I was given a horse over the age of 20 FOR FREE!!!!!

[ausipaliboi]

Truly couldn't help myself after reading that other thread.

When I was 17 I was given a horse for free. He was rescued from an abusive home having been neglected for many years. I was told he was about 15 though after 6 months of having him found out he was late 20's when he came home with me.

I knew bugger all about horses, worked casually for very little money and went into the situation blindly.

Fast forward 7 years and I stood beside my beloved boy when he was injected and sent over the rainbow bridge. I was distraught but completely at peace knowing that I had done everything I could have ever done for my old boy and he truly lived his golden years the way he deserved.

The stories I could tell you... Not about my old boy, fill in the blanks as you wish, the line above should tell you all you needed to know about me and him.

The stories I refer to are about people and their opinions. People who openly criticized me, spoke badly of my 'one hoof in the ground' worthless horse and yet blantently mistreated their horses in public and were allowed to get away with it because 'they knew what they were doing with a difficult animal'.

I learnt a long time ago that *almost* everyone in the horse world has their own opinion (and are not afraid of shoving it in unwantedly) and do not hesitate to tell you their way is the only right way of doing everything. There is however, another very small, very random group of people who keep their mouths shut, go about things their own way and do the very best they can for their horses (or other assorted animals) whatever their circumstances.

If you openly condemming a person without knowing their situation makes you feel all warm and cosy inside because 'you did the right thing' then truly, I feel sorry for you.

Congratulations to the new owners of what sounds like a lovely old mare, hugs to the owner who had to let her go and best wishes for a wonderful future for all concerned.

 

[Tickles]

ausipaliboi I don't believe that these 'give away's, even to inexperienced owners, have to end in disaster. But I do believe it probably makes it slightly more likely than selling a younger horse that can 'earn' its retirement with a new owner.

There will always be people who can't/won't afford to give an animal the (sometimes expensive) things it needs and see a 'free' one as a good option.

I'm pleased that your situation worked out.

I hope that others will too as I personally don't like healthy (or, more importantly, happy) animals being PTS for financial reasons. But I'd do everything I could to avoid having to give away an animal to prevent that.

 

[penhwnllys_stardust]

Well done for giving that horse the life it deserved while it was with you. I know freebies can work out I've seen horses being sold for £1 so it's legal and both horse and owner have gone on to share many happy years together but there are those at the other end of the spectrum (sp?) which it doesn't work out for. I won't judge someones personal situation so quickly next time but I still think advertising a horse as free to good home on facebook is more likely to end badly, but that's just my opinion sorry if you didn't want to hear it.

 

[Spring Feather]

Just how I feel. Well written, could have been written by my own hand as I've been down that road many a time too There's lots like this, we're not special, we're not so few or far between yet the constant knee-jerk negativity and jumping on the doom and gloom wagon on this forum just has to dampen any possible happy ending before it's even concluded. Ye we know that some horses do end up in not great situations but some don't. My cup is half full, seems many on here run on dregs...

 

[Fii]

There are hundreds of stories like yours, free old horse spends last years in perfect retirement home.......... unfortunately there are hundreds of stories also of old horses being passed from pillar too post, via good meaning people who cant bear to pts, too dead end dealers, markets, and so forth, steadily getting thinner and weaker until one day they find themselves , if they are lucky, on their last lorry ride to potters. And if they arent lucky..... it doesnt bear thinking about!!
You only have to look in the horse markets to see some poor old horse waiting to die, after serving their human master faithfully for years....
If you are willing to take on an old horse, then well done you, but dont condemn people who get angry about someone who wont do the right thing by their old ones!!

 

[Goldenstar]

Good post sums it all up.

 

[Shantara]

I love posts like this
So sorry you lost your boy, but I'm sure he was at peace when he left *hugs* It really sounds like you were a fab owner!

I wish I could take on an old horse, but sadly I can't At least not yet. Perhaps when I'm older myself and have a bit more cash

 

[ausipaliboi]

Fi-ling festive, I absolutely agree with you. I can't look at advertisements (free or not) without thinking oh I wish I could bundle them up and bring them home to treat them the way they deserved to be treated.

My feelings per my original post are not aimed just at the oldies though they do steal my heart far quicker than the younger ones.

I refer not just to the oldies but to all horses really. Through the years I have watched the horse world around me I have seen all sorts of things to make my stomach roll, involving old and young horses alike. Anger and disgust did no good and only gave me a sick feeling inside. I generally feel as much disgust at the offending people as I do myself for being incapable of usefully interveening.

