I really need your help *long.

I have had two nights to sleep on this decision and still think its the right way forward. I have read all your posts and feel really supported through this. I wish you were all with me on Wednesday when it happens. I plan to go up there and make her look gorgeous then my partner is going to take me somewhere away from the yard when it happens. He doesnt want me to see it happen or have that as my last memory. I just hope i can walk away from her.
 
The proper decision to make and you are brave to do the right thing.

I think I can speak for many on this forum that whilst we may not be with you on Wednesday in person we will be with you in spirit.
 
Thank you.

My partner says I need to keep riding, which I will, but I dont think I will buy again for a while. I'd really like to loan and see what I can find so I can make sure I have something right for me. I cant go through this again.
 
Yes, you are absolutely totally 100% doing the right thing. The horse is dangerous. Whilst you have loaned/owned her she has been very well looked after indeed. Having her PTS is the right thing to do,no doubt about it,and shows you to be a responsible owner. I have been in this position with a couple of horses,both mares incidentally,over the years,and both were PTS. Do not beat yourself up,it is the mature,adult,capable and justifiable thing to do.
 
I thoroughly sympathise with you. I had a very similair issue with a little TB type mare that I had approx 3 years ago. She too became increasingly more unpredictable and dangerous, and put me into hospital on one occasion, injuring me fairly severely. After a lot of soul searching, help and advice from my vets and rehab yard manager, the sad decision was made to PTS. She was only 11, but I know that I made the right decision, most importantly, it was the right decision for her. I was heartbroken but I can sleep easy knowing she wont hurt or kill herself or some other person or horse.
You are so making the right choice, be brave know you are doing this for all the right reasons.
xx
 
Why can you not just retire her in the field? It sounds like a long standing issue, who knows whether there could be an underlying issue or not, I think you are certainly sensible to stop riding but PTS would be one of my last option of an otherwise healthy horse, I wouldn't sell her either but there are people wanting companions on loan (i.e you keep control...) although you have to look extremely hard to find a good one you are happy with.
Alternatively why can you not just pop her out in the field?
 
SusieT said:
Why can you not just retire her in the field? It sounds like a long standing issue, who knows whether there could be an underlying issue or not, I think you are certainly sensible to stop riding but PTS would be one of my last option of an otherwise healthy horse,
Click to expand...

She doesn't sound like a 'healthy horse' to me. She sounds as if she has both behavioural and - probably - pain issues. She is a 24 year old TB - and keeping THEM in the field through winter can be an expensive and difficult job!!!

Chucking these horses out in the field is - IMHO - a coward's way out. If they have a job - fair enough. I have a 23 year old TB mare who does a great job 'nannying' by young fillies - she's ruling 6 x 3 year olds at the moment and keeping them in line! But the moment she starts to lose weight - or shows signs she is NOT staying 'on top' of the fillies, the vet will come!

Marble Arch has made a difficult - and brave - decision!
 
Another "yes" PTS. I will think of you on Wednesday and hope everything goes smoothly and peacefully for her and you. She is not young, she is a TB and sounds high maintainance, you have tried your best to solve her issues. She also sounds as if she has had enough.
Having done it twice I know how hard this is but you are making the bravest and kindest decision for her. ((( hugs ))).
 
This ^^^^^

What an awful situation but you are doing the right thing- why go through more heartache with her when you have done all you can? By having her PTS, as difficult as it is, you are setting her free from her problems and you know that you haven't passed her onto somebody else and an uncertain future, she's had a lovely life with you and you have done all you can. Best wishes x
 
I know this sounds odd at this stage but has the Saddle been checked ?? It can cause bolting bad tempererment rushing bucking anything really!

Sounds very similar to a horse I knew that sounds exactly like your tb, and it was the saddle and after that had changed it really changed the horse

It's a difficult situation must be really hard for you to make that descision
Especially when she is fit and healthy but dangerous you don't want anyone getting hurt

Good luck for Wednesday
 
Bless you, what had hard tome you are having. My old TB, was a demented nutcase when he came back from loan, luckily I was able to keep home and bring him back, not ridden but kept as a 'pet'.

Soo sad for you and your horse (((((( hugs)))))))
 
Yes, I think you are completely doing the right thing. I was in your position 2 years ago and made the decision to have my ex racer pts. I know it isnt an easy decision. Like you I tried EVERYTHING. When you come to the conclusion that its time to have a horse you love pts, then you know its the right time and you shouldnt doubt yourself. My ex racer was a lunatic on the ground too. He just used to explode for no reason and was dangerous to be anywhere near. Its only afterwards that I finally appreciated that I was lucky not to be killed. My friends were terrified for me and couldnt understand why I kept trying with him. A friend said to me at the time about my horse - "if it was a dangerous dog then you wouldnt hesitate to put him down"We think he had a brain tumour as all the symptoms matched, but we never did a biopsy as I just wanted closure.
I think you are making the right decision. If you need to pm someone who has been in exactly the same position, then please feel free to pm me.
Dont doubt yourself, and remember two things-
- your safety is more important than anything.
and
- Horses are expensive and time consuming and are supposed to be fun, not scary. You should be having fun with a horse and doing the things that you want to be doing

Big hugs xx
 
I am so please I joined this forum. Thank you all so very much. I will come online on Wednesday evening and letyou know how it all went. I feel awful and such a state of dread. I feel my whole life will change now and its quite frightening.
 
