If you were told you're unlikely to be able to ride your horse again

Kokopelli

Kokopelli

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What would you do?

In a very tough situation I love Andy to bits he's the best thing that's ever happened but at 13 its unlikely I'll be able to ride him again. If it was up to me I would keep him until he started getting worse and give him the best retirement you can imagine.

But my mum who is brilliantly supportive helps me out a lot with his keep, he's an expensive horse to keep who needs a lot of feed and various drugs and on minimum wage I can just about to afford to keep Louie and part of Andy. I'm also off to uni in September so no doubt will need help to get through that and although my parents can afford it I don't feel comfortable leaving him in their care as they help me out enough as it is. He's not going on loan after what happened in the summer and the vet believes the loaner was the trigger for his problems. I think I genuinely need to consider the option no one likes to think about.

To make things more difficult he looks perfectly happy and healthy and is very much enjoying himself and doesn't look a day over 7.

I don't know what to do and just want the best for him but at the same time I can't bring myself around to putting down such a happy animal.
 
Unfortunately this is a decision only you can make.

Can I just say though it is a complete credit to you that you respect what your parents do for you and Andy and not wish to 'put on' them more than's fair and also that regardless of your decision you ARE putting Andy 1st although its hard- I've been there recently.

I know what my decision would be knowing everything you've been through from reading your posts on here - take care.
 
Would he cope with retirement livery? These can be c.£30 a week (if that is realistic for you/ your parents)
I guess his medication makes him unsuitable for the blood bank
If he can't be loaned/ rehomed as a companion (sounds tricky given his nutritional and medical needs) and you can't afford to keep him there is probably only one realistic option (as you allude to) and while it will be very sad for you it's the ultimate decision responsible owners have to make
 
What are his problems? My now eighteen year old mare was written off by the vets 3 years ago, but I am back riding her now and she feels better than ever. Personally, I couldn't have a healthy happy horse PTS unless the only other option was a cruel future. How big is he? Could he go to the bloodbank?
 
He's a very fine 14.3 so blood bank isn't an option. He's got various issues with his liver and not getting on with the drugs to help. He also wouldnt suit being a companion as he's a stress head and I don't think I'd be happy with him in someones else's care.

Retirement livery is definitely an option especially once Louie has sold it could definitely be an option. Will have a look at some local ones.

Thanks for kind words everyone, I was concerned about posting as I didn't want abuse. We got a couple of other different routes to go down before he's completely written off so I hope they work but have to consider they won't.
 
Kokopelli said:
He's a very fine 14.3 so blood bank isn't an option. He's got various issues with his liver and not getting on with the drugs to help. He also wouldnt suit being a companion as he's a stress head and I don't think I'd be happy with him in someones else's care.

Retirement livery is definitely an option especially once Louie has sold it could definitely be an option. Will have a look at some local ones.

Thanks for kind words everyone, I was concerned about posting as I didn't want abuse. We got a couple of other different routes to go down before he's completely written off so I hope they work but have to consider they won't.
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Do his liver issues prevent him being ridden? One of my liveries had problems with his liver. It was only found once he had a bone scan, the liver was lit up like a red hot beakon. Thankfully he did recover after several months of intensive drug therapy and is now back being ridden and has been fine for nearly three years. Don't give up hope.
 
It's causing him pain atm when being ridden especially when girthing up. I thought it was his ulcers from the way he was behaving so was surprised to hear it was his liver. Where he was tensing and reacting to the pain he also managed to hurt his back so also treating that.

We have a few options left he was given new medication yesterday and the vet is out monday to check up on how it's going so hoping he's finally on something he's not having a reaction to. Thanks for the support wagtail.
 
I have some who can never be ridden again and I'm happy to keep them as pasture puffs, however, I own my own land and they are not on any medication. Different scenarios here. I think very much along the same vein as Wagtail with respects to putting horses down, but in your case, I'm actually for once unsure of what I'd do if Andy were mine. I find making the decision to PTS very easy when it's black and white, you are in a very grey area and that always causes confusion. I strongly suspect I'd be in the same dilemma as you are. Hoping for a cure, trying a whole pile of whatever may help, retire and see what happens and if no success then always having the possibility of PTS in the back of my mind. I think I'd wait and see what the spring/summer brings. September is a fair way away and I wouldn't rush into making any decision right now as a lot can change during this time-frame. My best wishes to you whatever you do.
 
This is your choice as his owner.
If you decide to take the desision to PTS I would consider that a perfectly responsible and ok thing to do .
You have time and as you say other routes to explore before you need to decide I hope things sort themselves for you but I would never criticise an owner who makes the difficult choice to PTS a much loved horse.
I PTS one a year and a half ago 1/10 lame rising 20 lameness did not respond to anti inflammatories had lost his sparkle and position as field boss looked dull and withdrawn many people would think that was unfair but I just felt the time was right.
Best wishes what ever you do.
 
