end). He squealed straight away and struck out at the vet so she went to get a twitch and tried to twitch him to no avail. I said he wouldn't let her put it on him which he wouldn't and so I held him why she tried again but he's so quick with his fronts he struck out and caught me on both knees and thigh (ouch!) after this we just stood there and he would let the vet stand next to him and stroke him so we decided we were going to have to go with the gun. Vet rang and got other vet to bring gun. I requested they both be there so one could hold him and one use the gun. I gave him another tube of gel and he was so dopey, head to the ground when I said goodbye and left. I went next door to a liveries house for a cup of tea and cry before I went home. I have been so upset cried all day yesterday but managed to hold it together at work today, only had tears in my eyes twice whilst sat staring at my screen! I went for a walk with my best work friend at lunch and told her and she was great - very supportive and that made me feel better. I'm already missing not going to the yard and I am going to get something sane and fun on loan to remind me what its all about.

I just wanted to let you all know and say thank you for all your lovely comments. Without these I wouldn't have been able to do this with the confidence and knowledge I was doing the right thing. At least my boy went out fighting and I have the bruises to prove it - I wouldn't of had it any other way!!! RIP Bailey Boo <3
Click to expand...

Huge strength OP. You did the kindest possible thing for him, and I'm sure he's thanking you.

Hugs and strength xx

R.I.P. Bailey Boo x
 
Just been catching up with the thread.

OP - so sorry for your loss, you did the right thing and although an awful thing to go through, you know that he is at peace now. Take care of yourself while you grieve for him. Big hugs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top