Im trying to concentrate on the practicalities of pts

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poiuytrewq

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and struggling....

Right here are my problems which tbh im starting to panic a little over. My yard is a very sharp turn off a very narrow lane. Access is tight, there is however access which we can get tractors in and out of from a separate gate into the field.
I don't know what to do with my other horses. If I get this horse in before hand they all need to come in as he suffers the most severe separation anxiety. If there is a loud bang where's best for them to be. I worry they will hurt themselves.
He wont be led across a field as everyone keeps telling me by some random man- he just wont go. In fact its doubtful I could lead him alone across the field away from the others. If he does it will mean he will be highly agitated and upset which is the last thing I want.
I can take his pony friend over with him but this means being there myself and im not sure I can, but then I need to be there or he wont go.
Next problem is I keep psyching myself to make the call and its going through to answer phone, I don't want to leave a message as then they will call me when im not ready or am with people and I will have a complete melt down.
Maybe the vet would be better, can I hold him and his friend or can I just let his friend graze close by this way?
I didn't arrange the last two and this is almost tougher than a sudden thing.
I need to have a exact plan of whats going to happen and what it will cost, when I pay the man and I cant work it all out....starting to feel a bit hysterical about the whole thing
 
I'm sorry to be so blunt but are you planning for this horse to go to the hunt (I notice you are talking about a big bang that's all?)

If that is the case then could he be taken to them? I know of a few that will do that.

If you get the vet and injection then you can have his friend grazing nearby and someone would have to hold him.

I can understand why you are feeling a bit hysterical it's a horrible situation to be in.

Honestly I would just try to do whatever is going to be least stressfull for the horse. Hope you do manage to get things worked out.
 
I can't see any way that you can have the horse's friend with him if you are going to have him shot (sorry sounds a bit brutal just coming out with it like this). Is there no way you could have his friends standing on one side of the field fence and him on the other? That way if they get distressed by the gun going off then they can just run away.

If you want his friend with him in an area away from the field then lethal injection is really the only way to do it safely.
 
OK, deep breaths.((hugs))

I had mine done by injection-the vets organised the knackerman for me and would have done regardless of method, would your vet do this for you?

I was able to pay the man up front, over the phone by card-would yours be able to do this or take payment up front some other way?

Could horse go there? (is it the hunt?)

Our place has a drive that wasn't suitable for anything over a Luton size-maybe get someone to check with the company first?

Injection is OK, my vet sedated my boy first and it was very peaceful.Vet also bought a couple of students to help me and him-I was fine with that.Could your vet bring a nurse or student to help?

Can anyone help you with the other horses? Or be there with you?

http://www.bhs.org.uk/our-charity/p...se-owners-to-benefit-from-a-friend-at-the-end
 
From reading your post I think I would get the vet to do it and arrange a pick up time just after ( I book for half an hour after the vet) .
I have had many horses PTS at home and the bang does not do anything more than momentarily startle the others .
I bring all mine in and we do it on the drive way just out of sight of the stables I lead the horse myself and stand behind the vet until its done , as soon as the vet raises her hand I shut my eyes and I usually leave without looking .
I stay in the house until the horse has gone.
Just so you know in case you dont expect it , If you opt for shooting there's a little mess so you need to get a hose to the area for washing down after .
I put in out before hand and a brush so it's mainly done my the time I get back either by my kind vet or the whoever the hunt sends.
I have the day this happens planned ,I do it the same way every time it helps me it's like a little ritual.
 
He cant go to the hunt no, it has to be done at home. That's one thing I am absolutely sure of.
I had decided on the hunt purely because I've read so much on here about how instant it would be.
I thought being shot was best as he wont know, maybe not.
I need a good slap in all seriousness!
 
Just to add the hunt bills me afterwards the vet adds tit to that months bill.
If you can't manage get a friend with you on the day who can step in and take over if you can't cope .
I have done this for several people.
It's not a nice time but it's the last thing you do for them so they deserve you make it right.
 
