Organizing for my pony to be pts..

SpottyTB

SpottyTB

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Hi there,

Sorry for the odd post but i need some advice, sadly the time has come for my little man to be pts - he's reached 23 and is rapidly losing weight regardless of the feed and hay we're putting into him..

I want the local huntsman to come and do it - pony loved hunting and i kind of think it's what should happen and plus, i want it to be as quick as possible - and sadly, at as lower cost as possible - my gran is paying for it as he's in her care.

What and where do i start? Is it just a case of calling him? what do i need to ask him? I'm not very in the no about these things, i'm only 18 so it'll be my first horse to PTS... i've seen others but not had to have my own done.

Sorry about the sad post, thank you
 
SpottyTB said:
Hi there,

Sorry for the odd post but i need some advice, sadly the time has come for my little man to be pts - he's reached 23 and is rapidly losing weight regardless of the feed and hay we're putting into him..

I want the local huntsman to come and do it - pony loved hunting and i kind of think it's what should happen and plus, i want it to be as quick as possible - and sadly, at as lower cost as possible - my gran is paying for it as he's in her care.

What and where do i start? Is it just a case of calling him? what do i need to ask him? I'm not very in the no about these things, i'm only 18 so it'll be my first horse to PTS... i've seen others but not had to have my own done.

Sorry about the sad post, thank you
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I'm sorry. I've only ever used the vet, but I assume you'd call the hunt and book an appointment? Hope the little man has a safe journey over the bridge and hugs to you
 
Oh dear. How sad for you and your grandmother. You sound brave and sensible. Phone the Hunt Secretary, perhaps, and s/he will tell you who to contact to arrange this and what it will cost. I hope it goes as well as possible. Lots of love and hugs.
 
Sorry to hear this, it is a very hard but very brave decision.

You need to find out which is your local hunt, the MFHA website is helpful for this and has contact numbers. Then you need to ring their secretary and ask if they can provide this service, sadly not all hunts can anymore as they cannot afford to take dead stock. Once you've found a hunt that can do it for you, you will need to ring the huntsman, probably leave a message and he will ring you back, and then arrange a time that suits you both.

If you would like to give your pony any sort of sedation, check with the huntsman that he is happy with this.

They are complete professionals and will make it as easy and peaceful as they possibly can for you.
 
You can call the hunt directly or the local knackerman, - if you have a search on here there are some good recent threads about what happens with the hunt and the options available to you.
I've not dealt with the hunt but the knackerman is £100-150 for PTS and disposal of the body.
Very sorry for you at this sad time, but doing the right thing if it is his time.
 
Doormouse said:
Sorry to hear this, it is a very hard but very brave decision.

You need to find out which is your local hunt, the MFHA website is helpful for this and has contact numbers. Then you need to ring their secretary and ask if they can provide this service, sadly not all hunts can anymore as they cannot afford to take dead stock. Once you've found a hunt that can do it for you, you will need to ring the huntsman, probably leave a message and he will ring you back, and then arrange a time that suits you both.

If you would like to give your pony any sort of sedation, check with the huntsman that he is happy with this.

They are complete professionals and will make it as easy and peaceful as they possibly can for you.
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My friend knows the chap who does it, and i will double check the number - i have to drive up to my grans this week as she wants me to look at him myself but for her to tell me its time, he must be bad because she's a bit like "oh he's ok" all the time..

I'm worried that we'll have a cold month and he'll fade infront of us, i'd rather do it now then later. I don't think he'll need sedation because he's so quiet, i'd rather give him a bucket of feed and let the chap do it.. i want to be with him whilst he does it as i think after 12 years, i owe him.. he taught me everything i know about riding!

Thanks for your replies, i'll be going up thursday or friday to look at him and then calling the hunt.
 
sorry, polos mum could you point me in the direction of those threads.. i cannot seem to find them - my searching skills a naff to say the least.:o
 
Call the hunt, book a date.
Then on the day, give the pony a pat, a treat/bucket of feed, hand the rope to the huntsman and walk away after saying your last goodbyes.
No need for you to be holding the rope as the job is done.
Lucky pony to have someone make the right call for him :)
 
Thanks Joeanne, my gran will have to be taken away well before.. she's only just lost her husband - my grandad (last july) this is the last thing she needs but after 12 years of ownership, we owe it to him and he's so struggling!
 
I can't add much to this, but wanted to say that I admire you for wanting to be there and support him. The local hunt sometimes charge but some don't, it won't be nice but I'd prefer a good kennels over a vet any day!
May his passing over the rainbow bridge be peaceful and dignified thoughts with you Lxxxx
 
joeanne said:
Call the hunt, book a date.
Then on the day, give the pony a pat, a treat/bucket of feed, hand the rope to the huntsman and walk away after saying your last goodbyes.
No need for you to be holding the rope as the job is done.
Lucky pony to have someone make the right call for him :)
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^^^ this

Sad times but nice to see someone making the right call not just prolonging his life for their own benefit.
 