Kirsty+Java said:
I know this sounds odd at this stage but has the Saddle been checked ?? It can cause bolting bad tempererment rushing bucking anything really!

Sounds very similar to a horse I knew that sounds exactly like your tb, and it was the saddle and after that had changed it really changed the horse

It's a difficult situation must be really hard for you to make that descision
Especially when she is fit and healthy but dangerous you don't want anyone getting hurt

Good luck for Wednesday
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I asked butwas ignored (or not seen) too. OP have you checked her saddle? Badly fitting saddles can cause exactly this behaviour. I have known horses crippled by saddles even that have been fitted by master saddlers.
 
Yes you are thinking in a very mature and logical way which when mixed with love and emotions is very difficult. But you are securing a safe future for your old horse and friend and not having her passed around pillar to post.

On another note how lovely it is to hear and read comments from so many other sensible and logical thinking horse owners - it's lovely to think that there are so many 'good' people out there, we all try to look after our horses in the best possibly way and all our ideas are slighly different from others but when the crunch comes we all agree on the base line .............. big hugs to all !
 
Wagtail said:
That's exactly what I asked butwas ignored (or not seen) too. OP have you checked her saddle? Badly fitting saddles can cause exactly this behaviour. I have known horses crippled by saddles even that have been fitted by master saddlers.
Click to expand...

I have checked her saddle. I wasn't ignoring you I just missed this part of your reponse.
 
Sounds like a sensible option to me.
She is now 24 so had a nice long life.
If she isn't safe for handling and riding then it is best for her and everyone involved.
You have had her 7/8 years not as though she hasn't had a chance, and you have only had her a few months.
Plenty of ex racers make amazing riding horses, some just never adjust to life on the outside.
I'd give her a few good weeks on good grass and then have her PTS.

You are sensible. Some horses just stuck firmly in thier ways.
 
You are doing the right thing without a doubt.
You have given this mare 6 years of chances. With someone else she may well have been passed from pillar to post.
I am sure you have given her every chance and the best life possible with you and you are doing the responsible thing by this mare by having her PTS. I had my mare PTS in September and as much as it is devastating I assure you it is a very quiet and quick affair, horse doesn't know what is happening.
It is a hard decision but stick to your guns. I am pretty sure you don't know what life the mare had in her early years but it sounds like it was hard and the poor horse just can't forget whats happened :(
Have a good comfort eat and cry, say your goodbyes with the comfort that you are doing the right thing, without a doubt.
Izzi xx
 
I have not read all the replies, but in all hoonesty i think you are doing the best, most caring thing you can for your mare.
It is never an easy decision to make but do remember that she will go to sleep in surroundings tht she knows, and no harm will ever come to her again.
Not sure where you are based but i am here if you ever want to talk
 
Hi Marble Arch,

I have the same problem with my mare. She is a 12 year old sports horse and has bolted twice with me and i mean bolt not running away with me! Nobody at my yard will ride out with me either as they think she is dangerous! Worse thing is she is only 12 nobody knows your horse better than you. I have had to retire her as i have no one to ride with . What i am trying to say is whatever you choose it is your decision and absolutely nothing to do with anyone else. Good luck hun i just wanted you to no you are not alone x
 
skydancer said:
Hi Marble Arch,

I have the same problem with my mare. She is a 12 year old sports horse and has bolted twice with me and i mean bolt not running away with me! Nobody at my yard will ride out with me either as they think she is dangerous! Worse thing is she is only 12 nobody knows your horse better than you. I have had to retire her as i have no one to ride with . What i am trying to say is whatever you choose it is your decision and absolutely nothing to do with anyone else. Good luck hun i just wanted you to no you are not alone x
Click to expand...

Thank you again for all your support. I am go ahead with it tomorrow. It will happen at 11am.
 
Well done for coming to such a brave decision. A friend of mine did exactly this last year. Of course, it was tough but the right thing to do and she can see this clearly now.

Lucky mare having you take responsibility for her. Good luck tomorrow.
 
If we choose to keep horses, or any animal, we have a responsibility for them right up to the end. Horses live in the now, not the future or the past, and having her PTS in these circumstances, is the most sensible, responsible, rational and kind thing you can do for your horse.

I agree totally with your decision.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top