When I am asked to I will do anything and everything within my power to help horse and owner. This rarely happens and leaves me with no other choice but to turn my back and walk away, saying a prayer that I can only hope is answered.

Our world is far from perfect, but I make mine as safe as possible so that at least there is one horse and one pony who will not end up the way others will.

 

[ausipaliboi]

I forgot to say to penhwnllys_stardust, I appreciate your opinion and I thank you for sharing it with me.

 

[5horses2dogsandacat]

What a lovely post, and sums things up rather well. It does make me sad to see horses that end up at market because they are past their best and the owner doesn't have any sentiment towards them. But then you have the happy stories, where things work out.

It such a horrid situation to be in but I feel more anger with the people breeding with their eyes shut to the situation and those who will run a horse into the ground in its first early years and then end up with aged horse. I think many can keep going well into their later years if respected in their younger
Xx

 

[5horses2dogsandacat]

I meant to say I am sorry about your old boy but very happy he was a lucky one.

Also about advertising on Facebook .. sometimes there are people like me who don't know a large amount of the equine community and the only way they can contact others is through Facebook. Maybe I just need to get out more lol Xx

 

[BlackVelvet]

Really nice story, sorry to hear you lost him. But good on you for ensuring he had the nice life towards the end,

I got my older gelding from a riding school, who previously bought him from the sales and previous to that he had been on a horse box heading for the slaughter houses. No one ever gave him a chance even though he is the most honest and brave horse I have ever come across. I was pretty much handed him, because he had sweetitch!! I made him a 'horsey promise' that he would have a home for life, and 8 years later hes still with me.

 

[Oliver12]

I've just been given a 24 year old Highland pony. He'll be a companion to my retired 20 year old TB and keeps my Irish Draught in check. I also have a 22 year old pony on loan to a lovely lady in Wales so I know what it feels like to be in both situations. I am lucky as I'm able to rent 12 acres of very good grazing cheaply. I would not be able to keep these horses in even a DIY yard due to the cost. I would certainly try to find an older horse a good home before deciding to put to sleep but I can never understand owners who loan/giveaway a horse and then not check regularly on them. My pony's owner has not been to see him either.

 

[c2b]

For those that CAN'T keep their older horses my heart goes out to them. For those who WON'T keep their older horses I have nothing that wouldn't get me banned from here to say. I believe we have a duty to think about what will happen when they can no longer work and make plans for that when we take on a horse.

I have pretty much always been firmly in the pts if you can't Or won't keep your older horse. However I have recently had a bit of a rethink.

My mare is currently in a field on her own after the other mare (not mine) moved on. She has a new mare joining her in the new year but for now she is on her own. She seems ok, I have seen her lying down, she is eating and not stressing out.
On Sunday my non horsey OH came to the field with me. She followed him all round the field. He was overjoyed. I happened to mention that I thought she was lonely.
He now wants to get another one. Not just any horse. An older one that we can give a good last few years to. HE is trying to convince me we can afford it (we can't )
I think I have done too good a job on him telling him about the plight of older horses that need a home. I just said if we were getting another horse then it costs the same to have a horse that can be ridden as one that can't. His response was....but you already have something you can ride so why can't you help one that needs it, plus if it makes your mare happier then it's doing a job. Good point OH.

But it made me think....If I was prepared to take on an older horse there must be others out there that would. ...

I would still have my mare pts rather than take the risk of her ending up somewhere she shouldn't if my circumstances changed and I really couldn't keep her. That is unlikely to happen and I already have plans in place for if the worst case scenario should happen.

 

[thatsmygirl]

I love my old free pony and when the time comes for him to leave me I will look for another free boy to live his life out within my herd. I hate all this pts at a drop off the hat and I will say it again " horses which are sold have just as much chance off a bad home"

 

[Spotsrock]

Lottie will be PTS before she ever leaves me. She is still in light work but we know her limits. She is 32 in the spring but chubby and looks great. She genuinly looks about 19/20 and her teeth make her early 20's.

If I were to sell her/give her away in good faith, I would always worry that someone would sell her on as she looks younger than she is, works a lovely outline, does a mean dressage test and loves a blast and is great in traffic, would be worth a comparable lot as a first horse for a novice if sold as 18 - 20.

BUT she can't always handle a good blast as she is not always quick enough to stay on her feet if she trips and she gets uncomfortable after about 25 mins schooling but is too well mannered to mis-behave, you have to really know her to see the signs.