I think we paid the hunt about £120, we weren't there for it as the mare was out on loan at the time. If you want to see what to expect, have a look at Andrew Goatmans FB page, he has a couple of videos on there, they aren't difficult viewing, and they do show exactly how quickly it all happens.
 
Thanks spot_the_risk I have seen it done before and watches those videos. Just spoken to a girl I know who hunts regularly and knows the chap (he's master).. She said its usually around the £100 mark.

Thanks
 
sorry you are having to make this decision.
The videos are in a way reassuring you can see clearly the animals involved are not distressed and are calm throughout. Also sometimes as an owner knowing what will happen makes it easier to deal with
 
Sorry to hear this but arranging it really is the worse bit ie making the phone call. If your horse is failing its a relief to make sure they dont suffer or get worse(I did not want to find mine down). My family always use the hunt as do many others, I am always told unfinished carrot or bucket feed and they are gone(I just happened to use the vet injection) but our local vet had all the phone numbers so that will be a good place to start if you cant find it. Our local vet also recommended a local knackerman who has very good feedback via equine community in our area for being very kind.I think the good thing about it all is we know and they dont know whats going to happen. Either way its final. But its good your gran has kept an eye on the horse and I hope you get it sorted. I was the same about the weather and was watching for a break to get it done. Good luck. Lots on here about PTS. But the hard bit was booking it. Just remember these people do this its their job/profession. Its just not easy for us. This forum was brilliant for advice when I was sorting it out last september, so really feel for you.
 
joeanne said:
Call the hunt, book a date.
Then on the day, give the pony a pat, a treat/bucket of feed, hand the rope to the huntsman and walk away after saying your last goodbyes.
No need for you to be holding the rope as the job is done.
Lucky pony to have someone make the right call for him :)
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In fact I've not been allowed, in recent years, to hold the rope. A legal issue, in case there is an accident and the rope holder ends up shot instead of the horse. Ours have all gone with their heads in a bucket of feed - no need for sedation.
OP, I'm sorry to hear that you are having to do this but what a lucky pony you have, his owners are putting his interests first.
 
SpottyTB said:
Hi there,

Sorry for the odd post but i need some advice, sadly the time has come for my little man to be pts - he's reached 23 and is rapidly losing weight regardless of the feed and hay we're putting into him..

I want the local huntsman to come and do it - pony loved hunting and i kind of think it's what should happen and plus, i want it to be as quick as possible - and sadly, at as lower cost as possible - my gran is paying for it as he's in her care.

What and where do i start? Is it just a case of calling him? what do i need to ask him? I'm not very in the no about these things, i'm only 18 so it'll be my first horse to PTS... i've seen others but not had to have my own done.

Sorry about the sad post, thank you
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear this in the new year.

May I ask what the vet thinks??

have they done blood tests as many things can cause weight loss

liver damage
virus


etc???
sorry its just you haven't said what you have done except feeding as if its liver then feeding loads wont help him and he will loose weight unless on correct diet.
 
Why is there always someone on a thread like this who wants to change the OP's mind; it's very unfair on them? They've made their decision now it's our time to respect that and support them in that choice (and in this case it does sound like there is no choice)

OP, if you ring the kennels direct then they will be able to talk you through it and make an appointment for you and as others say, it's actually making that call that seems the worst bit, after that it's a bit of a relief to have it all sorted and know the poor boy won't be suffering.
I'm sorry, it's never an easy decision but it's to your credit you are thinking of him before yourself; it makes a refreshing change I'm afraid; far too many people hang on too long for their own benefit.
 
Thanks for standing up for me maesfen:), leviathan- we've spoken to three vets from three practices.. They said they'd need to take bloods, samples of him poo and urine, possibly take him in for observation.. He's 24 and retired, he has arthritis in his hocks and knees.. Do you think it would be fair to put him through that? Knowing my pony, he'd hate it, there's garuntee they can fix it and if they can, he'll go out in the field again doing nothing.. And get even more stiffer come the cold months.

I want to be kind and make the decision before he suffers even more.

I hope that's enough reason, he is also grey and we have a thought It could be cancer or live failure. He's had an extremely busy life and has ALOT of miles on the clock.. The sparkles disappeared from his eye.

