Old ponies, difficult decisions, help needed.

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milz88

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Hello, I am just writing as I, (my mother and I) could do with a little help/advice.

Basically, the porblem concerns 3 ponies of ours which we have had since 8 years old, I am now 20 and my brother 18, sister 16.

My sister and I both have our main competition horses and my brother isn't involved with horses anymore, so we have 5 kept at home.

The problem is that the 3 ponies are no longer in work and haven't been for some years, we have limited turnout and turnout as a whole is difficult because 2 of them are laminitic and can't eat any grass, so they have to stand on mud or very poor ground year round, as a result they can't be loaned, one is 20 and the others are approaching this age.

We are finding it difficult to fund them in these more difficult times, they are stiill insured and still have feet done, eat hay etc which all adds up.

Many would suggest loaning, but they would only be good as companion horses, one of them can hack and be ridden is brilliant in traffic but not suitable for young childeren.

One other pony would be good for showing etc, in his day he won everything, PUK,BSPS,Royal show, but he can't go on grass.

We are struggling to think what to do with them given their age and the fact you can't just turn them out. Does anyone else have any other suggestions? this is a very hard time for the whole family but it is a fact that has arisen due to the times that we face, what can we possibly do other than to have them put down, or just 2 of them?

Any suggestions would be much appreictaed, or words of advice.
 
Hmm, tricky one. My personal opinion (and I am well aware others hold totally different views) is that I could never have a healthy, happy horse PTS. My plan would be to try and loan them out. There are plenty of people who need/want companion horses and they are not that old really at all.

Do you have them on paid livery or your own land? If on livery is it possible to look at alternative livery options for them that may be cheaper. You say they cannot eat grass as laminitic but plenty of ponies are prone to laminitis and people do manage them fine so this isn't a huge problem if you can find knowledgeable homes for them.

What about reducing your insurance cover? I am sure you could make a saving that way.

I think my position is i feel when i take on a horse it is for life and I would do everything within my capabilities to keep them even if i had to take on an extra P/T job to pay the horse bills.

That's me though. It sounds like certainly one of yours could be loaned out though so that would cut your costs. I think tehre are plenty of small adults and capable children out there.

Good luck!
 
Thank you for your reply, they are kept at home, so no livery fee.

Yes, it is just a case of finding homes for them who are willing and capable of dealing with their laminitis. The show pony went to the yard of an eventer for about 6 months where she taught childeren on him and he was really happy, and liked working, but then we had to have him back as they couldn't afford another one anymore.

They are mostly healthy, and happy, but the show pony really isn't, he is bored and windsucks/crib bites because he can't go out, we don't have enough poor land for him to go on, he is in a pen or small area/paddock but its not enough.

The other 2 have some small turnout, but they do nothing, one is laminitic, one would be a good hacker/companion, she is not laminitic.

Its a bit of a nightmare really, we have tried advertising before.

Obviously we don't want to PTS, but where we are there is someone literally at the end of the road who does this, if it was an option they would be turned out in a big field up there to run round/eat grass etc for a week and live out their last days in pure bilss, and then be gone at the end of the week, that way they don't have to travel anywhere/go on lorry. They are getting older, not younger. Its a very hard decision, we don't want to put down healthy/happy ponies, but it is mainly the show pony thats really not happy.
 
I have to say, call me cold hearted, I would be considering PTS as an option, because of the following reasons:

These ponies have served you well, with dignity and honesty, and IMO you have a responsibilty to serve them well in their twilight years. I think the risks of loaning them is just too great IMO, and in a way, if you can't afford them, perhaps it's better to let them slip peacefully into the night as it were, than have them passed from pillar to post through loan home after loan home, or be grazed inapporpriately, have a laminitic episode, suffer and be PTS anyway.

For the show pony who is bored, I'd find this a far easier decision.

HOpe that's of some help, just my two cents worth.
 
You could find someone that would loan them even with their throubles.

Look hard enough and the right person will be out there.
Someone with the knowledge and experience to care for them.

I dont think you could justify putting them to sleep for the reasons you have given.
 
I understand what everyone is saying, we will look harder.

lovegeegees- you say we will find someone who would loan them even with their troubles, but will we, I think everyone is struggling more now with the credit crunch hitting people, why would people want to loan a pony like the ones we have? other than to be a companion, and if they did want a companion im sure there are plenty out there who aren't laminitic. This is a very difficult decision we are not taking lightly, hence why I have come on here to ask for advice.