You don't need a slap you need a plan that's all.
The advantage of the vet shooting the horse is that it can have a little sedation if necessary I get confidence from knowing that option is there if I feel we need to to.
My vet is my age and used to shooting some younger vets are not make sure you get the right person on the day.
It will of course increase the cost if thevet does the shooting verses the hunt .
 
It would be a lot simpler and less traumatic all round to get the vet to come and inject. They are usually sedated first and then given the injection. It is peaceful and I think quick. But then I didn't expect instant. The last horse PTS here could not move out of her stable and so we had her PTS by injection in the next stable to my mare, in full view through the 'talk' bars. My mare did not even pause whilst munching her hay and the horse had to stay in the next stable (dead) over night before she could be collected.

If you opt for the vet, there would be no mess, and if you are worried about access, then you could lead the horse down to the entrance with his friend alongside. There would be no frightening bang, and once the horse is sedated you could move the pony friend away a little bit to give the horse that is being PTS room to fall.
 
When my boy was pts at the end of June, I opted for the injection as I wanted to be there with him. The vet organised the whole thing and sent me a bill about six weeks later. The cost was around £550 for the injection and disposal, all in one bill, in case you want to know the cost implications. The disposal vehicle was about the size of a transit flat bed van with a low container on the back, so if that can fit into your driveway, then you will be fine.

For your situation, with a stressy horse, maybe the injection would be a good option as he will be sedated first and his friend can stay nearby.

Ask as many more questions as you like and I will answer any that I can from my experience.
Hugs ((()))
 
Check the increase in cost if you have injected our hunt charge more because they don't use the meat they have to incinerate it.
 
Ditto wagtail, if you are more comfortable with pts by injection and the thought of using a new method with a horse you have to be sensitive with is causing you this much stress then why no go for the injection? IME of having it its always been peaceful, quick and quiet, with minimum stress for me or the animal.

It is a difficult decision to make, but if you are restricted on options, like he won't lead from anyone else, and you don't want him taken away (both completely, fair, valid and understandable :) ) like just pick the one you are most comfortable with and go the injection route imho. If its a difference in a horse life between instantaneous and slightly less so, but equally pain free then choose the one you are happier with.
 
I think you have to break this down into bits, how ever or when ever this is done. I would ask if you could make a temporary area in the field or where ever and start bringing your horse and its companion into it for food either hard feed or hay and do this on a regular basis so on the day he will come with his friend and neither animal will be stressed and you will be not so stressed.
What ever method you choose you need to find a quite out of the way area and try and pick a time when there are few people about unless they are actually going to be supportive. I would contact the BHS and see if there will be someone to be a buddy to you.
I am sure that who ever you choose to PTS they will be professional and bring help so leave them to it if you feel to upset, the horse will not know just give them a treat and leave.
 
Could you bring your boy and his companion into their stables, lightly sedate him and then take his friend back out to the field before taking him somewhere accessible close by? We did this with a friend's youngster who had to be PTS. She had never left her half brother so we were really worried about separating them and she didn't notice a thing, just followed me where I wanted her to go. While my friend took her brother and my old boy (their babysitter) back to the field I held her for the vet. By the time she got them there and came back to the driveway, it was all over. He had the company of my boy so wasn't worried and although he was affected by it later, it was stress free at the time, which made it much easier for my friend to deal with. It was the best way for both of them.
 
My friends horse that was recently shot by the vet was first sedated, her best horse friend was with her the vet took the horse to be shot my friend took her horse off, they walked in opposite directions and the horse was shot. No fuss at all these two where best, best friends. The alive horse was then left with the shot horse for an hour before the hunt came to pick her up, we just kept our distance. She was shot in the field, and the hunt lorry reversed in to get the shot horse.the yard is on a very busy dangerous road no problems. My horse was shot in the same way and his best friend stayed with him for eight hours after the deed, we didn't realise it was a hunting day and the hunt where out. But it didn't worry any of the horses. All our horses have been shot in front of there friends and it has never been a problem, the vet advised it.
 