Thanks for posting
 
Maesfen said:
Why is there always someone on a thread like this who wants to change the OP's mind; it's very unfair on them? They've made their decision now it's our time to respect that and support them in that choice (and in this case it does sound like there is no choice)

OP, if you ring the kennels direct then they will be able to talk you through it and make an appointment for you and as others say, it's actually making that call that seems the worst bit, after that it's a bit of a relief to have it all sorted and know the poor boy won't be suffering.
I'm sorry, it's never an easy decision but it's to your credit you are thinking of him before yourself; it makes a refreshing change I'm afraid; far too many people hang on too long for their own benefit.
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:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:


I merely asked more information about what could cause the problem in the weight loss. The OP said nothing about anything that was done to help or veterinary advice.


I see hundreds of post like this, most have what has been done to help comments added from other members this is just another. So why does it bother you that I am asking what the vet has found in the cause , did you ever think i may be interested because I have just gone through liver disease with my mare and I may be trying to help OP if they had not thought of liver disease???

I know people who may not make this decision later rather than sooner DO not do it for their benefit. You make think this that is your opinion but that is not necessarily so. I think too many Not you OP give up to easily but that is me
so that is even.
 
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SpottyTB said:
Thanks for standing up for me maesfen:), leviathan- we've spoken to three vets from three practices.. They said they'd need to take bloods, samples of him poo and urine, possibly take him in for observation.. He's 24 and retired, he has arthritis in his hocks and knees.. Do you think it would be fair to put him through that? Knowing my pony, he'd hate it, there's garuntee they can fix it and if they can, he'll go out in the field again doing nothing.. And get even more stiffer come the cold months.

I want to be kind and make the decision before he suffers even more.

I hope that's enough reason, he is also grey and we have a thought It could be cancer or live failure. He's had an extremely busy life and has ALOT of miles on the clock.. The sparkles disappeared from his eye.

Thanks for posting
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Spotty you don't need anyone standing up for you per say.:)
Your pony your right to decide when to PTS

I know your doing the right thing for your pony I 100% respect your decision . The lack of you mentioning treatment made me curious as I have just had 6 months of liver disease with my mare and the symptoms of yours were the same.

Hope it goes well with your pony he knows you will do the right thing by him.
 
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Leviathan- whilst I thanked maesfen for standing up for me, I also understand where you are coming from, I hope you can understand my point from my last post.
 
Sorry my rubbish wording, you know what I meant though:) yes know did ask several vets and all came to same conclusion. If he was sound and we had a lot of money to spend on him then 100% I'd do it. But he is miserable not doing anything and being stuck in field so in the long run, I can't afford hundreds of pounds to find out what It is and then more money to fix it - with no guarantee and then he'll be back in the field miserable.. You understand where I'm coming from? :)
 
Maesfen said:
Why is there always someone on a thread like this who wants to change the OP's mind; it's very unfair on them? They've made their decision now it's our time to respect that and support them in that choice (and in this case it does sound like there is no choice)

OP, if you ring the kennels direct then they will be able to talk you through it and make an appointment for you and as others say, it's actually making that call that seems the worst bit, after that it's a bit of a relief to have it all sorted and know the poor boy won't be suffering.
I'm sorry, it's never an easy decision but it's to your credit you are thinking of him before yourself; it makes a refreshing change I'm afraid; far too many people hang on too long for their own benefit.
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Absolutely this.

It's a hard decision for you, but without doubt, you are doing the right thing for your pony.
 
SpottyTB said:
Sorry my rubbish wording, you know what I meant though:) yes know did ask several vets and all came to same conclusion. If he was sound and we had a lot of money to spend on him then 100% I'd do it. But he is miserable not doing anything and being stuck in field so in the long run, I can't afford hundreds of pounds to find out what It is and then more money to fix it - with no guarantee and then he'll be back in the field miserable.. You understand where I'm coming from? :)
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Of course I do if he is miserable then that is no quality of life.
I got a lot of nasty sarky comments about my mare fromt many members about giving up on her but while she was improving and fighting and vets were happy so was I but still members l gave me hard time.

And:
I'm afraid; far too many people hang on too long for their own benefit.
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Seems odd because if someone is keeping a pony who has no chance of recovery (only) longer the owner is getting ever increasing vet bills and nursing so can't see how they benefit spending more money than necessary :confused:


What they fail to realize is they do not know the whole information or treatment.


Hope your pony crosses rainbow bridge smoothly and quietly to join my mare and all the others .
 
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How sad for you SpottyTB. Never had to do it either and personally would get the vet. Thinking of you and hope you get it all sorted.
 
Thanks for all the advice:), if we had £400 we may consider the vet however my grans just paid £2000 for a funeral (my grandad) so finding £400 at the moment is hard and he loved hunting and I feel its what's best suited to the pony and our situation.. I have seen horses and ponies pts with both methods and I prefer this method for this pony: the chap is lovely and sixpence will have a bucket of something really yummy to tuck into whilst/when it happens.

Thanks
 
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