Please bear in mind, we have had these ponies living at home for the last 9-10 years, we wouldn't want them to move too far away due to stress etc,
 
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You could find someone that would loan them even with their throubles.

Look hard enough and the right person will be out there.
Someone with the knowledge and experience to care for them.

I dont think you could justify putting them to sleep for the reasons you have given.

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I agree, and at 20 yrs old and under, they are in their prime!
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They will have much to give to the right home, its just a case of finding it
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Our oldies lived to 37, 33 and 29 respectively, and two of them were loaned out in their later years, with great success. You just have to make sure that you vet any potential homes thoroughly - especially in the case of the lammi pony.

Could he be turned out with a muzzle on? I had a friend who did this with her lammi pony and it just gave him that bit of freedom
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Depending on their height and their ability to do work, you might be able to loan them to an equine college.
They'd probably have to be capable of 2hrs a day work, Mon to Fri, and at certain colleges are kept in 24/7 during the winter (but for laminitics this might be good).
As I said, though, it does depend on height - they'd have to be at least 14hh, I'd think.
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You could find someone that would loan them even with their throubles.

Look hard enough and the right person will be out there.
Someone with the knowledge and experience to care for them.

I dont think you could justify putting them to sleep for the reasons you have given.

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I agree, and at 20 yrs old and under, they are in their prime!
smile.gif

They will have much to give to the right home, its just a case of finding it
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Our oldies lived to 37, 33 and 29 respectively, and two of them were loaned out in their later years, with great success. You just have to make sure that you vet any potential homes thoroughly - especially in the case of the lammi pony.

Could he be turned out with a muzzle on? I had a friend who did this with her lammi pony and it just gave him that bit of freedom
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hmm, muzzle an option but they are notorious for getting them off!!

On loan, we need to find:

- loan home close by
- ponies to be companions or bought back into work very slowly and carefully.
- no grass or turnout but on poor ground.
- the ponies are not all ideal childrens ponies, they can be naughty.

So, its a case of finding suitable homes and when you look at what they are like, it seems people could find something better and less effort.

All I know is, I really don't like looking at them stood in their paddocks/small ungrassed areas, doing nothing and the show pony is so bored
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Depending on their height and their ability to do work, you might be able to loan them to an equine college.
They'd probably have to be capable of 2hrs a day work, Mon to Fri, and at certain colleges are kept in 24/7 during the winter (but for laminitics this might be good).
As I said, though, it does depend on height - they'd have to be at least 14hh, I'd think.
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We might struggle then, they are 12.2hh, 13.hh, and 13.2hh. And they could not go their an just start work, they would need to be built up very slowly again, they have only hacked occasionally for the last 6-7 years, they are not fit and being older, wouldn't want them to have heart attacks/fits etc, especially one pony, she would be very would up and excited, its her nature, she only jumps, no established flat work!!
 
If it all comes down to money then could the ponies be shared - perhaps there are some children locally who have families that can't afford to buy them their own pony but might love to be able to look after these ponies keeping them on your premises and making a small contribution towards the upkeep.
 
I'd definitely really go for it on the loan front. My friend has a pony her family has owned since he was 2 (pony is now about 14). Due to terrible circumstances (lost her mum to cancer) my friend was left holding the pony as it were. She really could not afford the pony but to add insult to injury pony has arthritis so can only be a very light hack or companion. He has had several different local loan homes over the last 6 years since this all happened. On the occasions he has come back fortunately my friend has scraped through until a new loan home has been found. Fortunately for you if you did find a loan home and it fell through at least you could just bring them home which gives you time to think.

Friend's pony is now with a lovely lady who knows all his problems and is happy with what he can and can't do. So much so that he might be being signed over to her later this year. If you vet the homes properly and get a proper contract on the go then fingers crossed you'll be able to find someone. I think they do exist you might just have to be patient and really hunt them out!
 