She also has artheritis, managed with equine america buteless at present, mild cushings, no treatment required at moment but careful attention to her rugging, and pyometra, which needs careful monitoring. - None of which is apparent when you look at her so would not nec be disclosed if she were sold on

With me she has earnt her retirement, she just enjoys pottering about with kids/novices so while she can I let her. When she no longer can I will PTS as she gets depressed out of work completely. She works less than once a week at present most weeks! If I passed her on she would owe no one anything.

I also wouldn't want to take her away from her herd and throw her into something new as her sight is not 100% though I am happy to move yards if my finances/circumstances require it, the whole herd comes though.

Can't imagine passing her on. When she was younger I would have loaned her out if my finances had failed but I could never have given her away! That said I understand that it is hard to PTS a healthy horse and people genuinely think they are doing the best for their horse. Some do work out well.

I gifted a 16 y/o mare to someone who had her on loan for over 6 months though and that did not go well.

 

[ArabianGold]

I had an older horse given to me once, he stayed with me till the end and he went over the rainbow. I have just got a 15 year old TB and I know she will have a home for life whatever happens. I don't understand how people can just sell horses on because you can't ride them, A horse gives you everything they have and when it's not right people sell them on its mean and heartless.

I would never be without my mare even if it mean't I couldn't ride I would still enjoy her company every day.

 

[Lolo]

When I turned 14, I got Cheeky on permanent loan. He was about to turn 22, and although well loved and well cared for, he was poor (he dropped weight very quickly if he wasn't in work). I was very nervy, and he was a TB who'd spent the past 7 years team chasing and doing 'boy' things, and prior to that he'd been being a nutter!

He gave me the best few years of my life and gave me all the confidence in the world. I was terrified when I got him and when we cantered I held the pommel. Trotting poles reduced me to tears. Within 3 months we went round an XC course, and by the end of the year we did a 2'6 ODE. I had the pleasure of owning him for nearly 5 years before we had him PTS when his arthritis caught up with him. He was truly priceless, and worth his weight in gold many times over and it was an absolute privilege to be allowed to have such fun with him.

About to do the stressage at an ODE. He's 25/26 in that photo, and I'm 16 or so...

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/36692_1504761786104_1446041645_31335701_6319198_n.jpg
Only a link to this one, but him at 27 in a jump off for the 2'9 class. We came 2nd- he was an absolute speed demon and very clever with it!

 

[ausipaliboi]

Thanks so much to everyone for sharing your stories, loved them - and gorgeous photos as well

I was chatting to the lady who owns the pony mare (paddock mate to my horse), we rarely see each other and I look after her mare like she is my own. She reminded me about the history of her mare which I'd like to share.

Many many years ago Sue owned a mare called Lady and bred her resulting in a little grey filly called Chippy. Sue retained the filly for a few years before selling her to a family with children. Lady passed away from old age and is buried in the paddock.

About 4 years ago Sue got a phone call from the family, they no longer had a use for Chippy and offered to sell her back to Sue for a very low price including all the gear they had accumulated with her, they didn't want to sell her to another home where she would be competed. At the time I still had my old boy (had not been ridden in years) and Sue had a 16yr old TB who was not ridden due to bad feet and arthritis. She was telling me about the offer and couldn't make up her mind. I told her for such a low price she'd be nuts to refuse. A week later Chippy returned to the paddock she had been born in.

5 months later I brought my current horse home and we were trying to figure out what to do with 4 horses in a small paddock especially because Sue's TB kept trying to beat up my new horse. Funny how fate works things out...

3 months after getting my new horse my old boy went to the paddock in the sky. 6 months after that the TB became ill and died overnight.

Which leaves Chippy and Squiz happy in their paddock together. Chippy turned 28 in September this year and you wouldn't know it to look at her. I take her out for random rides and have to hold her back because she just wants to run!!

See, I really am a sucker for the oldies lol, one more story to add to the happy ending series!!

 

[MrsElle]

I was given a 27 year old mare, Ellie. We very sadly had to have her put to sleep last year when she was 29 years old. She was still ridden for the first year I had her, just at a walk as we pootled around the lanes and bridlepaths. People told me I was stupid taking on such an old horse who was in poor condition when I got her, but we got her to full health and she gave me so much confidence, something I was lacking in following bad experiences with a completely mental loan horse.

Unfortunately she was attacked by a dog in 2009 and went rapidly downhill. We struggled on for a year until I saw that she was getting tired and nearing the end.