As an alterntive could you get thre horses in, lead your horse to just outside the yard on a patch of grass do it there - yes it' a loud noise but sounds worse to you because of what it is - the other two horses might jump but won't 'go mad'
You could practice leading him out to the spot for some hard feed for a few days before?
Pay him in cash when he arrives, lead your horse out let him put his head n bucket as hes been used to then just hand over lead rope and go back to yard.
 
Do you have a friend who could arrange it all for you? I'd do it for a friend if they asked.

Having him shot by the hunt sound like it'll be a faff and just going to cause you stress. Get him injected as it's what you know.

First, bring his friends in so he's got company. Make arrangements for them to be put back out by someone else (friend or even vet) and even to help bring them in if you think you'll need it. Tell them if you'd like to be left alone afterwards or not so they know if they should stay as company for you or not.

Have your area planned. They need to be able to get in with a trailer and 4x4 or a small lorry, depending on what the company uses. There's no reason it can't be done in a field if access is ok.

Have the remover guys booked. Decide how long you think you'd like to stay with him afterwards and maybe book them an hour later. Cremation, hunt, dead livestock guys: whoever you'd normally use for that kind of think. They will deal completely with all aspects of taking his body away and they will ask you not to watch.

Make arrangements to get home safely and for someone to care for the rest that evening so you don't have to stay if you don't feel up to it.

So sorry to hear you need to make that final hard deciding but don't make it even hardest for yourself.
 
A horrible time for you, you have my sympathy but you are doing the right thing making a plan. I can't tell you what to do but I now only opt for the local knackerman (hunt round here doesn't do it) who charges £90 for collection. He does the deed itself for nothing and whatever he uses is very quiet. Perhaps it has a silencer, or perhaps its a captive bolt, I'm not sure because he hides it until the very last minute. Every time has been quiet, instant and as I would want them to go. I have mine on the yard with their friend(s) on the other side of the fence and the noise has never distressed them. They are brought out to see the body as they seem to understand they are gone. Last time I didn't do this with the youngster at first but he wouldn't settle. Once I brought him to see and smell her he stopped calling and pacing. Odd.

Having also used the vet I am confident I will never again have a horse injected but that's my own experience and a rare one. And not for this thread.

If I were a millionaire I'd probably send them for cremation but it is just their empty shell, if you like, so I don't feel bad using the knacker man. Their soul is gone and I always cut a few locks of hair to keep. I hope all goes peacefully for you both.
 
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Is it not possible for a vet to either be there or shoot him?

My Silver had terrible separation anxiety, I brought him in with his friends, vet arrived, light sedation, enough to chill him out, lead away from others to place where he was to be shot. Has he was head shy and still bright (yet away with the faeries) the vet then pumped him full of sedation, he went nearly to sleep (head dropped, lip floppy) then the vet shot him.

It didn't bang, it cracked, it isn't like a canon going of, it is literately a crack.

If you want practical, do it on concrete and have a pressure washer to hand, they bleed a lot, out of the wound and mostly nose and it it continues until the carcass is taken away. Even 5 mins will leave a lot of blood.

So injection is 'cleaner'.

My horse needed to be shot as even to sedate to the point of where he was sleepy meant enough to knock out 4 horses completely. It was not financially viable for me to have him injected, as it would of cost unbelievable amounts.

Shooting was instant, he dropped and they are dead before they hit the ground.

Injection is slower, some do fight it.

Really feel for you, I found it easier to cope knowing the ins and outs and dealing with the practicalities of it. Like guiding the fell monger in and I even helped hook him up to be taken into the truck.

I think you will find a way to do best for your horse and cope yourself.