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I'd definitely really go for it on the loan front. My friend has a pony her family has owned since he was 2 (pony is now about 14). Due to terrible circumstances (lost her mum to cancer) my friend was left holding the pony as it were. She really could not afford the pony but to add insult to injury pony has arthritis so can only be a very light hack or companion. He has had several different local loan homes over the last 6 years since this all happened. On the occasions he has come back fortunately my friend has scraped through until a new loan home has been found. Fortunately for you if you did find a loan home and it fell through at least you could just bring them home which gives you time to think.

Friend's pony is now with a lovely lady who knows all his problems and is happy with what he can and can't do. So much so that he might be being signed over to her later this year. If you vet the homes properly and get a proper contract on the go then fingers crossed you'll be able to find someone. I think they do exist you might just have to be patient and really hunt them out!

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Thank you for your reply, I think we will start by trying adverts in local shops/feed stores etc, it is more ideal to loan indeed, hopefully there are some people out there who can cater for them, and understand our/their situation and they can go on for more years, we just want them to be happy and at the moment, I don't think they have the best quality of life they could, which is sad I know, so we will try hard to see if there are any loaners/takers!!
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I may be going against the general opinion here but I am afraid in your situation I would pts
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I have a 17 year old pony, who has Cushings. Like yours she is on very restricted grazing but seems happy with this regime. If I was unable to keep her she would be pts. She is 12hh but can be naughty so not an ideal first pony, she taught my daughter to ride but also how to fall off. I would be so worried that if she went as a companion she would not get the care I give her and would suffer as a result. It would be tough but she would be pts and then I would know that she had been cared for to the end. I hope you and your family come up with a solution that you are all happy with.
 
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I may be going against the general opinion here but I am afraid in your situation I would pts
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I have a 17 year old pony, who has Cushings. Like yours she is on very restricted grazing but seems happy with this regime. If I was unable to keep her she would be pts. She is 12hh but can be naughty so not an ideal first pony, she taught my daughter to ride but also how to fall off. I would be so worried that if she went as a companion she would not get the care I give her and would suffer as a result. It would be tough but she would be pts and then I would know that she had been cared for to the end. I hope you and your family come up with a solution that you are all happy with.

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This is the trouble, in terms of loaning, none of them are exactly ideal first ponies/childrens ponies, my brother fell off his 12hh everytime he got on, he bucked, he has a typical string sec A buck, but it was almost fun for us then.

The mare is only a jumper, no flatwork, would need to be brought very slowly back into work, bombproof on the roads though, She gets very excited so given her age, we'd hate her to have s fit/heart attack since she hasn't been in work for +7 years, other than light hacking very ocassionally.

The show pony would be fairly good as a lead rein/childs pony if back in work, but might buck if excited, it depends if people want their children on ponies like these, as children ourselves it wasn't a problem, we learnt from it, but times are different now.

What to do, what to do!! there are so many decisions to think about, but many thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply!
 
From your post I assume all of your horses are kept at home with very little grazing, would it be possible to rent a small amount of grazing locally and divide it up or muzzle the ponies?

Could the ones without laminitis be broken to drive at all?
This would make them more loanable given their size etc and I know of several ponies broken to drive in their late teens.

The show pony definitely sounds loanable to me.

I would spend some time bringing the ponies back into work yourself, if you can, as this will make them more likely to find loan homes. Also think about offering them for share.

I'd post some ads locally and possibly on the Pony Club website and see what response you get.

Many yards provide restricted grazing for lamitintics, so having had laminitis in the past wont put everyone off.

Personally, I think you have a responsibility for these ponies having had them for so long and if necessary other things should be sacrificed to ensure their welfare.
 
I'm afraid I would also be seriously considering having them PTS. It is a miserable life for a laminitic, in tiny mud paddocks often alone, and anyone who has ever witnessed a pony during a laminitis attack will know how utterly excruciatingly painful it is for the animal. Some poor ponies go on for years in this kind of purgatory.
By making a difficult decision and having them PTS you ARE taking responsibility for them and doing what you feel is best in the long run for the animal which is all any of us can do.
 
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I'm afraid I would also be seriously considering having them PTS. It is a miserable life for a laminitic, in tiny mud paddocks often alone, and anyone who has ever witnessed a pony during a laminitis attack will know how utterly excruciatingly painful it is for the animal. Some poor ponies go on for years in this kind of purgatory.
By making a difficult decision and having them PTS you ARE taking responsibility for them and doing what you feel is best in the long run for the animal which is all any of us can do.