We kept our old TB for several years after my daughter stopped riding him. Like yours he was a bit of a money pit but we talked about it alot and we both knew he was never going to get better and would also at sometime get a lot worse.
We didn't put any pressure on our selves but we both knew at some point he had to go and he did one sunny day with a carrot in his mouth in his paddock at home with his friends.
We still miss him but neither myself or my daughter regret it, we did what was best for all of us. Never let anyone make you feel guilty for deciding when its time, its your horse and you love him and you will do whats best.
I had to have his mate PTS in the snow suddenly , its alot easier when thre is no real choice but most times lifes not like that.
 
I had to retire my horse when she was 16 due to severe arthritis. She lived for a further 6 years with a good quality of life, but she was struggling at the start of this winter, so had to do the final act of love and say goodbye. During the 6 years, I kept her at a DIY livery and was able to afford this, and although some would say I was wasting my money keeping a horse I couldn't ride, first and foremost, she was my pet and I loved her. Quality of life for the horse comes first with me, but then my circumstances were such that I didn't compete, and although I loved hacking her out, I certainly didn't want to get another horse to ride. People were very kind and offered me horses to ride, but to be honest, I couldn't face it...
Such a difficult decision you have to make. Wouldn't life be easier if we all had our own land and stables, and could happily let our horses retire in comfort?
 
I guess is basically boils down to money? Most things do.

Im afraid I could not justify having a very expensive-to-keep horse on livery. The fact he also can't be ridden makes it worse.

Id look at cheaper options for keeping him. Maybe a stud or retirement livery? If it was something I could afford I would not begrudge it in the slightest but I wouldn't be willing to bankrupt myself to keep a horse, even a ridden one.

To me having him PTS would be a very viable option. He won't know a thing about it so it's only sad for you. If he's also in pain it would make the decision easier.

What a horrible situation to be in and you really have my sympathy. :( I hope you can make a decision you're ok with.
 
I was given this news six years prior to PTS. I turned mine out and he got better a year later(we tried on and off then got a lighter rider who rode lighter for another 5 years). As far as I was concerned he was retired but was never really the same for me. Had PTS end of 2012.

I suppose if the horse had a job as a companion I would keep or offer as exactly that if they are excellent to DO. If they are a little ****** and vast expensive drugs I suppose rather than risk ending up in horrid horse sale , shipped off abroad to go in a Tesco Burger I would have PTS.

I think the decision if you cannot afford anymore is yours, but dont get another if you cannot afford as you could end up in this situation again. But good luck whatever you decide.
 
I'm going to say something which may be unpopular. However, if at present you and your parents can afford to keep both horses then I dont see how amything has changed. Simply retire him to the field under your care. Give him the summer at home with you, and if that works only then think about a retirement home (poasibly, and with caution).
 
Liver problems are a major and very painful for the poor horse. IMO it is in HIS interests for you to make the dreadful decision and end his suffering.....it is the responsible thing to do. Remember horses don't think like us. They live in the moment and a quick end in his paddock is the kindest thing to do often. Better a week too early than an hour too late... Cyber hugs....
 
If it was just a case of him being able to be chucked out to enjoy his retirement I'd probably do that but presumably he will need liver medication for the rest of his life? If it got to the stage where he was costing a lot to keep and could not be ridden I would think I would pts. Possibly easier said than done.
 
In your position I think pts is a very viable option. It's not the worst thing to happen to a horse by a long chalk.

Can't remember if you said but is turning him away completely for a year or so an option? It's amazing what dr green can do for a horse.

But if you decide to pts, I don't think it would be a wrong decision for him.
 
xspiralx said:
In your position I think pts is a very viable option. It's not the worst thing to happen to a horse by a long chalk.

Can't remember if you said but is turning him away completely for a year or so an option? It's amazing what dr green can do for a horse.

But if you decide to pts, I don't think it would be a wrong decision for him.
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This, he will not know he is being PTS, he will just be here and then not here. And wont reach the stage of starting to suffer.

I would however see if there is an affordable grass livery to see if a year of that makes big differences to him.
 
Having seen my daughters competition pony detest being retired, I don't think retirement to grass livery is always the answer.
There is no straight answer, it depends on your circumstances as well as whats is best for Andy.
I think, practically speaking, having horses in two different places can be stressful when there are other things in life to do as well.
I know how hard it is for a good owner to make these decisions, but no one ever feels regret for having its earlier, rather than later.
x
 
I guess it comes down to finances / how he copes on new drugs / whether you can find a nice retirement livery for him.

I'm lucky enough to keep all my horses / ponies @ a yard where there's a herd of oldies / broken ex competition horses who get a daily food & drugs run so keeping my very old mare going (she's been retired for 8 years) has just been a case of funding it. I've really not had to worry about the care she gets &, as my others are on the same yard, checking up on her is easy.

This year, she hasn't coped with wintering out so is now in, on full livery & loving the room service. I don't think she'll do another year as she's very creaky with almost no teeth, but she's happy at the moment & I'd like her to have the opportunity to spend a spring & summer with her herd.
 
