Opinions needed

idefixbis

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Joined
29 August 2005
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185
Location
Lille, France
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I have my horse Joshua (bay horse in my siggie)who I had to part retire at 10 because of arthritis in both his hocks and back problems. Currently he is at livery in a farm where he is out during the day and in at night. The farmer gives him hay and feed.
His is hacked out about twice a week by a girl who gets on well with him.
I have a friend who has her retired mare at a farmers near paris with another old horse. This horse has been PTS at 34. My friend called me today as her mare is going slightly loopy on her own and so she wants to find another horse to put in with her. She asked me whether I wouldn't consider it for Joshua.
Its a field with boxes that they can walk in and out of for shelter. In Summer they have the whole field and in Winter a smaller area because of the wet weather. The farmer gives hay and feed in Winter and mucks out the boxes throughout the year (straw bedding)
The thing is is that it's cheaper than where I have him now and it would be really good for me as I'm having trouble making ends meet with the two horses (especially as work is slow at the moment)
The farmer is very good and sees them everyday. My friend goes twice and week and my mum who lives in Paris said that she could also go and see them twice a week.
I won't be staying in the north after september as am thinking of moving to the UK for a bit but am not sure of my long term plans (probably either UK if I like it or else back near Paris in which case wouldn't be a bad thing to have Joshua there) . Will take Walkabout but don't want to take Joshua if it's only going to be for a year or so.
My big dilemma is that if I move Joshua he won't be ridden at all any more. I don't know whether not being ridden at all and being completely retired aged 11 is a problem and whether it can affect the development of his arthritis. Would like opinions.
Also I give him pink powder and 5* superflex. He would only be able to get that regularly during the Winter unless the farmer would be able to feed him a bit in Summer. Would a field lick (horselyx or other) be enough to suplement with in Summer or not?
I will go on Monday to visit the place and to see what I think of it. I want to make sure that the shelter is good enough and protects him from the humidity and that the field is safe and big enough.
My friend says that her mare is doing very well there and is in very good shape.
Sorry for the long post, opinions would be brilliant
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I think it sounds like a good idea
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. The only thing that would concern me would be the lack supplements in the summer esp as I have a retired pony with arthritis and I know how uncomfortable she is without her 5* Superflex, however her arthritis is due to age (25) so I dont know if that makes any difference. Apart from that I think it sounds ideal, especially if you were thinking of moving anyway. Would Walkabout have company if Joshua was to go? Btw he is a lovely looking horse
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Hi,
It sounds like a good idea
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I have a 13 year old TB who is fully retired due to arthritis in his coffin joint and a problem with his pelvis
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I thought he wouldn't take to being retired at all but I was so wrong, he loves it
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He is currently out with my friends filly 24/7 although he does come in at night in winter. He is so relaxed now (unless the filly steps out of line
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) and has grown the woolliest winter coat
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It sounds like a super place for retirement. The only think I can add is that if he's only being lightly hacked at the moment, is that much different from mooching around the field 24/7? I can't see it having a big affect, other than the supplements.
 
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