ign446
New User
Hello, this is my first time posting here so hope this is an ok question.
Trying to plan for my large late teens WB long term and spending most of lockdown worrying about doing the right thing. Has anyone here sent a horse to live out 24.7 in a large herd style retirement home with neck arthritis alongside other soundness issues? It sounds an idyllic retirement but is it in his best interest with a complex lameness? (suspensory and SI which we attempted conservatively rehabbing for 3 years with limited success). Horse is on no medication, late teens, seems to enjoy life still. I still hack him at a walk for both my sanity and his soundness whilst current situation means he can't be turned out as much as I'd like.
Horse is otherwise fit and well apart from a few instances of tripping and once struggled to get up in field. Otherwise seems to have great quality of life.
Reason I'm asking is people I know have put in their 2 pence (as we all do) and ideas range from pts to Bute up and keep competing, and I'm wanting some objective advice whilst the vets aren't able to come to non urgent cases on my yard. I want to do what's in the horse's best interest but also am no longer gaining enjoyment from continuing to hack him out at a walk, and don't have an endless pit of money (have found 2 ideal retirement homes at very affordable prices I'm probably just worrying over nothing).
Trying to sell or pass on as companion is an absolute no go, he's a very attractive prospect for a dealer to Bute and jump. I guess I'm worrying that these idyllic retirement places are too good to be true.
Thank you
Trying to plan for my large late teens WB long term and spending most of lockdown worrying about doing the right thing. Has anyone here sent a horse to live out 24.7 in a large herd style retirement home with neck arthritis alongside other soundness issues? It sounds an idyllic retirement but is it in his best interest with a complex lameness? (suspensory and SI which we attempted conservatively rehabbing for 3 years with limited success). Horse is on no medication, late teens, seems to enjoy life still. I still hack him at a walk for both my sanity and his soundness whilst current situation means he can't be turned out as much as I'd like.
Horse is otherwise fit and well apart from a few instances of tripping and once struggled to get up in field. Otherwise seems to have great quality of life.
Reason I'm asking is people I know have put in their 2 pence (as we all do) and ideas range from pts to Bute up and keep competing, and I'm wanting some objective advice whilst the vets aren't able to come to non urgent cases on my yard. I want to do what's in the horse's best interest but also am no longer gaining enjoyment from continuing to hack him out at a walk, and don't have an endless pit of money (have found 2 ideal retirement homes at very affordable prices I'm probably just worrying over nothing).
Trying to sell or pass on as companion is an absolute no go, he's a very attractive prospect for a dealer to Bute and jump. I guess I'm worrying that these idyllic retirement places are too good to be true.
Thank you