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I think what you said has almost hit the nail on the head, with the fact they have to be in mud paddocks and we don't have much turnout anyway.

It is difficult to loan such ponies and ensure that no mistakes are made by potential loaners over them eating grass, whether it be snatching reins, accidental turnout, getting loose etc.

My mum has reminded me the oldest is actually 25, the other 20 and another 18. I don't think it is practicable to break them to drive, as we don't have any equipment and that still does not solve the problem of them being laminitic and not going on grass.
 
I'm sorry but I too would be considering having them PTS. A companion pony who can't be turned out to grass properly isn't going to appeal to a lot of people and how happy would you be not being in control of their grazing situation.

It's a sad fact that there are many, many owners struggling to keep healthy and sound horses at the moment, never mind people who are in your situation. By way of an example if you were to ring one of the charities then they would be advising you to PTS as they are absolutely over-run with horses ATM.

I appreciate that it's really hard and a horrible decision to make but if I were you, I don't think I'd forgive myself if I sent the ponies away and something went wrong due to either a lack of care of a lack of understanding.

Sorry - I know it's not the outcome that you want
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I'm sorry but I too would be considering having them PTS. A companion pony who can't be turned out to grass properly isn't going to appeal to a lot of people and how happy would you be not being in control of their grazing situation.

It's a sad fact that there are many, many owners struggling to keep healthy and sound horses at the moment, never mind people who are in your situation. By way of an example if you were to ring one of the charities then they would be advising you to PTS as they are absolutely over-run with horses ATM.

I appreciate that it's really hard and a horrible decision to make but if I were you, I don't think I'd forgive myself if I sent the ponies away and something went wrong due to either a lack of care of a lack of understanding.

Sorry - I know it's not the outcome that you want
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Its not the outcome anyone wants for a pony that is not dying etc, but we need to ask for advice, of course we care for them and want the best for them, hence the reson for this discussion and asking if there are any other options.

I think we might try and loan the show pony again, but it needs to be local, we need to trust the people and we would be so upset if they were worse off somewhere else!

Its true what you say about the horse charities, I read an article saying how their call numbers have more than doubled and they are inundated, surely it is better to leave space for the real casualty cases of starvation, neglect etc for horses that can make a full recovery.

Ours are healthy, 2 have laminitis but what can we do, and we want them to be happy, but as they are, in their paddocks, I don't think they are as happy as they can be, but its hard to loan lammi ponies, or those that are potentially a bit cheeky/naughty and high maintainence in terms of turn out etc.

We want them to be healthy both mentally and physically, they are not suffering at all, and very well looked after, but I almost feel they need to be doing more but can't!
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I just would like to add - you may feel that one or two of these ponies may be too 'naughty' for children but that may be your opinion now cos you think how did we ever put up with their quirks but I don't think kids have changed that much - we had some horrors of ponies when we were kids and we loved them, I had one who was prone to laminitis and we had 12 acres of grass (although split to 2 fields). He was put in a 'slimmers paddock' in the day time and let out with his pals in the evenings and he didn't have any lami attacks in the many years we had him.

i would suggest some sort of trial loans - my extremely quirky pony was loaned out twice and, although now I think he's far too crackers and how did i dare loan him, the girls who had him loved him, erratic behaviour and all!

We also took on a 19 yo ex-racer a few years back as he was destined to be PTS as his owner could not afford to keep him and various loans had failed. 6 years old he's doing very well, we only got him for him to live out his days but he gets hacked out occasionally and he is enjoying his retirement with his pals.

So, don't despair as yet, something/someone may well turn up.
 
Actually I think from reading your first post and subsequent replies, you are asking us if pts is the right decision, and given their age then it probably is - at least for the older one.

It is sometimes easier if someone else helps you to this decision. I just had a 24 yr old pts on Friday, and it was the farrier that helped me make the final decision, when he made a passing comment about the pony's recurring laminitis. Sometimes you have to draw the line, and do the right thing.

You could, for peace of mind, try the PC website as they now have a For Loan section, and see if you have any takers. There may be someone who is willing to take on the jumping pony, but a lead-rein with a buck is a complete no-no these days - why would anyone do that to their child?

I think deep down you have half made the decision already. I for one would back you on it.
 
