skint1
Well-Known Member
Very well said Spud!
In all these threads about horses being passed on...
- Thread starter Spudlet
- Start date
suzi
Well-Known Member
Totally agree.
I've just put my Connemara (14yrs old and still competing) out on loan (to a friend of my RI) rather than re-home my sometimes broken, quirky TB. I can't keep them both (have my inherited Dartmoor coming back soon) and have not found a suitable home for the TB, not his fault he's a bit broken and sometimes has a screw loose!!!!
Would never see him pushed from place to place, if situation changed in the future and I couldn't keep him I'd have him PTS - he's exactly the sort of horse who would have a nasty and uncertain future . . .
I've just put my Connemara (14yrs old and still competing) out on loan (to a friend of my RI) rather than re-home my sometimes broken, quirky TB. I can't keep them both (have my inherited Dartmoor coming back soon) and have not found a suitable home for the TB, not his fault he's a bit broken and sometimes has a screw loose!!!!
Would never see him pushed from place to place, if situation changed in the future and I couldn't keep him I'd have him PTS - he's exactly the sort of horse who would have a nasty and uncertain future . . .
cm2581
Well-Known Member
Almost as well written as this
"My ladies have promised that I shall never be sold, and so I have nothing to fear; and here my story ends. My troubles are all over, and I am at home; and often before I am quite awake, I fancy I am still in the orchard at Birtwick, standing with my old friends under the apple-trees."
Always brings a tear to my eye. If only they all had a Black Beauty ending.
"My ladies have promised that I shall never be sold, and so I have nothing to fear; and here my story ends. My troubles are all over, and I am at home; and often before I am quite awake, I fancy I am still in the orchard at Birtwick, standing with my old friends under the apple-trees."
Always brings a tear to my eye. If only they all had a Black Beauty ending.
Pearlsasinger
Up in the clouds
Well put OP.
If only every-one thought like you..........
If only every-one thought like you..........
Lynsey&Smartie
Well-Known Member
Very well said, the black beauty quote brought a tear to my eye too.
ThePony
Well-Known Member
Very well put op. If only more people had your common sense, alot of stress for horses and ponies would be avoided.
A bullet is a long way from being the worst fate an animal can suffer.
A bullet is a long way from being the worst fate an animal can suffer.
Doormouse
Well-Known Member
Very well said - most sensible post I've seen for a while. I am at a loss to understand why so many people think that pts is such a cruel fate when compared to the endless other awful options open to unrideable horses.
marmalade76
Well-Known Member
Well said OP, I wonder how many people have actually considered that amongst those Amersham horses could be one that they once owned.
*Spider*
Well-Known Member
If for any reason Obie ever becomes unrideable, he'll carry on as normal as my little Prince being loved and cherished.
We have such a close bond, nothing will break it.
We have such a close bond, nothing will break it.
Hovis_and_SidsMum
Well-Known Member
Well said.
That Black Beauty quote just made me tear up. God i'm getting soft in my old age.
That Black Beauty quote just made me tear up. God i'm getting soft in my old age.
Slinkyunicorn
Well-Known Member
Well said - the Black Beauty quote got me too.
Here at the yard yesterday a 4 year old was PTS - had been bought unvetted - and was diagnosed with OCD of the stifle, in pain and poor prognosis. A very brave descision rather than sell her on as the original owners had done.
Here at the yard yesterday a 4 year old was PTS
- had been bought unvetted - and was diagnosed with OCD of the stifle, in pain and poor prognosis. A very brave descision rather than sell her on as the original owners had done.Sven
Well-Known Member
Well said - I made the decision a long time ago that my boy would have a home for life. Can't ride him much now, just a short potter, but he looks well and a lot younger than his 23 years. He's had all sorts of drugs to keep him going over the years, but last winter I decided enough was enough and at the first signs of real lameness I will let him go to sleep forever. I can see him nodding off in the field now - still sound(ish) and happy.