You poor thing having to put yourself through this! I had a TB who I had to retire due to a bad heart, he literally went wobbly one day undersaddle to be told his heart murmour was very severe! We had him on livery 4 miles away from home for 3 yrs, then one day he started drinking lots of water ( was probably just a kidney infection) due to blood pressure etc, but I made the decision there and there to have him PTS, was like the excuse I needed, poor boy!
What is wrong with Andy's liver? Does he have a curable problem, does he have a tumour? If you don't know I guess this would be what you need to find out, if it's going to get worse then it's very feesable to PTS due to pain! XX If you are going to say, I wonder if he would have got better, you might punish yourself X
 
If its liver is he likely to improve due to its regeneration capacities regardless of whether he is responding to the drugs well? Obviously I don't know how far gone it is but would think it might be worth giving him some time on that front? Obviously without all the info/not being a vet I might be completely wrong on that but just that if he is comfy in the field I don't think I would rush making a decision. Is louie not owned by someone else?
 
I have the same kind of decision my exracer. At the moment he is in a cheap retirement field which is luckily down the road from me. I don't think I would have been happy with one that i couldn't check him daily in. At the moment he does not need medication, but if he became in any pain or discomfort I think honestly i would put to sleep. If I had tons of money for the best treatments and my own land I would do more, but I think you have to look realistically at your situation and take comfort in the fact you did your best and as much as you could and he had a great life so far thanks to your love.
 
I agree with what Ester has said, I would have to know what is causing the liver problem and if there is a chance of it recovering!
Is he on any sort of liver tonic eg. Restore by Global Herbs, Remount by Trinity Consultants or any herbal remedies such as milkthistle, dandelion?
In the past I had a horse with heart failure who had secondary liver failure, I tried to save him, but could not and I really wished I had pts at the beginning!
I am sorry this has happened to your boy, such a great little horse, I really hope something can be done for him! x
 
OP I know totally how you feel. In October I got my horses back checked as I knew he was a little sore- I was shocked when my back lady refused to treat him any further due to the pain he was in (bearing in mind id been riding him lightly with no real issues) Xrays showed he had a kissing spine under his saddle which in theory can be treated but he's also smashed up his wither which hasn't healed correctly and cant be treated. So seriously he is highly unlikely to be ridden again.
Currently he's being kept the same, he comes in at night and in foul weather (this is too save my small field) so he costs the same Ive also kept front shoes on as his feet get sore.
Its all very well to say if I could afford to keep him before I can afford him now but my problem is I couldn't. Ive already cut back by moving from a yard to a rented field but had been desperately advertising for a sharer/loaner for him for the past year...Obviously this isn't going to happen now and I find myself with a generally healthy horse who looks fine and sometimes is happy to mooch in the field but its a huge struggle and one im having to seriously consider his future. I cant afford retirement livery so that's not an option.
Good luck with your decision whichever way you go its not going to be easy xx
 
I think like others have said it depends a lot on finances and if your horse is comfortable.

If my pony was comfortable and not in pain and I could afford the medication and cost of his care then it would not be a question as I consider him a companion animal to myself so I enjoy grooming him and spending time with him as well as riding. If he could do some in hand exercises then I would be able to do these as well to help keep his weight under control, which would be the most likely problem I woud have if he can't be ridden.

In your situation where you have already loaned him out so not using him as such as either a ridden horse or companion to yourself then it is more tricky as if he was fit to ride you might have sold him or loaned him anyway.

I think the situation is for you and your family to make jointly as they are paying part of the costs of keeping him it maybe they have a stronger emotional attachment to him than you expect.

As for cheap retirement homes I would be very wary unless you are in a situation to be able to visit on a regular basis, I would say £30 a week would not be enough to support a poor doer even living out unless the grazing was good all year round as it likely they are going to need additional feeding especially if there is snow or poor weather.
 
If I were you, I would sell the other horse at the end of the summer, which is healthy and saleable to cut costs, then give Andy a bit more time, see how he is at the end of the winter... You're going to be at uni and busy, so it won't matter if you can't compete as much, and anyway, with your B test under your belt, you would be a highly desireable sharer..

ps. I wouldn't put a horse like Andy on grass livery for all the tea in China, he wouldn't cope and it would be cruel.
 
Thanks for all your comments have read them all and taken it in.

Yep no way Andy would cope on grass livery he needs to be in a routine where he is coming into his stable yet still have enough time in the field.

Louie isn't a huge issue he's with me to sell on before uni but if he doesn't sell no big deal as is owner will have him back but hopefully it won't come to that. Once louie is sold it wi be a lot easier as I will be able to pay for the majority of Andy but worried over who would look after him. My sharere is brilliant and can do 3-4 days a week sowhile I'm at uni will just need the other days covered which I mah end up having to pay RI.

Vet doesn't seem to think it will heal on its own, if this medication doesn't work I'll have him on milk thistle, he's one this anyway. Seeing he vet tomorrow so will let you all know how it goes. Thank you very much for your advice and support I will keep you updated.
 
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