I think you are doing the right thing coming on here first and asking advice. We have just lost a 28yo ex show pony who was laminitic but who gave us eight fantastic years, taught my two to ride and gave me the happiest memories of my life. I owe her everything. I think there will be someone out there but it can be a minefield finding really responsible people.

I don't need another and they do need keeping in work. Grazing muzzles can be wonderfully useful in allowing time at grass and Cushing's, if it is responsible for the laminitis, can be treated to give extra, valuable and quality years - if only we had known sooner.

As Mum, I took over the jobs when my children outgrew her, but one is a different kettle of fish altogether. You are obviously a considerate owner who is standing by their outgrown ponies and not simply casting them aside but looking for sensible options.

Good luck and let me know how you get on. Just another thought - have you asked your local Pony Club's DC? It's how we found our little treasure!
 
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I think you are doing the right thing coming on here first and asking advice. We have just lost a 28yo ex show pony who was laminitic but who gave us eight fantastic years, taught my two to ride and gave me the happiest memories of my life. I owe her everything. I think there will be someone out there but it can be a minefield finding really responsible people.

I don't need another and they do need keeping in work. Grazing muzzles can be wonderfully useful in allowing time at grass and Cushing's, if it is responsible for the laminitis, can be treated to give extra, valuable and quality years - if only we had known sooner.

As Mum, I took over the jobs when my children outgrew her, but one is a different kettle of fish altogether. You are obviously a considerate owner who is standing by their outgrown ponies and not simply casting them aside but looking for sensible options.

Good luck and let me know how you get on. Just another thought - have you asked your local Pony Club's DC? It's how we found our little treasure!

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Thank you, it is terribly difficult, people keep mentioning limited grazing, but the show pony and small section A can't have a blade, e.g. even with muzzle, they are that susceptable sp?! even slightly too green hay and the Sec is footy and sore!!
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Secondly, it is mainly my mum and I caring for the 5 we have and as a fact she is not getting any younger and it is rather hard work for her as well as running the house, the usual, my dad being rather immobile due to hip op, its stressful times.

My sister is still in full time education, I am in the RaAF and my brother off to uni, so we must face facts really. Its not one lammi pony, its 2, plus the older one who is healthy and lovely, but terribly unfit and not a suitable childrens pony, its quite a quandry really! But thanks to everyone for taking time to reply, its much appreciated!
 
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Actually I think from reading your first post and subsequent replies, you are asking us if pts is the right decision, and given their age then it probably is - at least for the older one.

It is sometimes easier if someone else helps you to this decision. I just had a 24 yr old pts on Friday, and it was the farrier that helped me make the final decision, when he made a passing comment about the pony's recurring laminitis. Sometimes you have to draw the line, and do the right thing.

You could, for peace of mind, try the PC website as they now have a For Loan section, and see if you have any takers. There may be someone who is willing to take on the jumping pony, but a lead-rein with a buck is a complete no-no these days - why would anyone do that to their child?

I think deep down you have half made the decision already. I for one would back you on it.

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Thank you for your reply Llewelyn it is much appreciated and your comments have very much been taken on board and we are really grateful for the replies!!

The 2 ponies are never going to shift the laminitis its there for the rest of their lives, and the consequences of them being exposed or accidentally exposed to grass by mistake are not worth thinking about!!
 
It comes down to quality of life. If they have quality of life then fine but better to put to sleep than risk being pushed around at their age. You say the show pony is bored and cribs/windsucks because of it. That could be due to stomach ulcers, not boredom.
The chances of finding a suitable home are slim. I consider the options to be: 1) rent more land, get rid of the grass and turnout 24/7 with hay. This can be done, ive done it myself.
2) try and find a suitable home
If 1) cant be done and 2) is done and unsuccessful then i would PTS. Hard decision but it is taking responsibility and at their age far kinder than an uncertain future
 
I feel for you. I have a 20 year old lami pony who can have no grass from now until December, shes OK for the months in between! My son rides her and shes fab, a bit whizzy perhaps and always looks like a bag of bones, but a shiney happy bag! When he has outgrown her I will almost certainly have her PTS as she is a nightmare to do and I couldn't trust any loaner to do it.
So don't feel guilty if youv decide its the answer, they have had a good life and you have behaved responsibly to the end.
 
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