I did re-home his predecessor but that was to (in the end - long story) a lovely lady who kept him at the same yard. I even got him back for a while on Sundays as the yard was not convenient for her but she kept him there because that is where he'd lived most of his life, even after I left the yard. I was informed when his time had come, so got to go and say good-bye to him, as did the lady I got him from which meant so much to both of us.
I guess it helps if you live on an island, no so far for them to disappear without your knowledge.
I did re-home his predecessor but that was to (in the end - long story) a lovely lady who kept him at the same yard. I even got him back for a while on Sundays as the yard was not convenient for her but she kept him there because that is where he'd lived most of his life, even after I left the yard. I was informed when his time had come, so got to go and say good-bye to him, as did the lady I got him from which meant so much to both of us.
I guess it helps if you live on an island, no so far for them to disappear without your knowledge.
honetpot
Well-Known Member
I think like the cats protection league that there should be a fund for people to have their horses PTS if they can not afford to have it done at home and can not bare the thought of Potters etc.
I do wish that people would stop vilifying people who have their animals put to sleep for what ever reason, its hard enough as it is.
I do wish that people would stop vilifying people who have their animals put to sleep for what ever reason, its hard enough as it is.
Kat
Well-Known Member
Excellent post Spudlet!! One of the best I have ever read on here.
And Black Beauty, still as relevent as ever. Every horse owner should read that book, really read it, not just watch a tv adaptation. It has a very important message.
And Black Beauty, still as relevent as ever. Every horse owner should read that book, really read it, not just watch a tv adaptation. It has a very important message.
MissCandy
Well-Known Member
100% agree
I have been called cruel because I had my mare put to sleep. Perhaps it would have been better for her to live a few more years in pain, or drugged up or why didn't I put her in retirement livery or rehome her as a companion if I didn't want her?
Some people just don't understand how having a horse (or any animal) put to sleep is sometimes the kindest option.
I have to say H&H helped me a lot through that time and I am grateful I found this site and got a different perspective.
I have been called cruel because I had my mare put to sleep. Perhaps it would have been better for her to live a few more years in pain, or drugged up or why didn't I put her in retirement livery or rehome her as a companion if I didn't want her?
Some people just don't understand how having a horse (or any animal) put to sleep is sometimes the kindest option.
I have to say H&H helped me a lot through that time and I am grateful I found this site and got a different perspective.
mollichop
Well-Known Member
Hooray for Roastlet!
My girl is 17 now and is in her final home. She's a danger to hack out but pretty enough to fall into the wrong hands - it's my responsibility to ensure I make the final decision for her
My girl is 17 now and is in her final home. She's a danger to hack out but pretty enough to fall into the wrong hands - it's my responsibility to ensure I make the final decision for her
Riverboy
Well-Known Member
I made this decision earlier this year - TB with back issues that caused attitude problems, at 17hh he was too big to be a companion and I'd just had two years with two horses I couldn't ride. River had gone 5 months earlier and the woman who had Luca on schooling livery said to me 'there is a worse fate ahead for him than you being responsible now - he'll know nothing about it - be brave'.
I felt terrible guilt and a few people called me names - but two people in hospital and a horse with an uncertain future meant I felt it was the most responsible and KIND thing to do - he was a rescue of skin and bones when I got him, he had 18 months of love and kindness and went with the sun on his back.
I would do it again should Boo prove to be in that situation - I sold a 'dangerous' horse when I was in my teens and didn't know better (unhorsey parents sold her to a reputable dealer after my 6th trip to hospital) and I still feel immense guilt not knowing where she is or what happened to her...
So well said Spud - well said indeed.
I felt terrible guilt and a few people called me names - but two people in hospital and a horse with an uncertain future meant I felt it was the most responsible and KIND thing to do - he was a rescue of skin and bones when I got him, he had 18 months of love and kindness and went with the sun on his back.