I would take on another oldie in a heartbeat if I had the space.

RIP Ellie.

Bloody hell, I'm crying now, the cat is licking my face and making me laugh at the same time!

 

[Nannon]

My first proper pony was given to me for free by the riding school I used to loan him from over the winter, after the second winter I was so upset at him having to go back there they let me have him aged 22. He had a wonderful 5 years with us being spoilt rotten and doing pony club until he dislocated his hip in the field aged 27 and despite the vets best efforts and an operation 3 months later he dislocated again and had to be put to sleep. He was the best pony in the world for me and the vet loved him so much he cancelled all his vets bills!

 

[RoobyDoobs]

What lovely stories! I have a beautiful ID x cob who, at 14, has a long life ahead of him.... And it will be with me and me only. I bought him six months ago and he is absolutely the love of my horsey life. I know that as and when the time comes, his comfort and happiness will be my number one priority. I would never, ever do anything to disrespect his giving, forgiving nature. He amazes me every day and I will be in awe of him for the rest of my life.

All the very best of luck to the OP, and to others who take on the oldies giving them the respect and love they so deserve, and when I have a piece of land and stables or field shelters of my own in the next year or so, I will most certainly be looking for some oldies to come and keep me (not far off being an oldie) and mine company!!!!

 

[cc14]

I sense this may have been prompted by my post on the other thread...people do start threads with this title after all!

Sorry to hear about your boy, but lovely to hear about someone who doesnt conform and agree with the "I cant look after it so I assume nobody else will be able to so I will now PTS"

 

[Fii]

I sense this may have been prompted by my post on the other thread...people do start threads with this title after all!

Sorry to hear about your boy, but lovely to hear about someone who doesnt conform and agree with the "I cant look after it so I assume nobody else will be able to so I will now PTS"

FFS! its not about assuming nobody else can look after it, its about doing the right thing by an old horse.
There are plenty of people who could look after my old nag, i just dont want to take the chance they might be the wrong people! He is my responsability.
And i am not condemning the people who do take on oldies, good on you!!

 

[cc14]

Fii-ling Festive - not condemning your view in the slightest, more aimed towards the people who launch into an abusive posting session as soon as someone suggests they may have to consider selling their horse, for whatever reason at whatever age (age is just the key topic on this particular thread). My sisters 15 year old eventer has severe tendon damage and it is likely that he will not event again, but make a superb school master for someone. She is only 15 herself and an incredible eventer, but according to many people on here she should now keep this horse until the time comes for PTS, or just do it now. Why, when he could make someone else so happy and teach so much, should she keep him for the rest of his life instead of persuing her eventing? Parents could never afford two, she would not have the time.

Could go on and on and on with examples, you get my drift.

 

[cbmcts]

No Claudia, what she could do is loan him out so that he always has the back up of his original home if the tendon injury gets worse and as he ages. That's taking responsibility for an animal who is no longer at 100% fitness IMHO.

I do understand that not every horse can be kept forever but I do think that old/injured etc animals need special consideration and thought before that are moved on.

 

[M_G]

Truly couldn't help myself after reading that other thread.

When I was 17 I was given a horse for free. He was rescued from an abusive home having been neglected for many years. I was told he was about 15 though after 6 months of having him found out he was late 20's when he came home with me.

I knew bugger all about horses, worked casually for very little money and went into the situation blindly.

Fast forward 7 years and I stood beside my beloved boy when he was injected and sent over the rainbow bridge. I was distraught but completely at peace knowing that I had done everything I could have ever done for my old boy and he truly lived his golden years the way he deserved.

The stories I could tell you... Not about my old boy, fill in the blanks as you wish, the line above should tell you all you needed to know about me and him.

The stories I refer to are about people and their opinions. People who openly criticized me, spoke badly of my 'one hoof in the ground' worthless horse and yet blantently mistreated their horses in public and were allowed to get away with it because 'they knew what they were doing with a difficult animal'.

I learnt a long time ago that *almost* everyone in the horse world has their own opinion (and are not afraid of shoving it in unwantedly) and do not hesitate to tell you their way is the only right way of doing everything. There is however, another very small, very random group of people who keep their mouths shut, go about things their own way and do the very best they can for their horses (or other assorted animals) whatever their circumstances.

If you openly condemming a person without knowing their situation makes you feel all warm and cosy inside because 'you did the right thing' then truly, I feel sorry for you.