So many hugs :(
 
Some found me cold and thought i had over planned with baby. i rung the vet a month before i knew in my head would happen to ensure i got the vet i trusted. they arranged disposal forme. i planned what i would do each day the week before to point when i would take some mane, when i would bath her. all silly things but i planned it. the morning i organused the feed in field with couple of rugs incase needed. i cleaned my cupboards and stable all before. cold and callous? No just how i had to deal with. i needed to feel in control even if inside i was falling apart. x x x
 
babymare said:
Some found me cold and thought i had over planned with baby. i rung the vet a month before i knew in my head would happen to ensure i got the vet i trusted. they arranged disposal forme. i planned what i would do each day the week before to point when i would take some mane, when i would bath her. all silly things but i planned it. the morning i organused the feed in field with couple of rugs incase needed. i cleaned my cupboards and stable all before. cold and callous? No just how i had to deal with. i needed to feel in control even if inside i was falling apart. x x x
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This is exactly how I deal with it on the day I have a roultine I do for all of them including a make over ( unless they hate makeovers ) time spent chatting to them in the last hour I do exactly the same things for each one it's my way of staying in control , planning helps you get through it.
You will get through OP thinking it all out does help.
 
Firstly I am so sorry that you are having to make this decision for your horse.

If you decide to get the hunt to do the job for you then rest assured they are very professional and well used to handling all types of horses and ponies. I find that they usually go off happily with the huntsman - unlike vets who usually smell rather clinical I think the huntsman must smell of hounds and horses and that seems to reassure the horse concerned.
There is some blood involved but the amount seems to vary from horse to horse. Our guy tries to ensure the horse ends up lying with his head uphill to minimise mess and he also usually tidies things up so you don't come face to face with a big pool of blood.
There will be a single bang, in my experience the other horses don't get upset by it and by the time you hear it your horse has gone.
Their vehicles have winches so access shouldn't be a problem as they don't need to get right beside the body.
I would strongly recommend you don't watch them actually removing the body as that can be extremely upsetting.

Again, so sorry for you.
 
I haven't read the whole thread but wanted to reassure you about the 'big bang'. There honestly isn't one. Our stables are in a converted building and two are only accessible by going through the first one. One of our mares had a stroke overnight, in the first box. The hunt came out to her in the morning, she was still alive but barely conscious. Her best friend of 20 yrs was in the next box, able to watch through the mesh at the top of the wall. Mare was shot and winched out of the box in full view of her best friend, with another long-standing companion at the other side of the friend. Neither of the two remaining horses showed any sign of distress. Two years later the best friend was also shot, a planned pts standing in our yard in full view of her friends who were in the field, with her head in a bucket. If you want his friend to be there, I can see no reason at all why you shouldn't take the two of them into the convenient field.
The hunt staff are very experienced with all sorts of highly strung horses, so please don't worry about that aspect of the 'event'.
Whatever else you do, I would recommend that you leave before the body is winched onto the lorry - that is something that you really don't need to see and it certainly won't do anything for the horse by that stage.
 
Sorry you are having to make this decision and I think trying to find out all you can is a good thing. I have only had to to it once so far and it was an emergency colic in the middle of the night. She had an injection and it was very peaceful, and a relief to see her out of pain. Our girl was in a stable and was left for collection the next day (she was cremated). The collector had a land-rover and trailer with a winch. I thought I would fall apart when she was taken away, but felt surprisingly calm and was able to assist in helping guide her legs out of the stable. I marveled at what a magnificent beast she was, but she was, as someone else had mentioned, an empty shell by then. Injection was clean, there was just a little leakage from her back end and some blood and mucus from where she had been tubed and rectally examined. We then spent the rest of the bay clearing up and organising her things - it felt the right thing for us to for us.

We didn't have to pay there and then, we were invoiced later - might be worth finding out about this as you wont feel much like it on the day, if they wont invoice perhaps you could pay in advance. If access was difficult would you be able to get someone to move the body with a tractor to the gateway.

Whatever you decide hope it goes smoothly, make sure you allow yourself to grieve and remember how wonderful your horse was.
 
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