I would do it again should Boo prove to be in that situation - I sold a 'dangerous' horse when I was in my teens and didn't know better (unhorsey parents sold her to a reputable dealer after my 6th trip to hospital) and I still feel immense guilt not knowing where she is or what happened to her...
So well said Spud - well said indeed.
AmyMay
Situation normal
This is a thread very close to my heart.
I actually did spend the summer trying to find a permanent loan home for my horse. He was hale and hearty, and up to light work - but nothing more. And quite frankly the thought of putting him down was something I really struggled with. He would have made an excellent companion, or babysitter for the newly broken horse. If he was kept at home, rather than livery, there would be no question that he would be in the field now stuffing his face.
Initially I asked if his breeders would have him back to retire. But they were unable to. And I did have several enquiries about him throughout the summer from others looking for a companion/light hack - none of which I took any further.
I put him down around 6 weeks ago now - and I still feel enormous guilt. I was called a murdering bitch by some anonymous person on my yard - which stuck the knife in even further.
If I could have found the right home for him I wouldn't have hesitated - but so few people are to be trusted, and so ultimately I did the right thing.
BUT I wish things could have been different.
I can't think about him, talk about him or look at a picture of him without feeling the most terrible and awful guilt.
I actually did spend the summer trying to find a permanent loan home for my horse. He was hale and hearty, and up to light work - but nothing more. And quite frankly the thought of putting him down was something I really struggled with. He would have made an excellent companion, or babysitter for the newly broken horse. If he was kept at home, rather than livery, there would be no question that he would be in the field now stuffing his face.
Initially I asked if his breeders would have him back to retire. But they were unable to. And I did have several enquiries about him throughout the summer from others looking for a companion/light hack - none of which I took any further.
I put him down around 6 weeks ago now - and I still feel enormous guilt. I was called a murdering bitch by some anonymous person on my yard - which stuck the knife in even further.
If I could have found the right home for him I wouldn't have hesitated - but so few people are to be trusted, and so ultimately I did the right thing.
BUT I wish things could have been different.
I can't think about him, talk about him or look at a picture of him without feeling the most terrible and awful guilt.
ThePony
Well-Known Member
Gosh, I'm really sorry you feel guilt like that, what an evil person on your yard for making such a comment. An awful decision to have to face esp when the horse isn't seriously ill, but well done you for having the balls for making the responsible decision for his future. Should I ever be in that situation I hope I am able to make that brave and humane choice too.
AmyMay
Situation normal
I hope you never are. It is absolutely the worst thing I have ever done in my life.
suzi
Well-Known Member
Exactly what I am going through with my TB. I'm fortunate that I've got them at my Grandmothers house (not at home but still no livery costs). However I didn't have room for them all so I've rehomed my RC horse rather than him.
I'm just very lucky that as of yet I've not had to consider PTS but it may well come to it in the future if my circumstances change.
Well done for making a very difficult, but nevertheless right, decision.
Riverboy
Well-Known Member
Amymay - I had similar comments leveled at me it makes the guilt worsem but you did the responsible and brave thing for your lad and he would thank you for it.
The grief is hard enough to bare without adding guilt to it. I have huge admiration for you.
x x
The grief is hard enough to bare without adding guilt to it. I have huge admiration for you.
x x
AmyMay
Situation normal
Thank you. Yes, it was your post that prompted me to post.
I guess what I'm saying is that putting down is often the last option (although not the wrong option) and to investigate other options is not wrong at all.
It's the lack of trustworth and honest people that are the real problem.
Spudlet
Well-Known Member
Of course it isn't wrong to try everything you can - PTS is the final resort. The point I wanted to make is that people maybe need to think about it as an option, rather than grasping at the straw of someone who they don't know taking their horse and closing their eyes to the real possibility that they may be sending their horse to a bad future.
I admire you for having done your best by your horse Amymay - all the way to the very end.
I see animal ownership as a kind of pact between you and the animal - they will give you happiness and companionship, and in return you look after them and keep them safe from harm. Making the final call is the bad part of that deal for us - but for the animal it's not.