Congratulations to the new owners of what sounds like a lovely old mare, hugs to the owner who had to let her go and best wishes for a wonderful future for all concerned.

What a lovely post.. No one is born knowing everything and we all start off with little if any knowlege, Looking after an older horse is a task of true love and devotion without (usually) the riding but these oldies are wonderful and do deserve some love and TLC before they go

 

[cc14]

No Claudia, what she could do is loan him out so that he always has the back up of his original home if the tendon injury gets worse and as he ages. That's taking responsibility for an animal who is no longer at 100% fitness IMHO.

I do understand that not every horse can be kept forever but I do think that old/injured etc animals need special consideration and thought before that are moved on.

She would only ever sell him to someone through word of mouth, well vetted home and being completely honest about his situation etc, but reality is loaning out would still mean parents are not in a position to buy another and I fully support the fact that she deserves the chance to keep going out and competing and advancing. Unfortunately not everyone is in a position to keep horses as theirs forever, but if people were not willing to sell their horses then a lot of us would not have the boys/girls we do now

 

[cbmcts]

She would only ever sell him to someone through word of mouth, well vetted home and being completely honest about his situation etc, but reality is loaning out would still mean parents are not in a position to buy another and I fully support the fact that she deserves the chance to keep going out and competing and advancing. Unfortunately not everyone is in a position to keep horses as theirs forever, but if people were not willing to sell their horses then a lot of us would not have the boys/girls we do now

TBF I doubt a 15yo gelding with tendon damage would command a very high purchase price so it would be a surprise if his sale would finance a new competition horse! And once a horse has been sold or signed over to someone you have lost all say in what happens to them in the future - when it is a younger/fitter horse sold they have the opportunity to 'earn' their retirement with a new owner and as a result have a much better chance of a good future in that regard - but I firmly believe that the last owner of a horse that is has damaged himself or got old in their service has a bigger responsibility to that horse than they do to one that is fitter and/or younger. That isn't to say that you MUST keep them until the day they peacefully expire in the field (although I do!) but IMHO you should always be there to step in if they need you at a later date but you can't do that if they have been sold! If he is as reliable as you say then finding a 5* loan home won't be difficult so he won't cost your family anything to keep and you never know, you might find one of those wonderful and rare people that would retire him at their expense...but if you didn't, which would you prefer? To have to bring him home/make a tough decision to PTS or see a picture of him on a website like this as rescue case like the shires/ Carrot and Spud/Ruby or the countless other rescues that are flagged up on this forum alone? That probably won't happen but it is a risk that has to be considered.

Your sister may deserve the opportunity to compete but her horse also deserves a safe future. I really don't mean to be unsympathetic but if she is talented she will have opportunities to ride other horses and (guessing that if your parents are still paying the bills that you both are fairly young?) has time to spare i.e. go and work on an eventers yard, just one example. Having her own horse to ride isn't out of the question if she loans the previous horse out, he just has to remain a consideration...

I do understand that a 'home for life' isn't always an option and really don't have a problem with that but there is a point in every horses life when passing them on has to stop and somebody has to step up and take responsibility for the rest of their life, tough as it maybe.

 

[Bikerchickone]

Sorry but I have to say that there does come a point, in some cases where selling an older/injured horse on is the right thing to do. Horses, much as we all love them, aren't just pets, they are working animals who, generally are bought to serve a purpose. If the 15 year old ex eventer can be sold to a good home as a worthy schoolmaster and the proper care is taken, surely that is better than a young rider being wasted for want of a horse because they can't afford another? In the same circumstances I would sell to a well vetted home after a trial loan period.

The fact is many of us struggle to keep our horses and whilst I agree that they 'earn' their retirement, I don't think the case above is the same. I will never sell my cob, he's been with me for nearly 12 years and he'll be with me until the end, but when my daughter recently outgrew her teenaged welsh A it didn't make sense to keep her since she was ready to go on and teach another child everything she taught my daughter. Yes I could have kept her as a pet, but she isn't a pet, she's a pony who likes working, as this young girl probably likes her eventing. It was heartbreaking but we found a lovely home and the pony is doing really well.

I should add that I honestly don't agree with people having a horse whilst it's fit and useful and then carelessly passing it on as soon as it comes to a point where it can't work for them or anyone else anymore. My boy will be with me until his last day whether it be as a stunning riding horse or a four footed lawn mower, I accept that responsibility but still believe that not everyone who sells an older or less than 100% sound horse is in the wrong! IMHO.