I didnt expect horse ownership to be this hard

Agreed Sfoers (strange name lol)

The smaller problems should be able to be coped with, but all the little things are becoming a mountain.

My almost sole worry is the laminitis. Especially the fact that he is having flareups while essentially on lockdown. If it's not due to Cushings, EMS or somebody maliciously feeding then I don't see any hope really.

Greywelshie have you have a good chat with Eaglestone about the Laminitis problem. She is really up to date on the subject, and will probably be of help.

Also the Laminitis Trust helpline is really useful although expensive at a £1 a minute. Very valuable information to be had.

Out of interest what is your Vet's opinion as things stand? Do you use a specific equine vet? Would it be worth you getting a second opinion?
 
Greywelshie whereabouts are you?
Everyone else has said everything already but you do seem to need a friend. What about the friend who gifted horse to you? Can she not come & help with stable duties / handling / etc? Some riding schools / equestrian colleges do working livery / advertise for loan horses wanted. You could investigate. You could even explain to friend that given your financial position & other problems you can no longer keep a horse & have to decide what to do for the best & PTS may be an option you have to consider rather than selling on or giving away. Or you could consider using an animal communicator not that I've ever used one but I would always be willing to try, especially if it was a last resort.
 
I know you've had him tested, but everything is screaming Cushing's at me. Just curious, but what test did the vet do? There are several and not many of them give reliable results and ACTH levels vary according to season. Many horses will test negative for quite a few years before a positive test. Grumpiness is part of Cushings as a horse with this condition is likely to be feeling quite poorly and run down. Also, they are going to feel much worse in winter as that's when light levels/daylength is at it's lowest and Cushings is at it's worst.

Whatever is going on with him, winter is definitely difficult for many of us -I haven't ridden for weeks because of the ice/snow we've had here. My two have cost a fortune so far this winter, but I just try to look forward to all those lovely light evenings and spring weather! Good luck, whatever you decide,

Sue
 
You are in a catch-22 situation. The horse needs work - he has a lot of negative energy which right now is focused on stressing out at the least little thing. I can assure you that if he was tired, having done a decent amount of work, he would be much better to handle and quieter in his box. Horses that get regular workouts are less likely to develop bad stable habits such as cribbing. He is probably bored out of his brain. You need to move him to a yard where they have a manege - at least then you can lunge him every day if you are not prepared to ride him. Spirited horses quickly gain the upper hand if they are not worked - this is the key. As for feed, you dont have to feed a hay ad lib to a laminitic. Try substituting some of it with straw - this will keep his mind occupied as he can eat as much of this as he wants all day long. You seem to have coped in the summer so if you can make these changes you WILL overcome the present difficulties. I know money is tight but in the long run you will save a fortune in vets fees. Dont be downhearted, make these changes and you will reap the rewards.
 
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