I admire you for having done your best by your horse Amymay - all the way to the very end.
I see animal ownership as a kind of pact between you and the animal - they will give you happiness and companionship, and in return you look after them and keep them safe from harm. Making the final call is the bad part of that deal for us - but for the animal it's not.
AmyMay
Situation normal
I absolutely agree.
LaurenM
Well-Known Member
Well said.
horsegirl
Well-Known Member
I think you did the right thing. It is a horrible choice and not one I envy you at all. It is what I will do with my boy if I am unable to keep him. Although he is ok I know that no one would ever buy him, sarcoide, aural plaques, cribber plus an ex racer to boot. There are too many horror stories of people taking these free or cheap horses stuffing them full of bute and selling them on. Why would anyone else want to take on an elderly/unrideable horse and feed it etc as a companion?
Dollysox
Well-Known Member
Excellent post, Spudlet.
I've only ever sold one horse - He became too much for me and I lost my confidence on him. He went to someone who was related to a horsey friend who knew about him and his quirks. I was assured she would be able to cope with them. She came and tried him and I was completely upfront about him. I then heard about 8 weeks later that "he wasn't quite the right horse for her" and she had sent him back to a dealer to sell. I was completely devastated and felt so guilty.
Very fortunately the subsequent owner, having had a problem with him, contacted my vet through his vaccination card details, they passed on her number to me and I was able to speak to her and find out what had happened to him. She was a real old-school horsewoman and realised that he wasn't an easy horse but having heard his history was quite happy to keep him and live with the problems, and still has him.
I've only ever sold one horse - He became too much for me and I lost my confidence on him. He went to someone who was related to a horsey friend who knew about him and his quirks. I was assured she would be able to cope with them. She came and tried him and I was completely upfront about him. I then heard about 8 weeks later that "he wasn't quite the right horse for her" and she had sent him back to a dealer to sell. I was completely devastated and felt so guilty.
Very fortunately the subsequent owner, having had a problem with him, contacted my vet through his vaccination card details, they passed on her number to me and I was able to speak to her and find out what had happened to him. She was a real old-school horsewoman and realised that he wasn't an easy horse but having heard his history was quite happy to keep him and live with the problems, and still has him.
Three
Well-Known Member
Well said Spud - in both the original post and this:
A very very pertinant thread at this time of year (and any other!).
I've seen and heard too many people in very recent months debating putting their horse out on loan because it's retired/unsound/unsuitable and the price of hay etc means they can't afford to keep it.
I admire anyone who makes the heartbreaking decision to do what's right for their horse by PTS if necessary rather than the 'easy option' of making themselves feel better by putting horse out of sight with an unknown quantity.
A very very pertinant thread at this time of year (and any other!).
I've seen and heard too many people in very recent months debating putting their horse out on loan because it's retired/unsound/unsuitable and the price of hay etc means they can't afford to keep it.
I admire anyone who makes the heartbreaking decision to do what's right for their horse by PTS if necessary rather than the 'easy option' of making themselves feel better by putting horse out of sight with an unknown quantity.
cumbriamax
Well-Known Member
well done spud - would like to see this published and put in magazines, tack shops etc.
I have 2 old neds that are having a easy retirement with me and another one who is rideable but not an easy horse so i won't sell him cos I don't know where he might end up!
I realise not everyone has this luxury so having them pts is best option for some. as was said by another contributor to this forum recently;
'we play god by breeding, lets take responsibility for them when they are old too'
instead of passing on our 'problems' , think about other options.
I have 2 old neds that are having a easy retirement with me and another one who is rideable but not an easy horse so i won't sell him cos I don't know where he might end up!
I realise not everyone has this luxury so having them pts is best option for some. as was said by another contributor to this forum recently;
'we play god by breeding, lets take responsibility for them when they are old too'
instead of passing on our 'problems' , think about other options.