*prepare the tissues* My sad story....

[bexcy-bee]

This could be a long one.

I have had and been around horses all my life. I think it has now come to the time where I cant afford/dont have time for them. I have 5 horses at our private yard.

My big boy is coming back from loan this weekend, and well, I dont really care? I love him, so so much, but I have been riding my 14hh baby for the last year, and whenever have been to see/ride him, he feels uncomfortably big. So, where as I have thought of loaning him again (and currently have him up for loan, note my siggie), the thought of him going to another home, to come back in a year, and go again etc. breaks my heart. He is 16 now, and he wont be 'wanted' much longer by other people. So, I am considering the heart breaking decision of selling him.

I also have my 13hh 'first' pony, who I have now had for 11 years. He sits in the field, and to be honest, does nothing now. He would LOVE a little boy or girl to play with him and love him again. So, although I could never sell him, I am thinking of letting him go out on permanent loan. Hes such an angel, I couldn't imagine ever selling him. Hes the type of pony, that when your feeling ill, you can fall asleep on him out on a hack, and he will walk along holding his head up so you dont fall off - yes, I have done this on him! ha!

One of the ponies I am hoping to be selling come spring, as he only ever was a project, for me to have fun with.

On top of this, we have 2 very old ladies. One being 35, one about 41. The 35 yr old we have owned since 6 months old - she was brought from outside Stow horse fair mannnny years ago now. The 41 yr old is an ex jumping pony, turned riding school pony, turned pony club pony with us. We have had her for the last 15 or so years. She now is on 3 legs most of the time. I know some people wont agree, but were thinking the best thing to do is to PTS. They have both have amazing lives, how many ponies can say they have had one owner their whole life? We dont want them going to a rescue home, as they are over full with younger, healthier ponies, and as they have been together with my mum and me all those years, we honestly dont think they would cope without us!

I dont really know what the point in writing this was, but I guess I just needed to speak, and tell someone.

We are in no rush to sell any of them, but my parents are struggling more and more, and me and my partner want to move away eventually.

Choccies and Rosé for getting this far!

Thanks

 

[Omarkiam]

Its clear you love these horses very much but the stress of having them ll is becoming a little too much for you.

You have owned them for so long so you kno them better than anybody on here! Judge your insincts, you know what they can and cant cope with. And at the ages of 35+41 I think it seems normal to consider the PTS option, and they have obviousley had very good innings!

I wouldnt do a full loan/permenent loan if your thinking of moving away etc, because if for any reason you need too have him/them back, what are you going to do? How will you cope?


Whatever you choose ill be behind you because reading your story I can relate to it even though I havent been through the same thing. Good luck! Only you know best

 

[Chellebean]

Oh sounds like your having an interesting time! It sounds like your old girl has had a good life and can completely understand your descision!

Your gelding looks lovely, just the sort I would like to loan! Good luck in finding a loan

 

[Spudlet]

I think with the old ones, really for one to be on three legs she can't be comfortable, so I quite understand the decision to PTS and for what it's worth it's what I would do.

 

[bexcy-bee]

Thank you so much everyone, I'm glad no one hates me! [=

I wouldnt do a full loan/permenent loan if your thinking of moving away etc, because if for any reason you need too have him/them back, what are you going to do? How will you cope?

I have exactly the same doubts in my mind. However, I truely couldn't cope selling him, and finding out he has been sold on and on and on. I want contol over him, so if someone does something I'm not happy with, I can have him back.

I have a very close friend, who has 15 acres, where I could chuck him in if it did happen. He's my baby, and I'm hoping to have him when he dies.

Thank you for your kind words though [=

 

[el_Snowflakes]

well its nice to hear that their are still some kind and responsible types out there!

i dont think anyone could judge you if u make the decision to put your older horses to sleep. I think you are right- it would be very stressful to move them at that age. Iv heard of people doing this with old dogs also. As for the wee pony, i think it would be lovely if he or she could be loaned to a wee child. Im sure it will make someone a very happy little boy/girl!

sounds to me like you have already made your mind up what you will do with the horses and your looking for the go ahead...its your decision and you clearly have the best interests of the animals at heart

 

[marmalade76]

Awww, I would love the 13h (have two little ones keen to lavish attention), but would probably face divorce if I got another!

Good luck x

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

OP hun, I'd remove the advert from your siggy pronto or Admin will be on your back.

 

[LauraWheeler]

Massive (((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) to you. It's clear from your post you realy care for your horses and only want whats best for them.
With regards to your two older horses. 35 and 41 are fantastic ages to get horses to so firstly well done you Also well done for thinking about taking responsebility for them instead of trying to pass the buck by selling on or giving to a charety who as you rightly say are full of younger healthyer mainly neglected horses. If your 41yr old is on 3 legs most of the time I think it is probably time to let her go now. She has had one hell of a life and had 15 wonderful years with you. I'm shore she will be forever thanklful to you for that and will understand you are making the desition in her best intrests. You have also given the 35yr old the most amazing life. Not many horses can say they've had one owner since they were 6 months old! She certanly is a lucky lady to have had such a caring owner all her life. I don't think anyone should judge you for considering putting her to sleep to. I think it would be unfair to loan her to someone new when she has been with you all her life and moving her could be stress full also she may miss her old friend when she goes (Not shore how close they are but if they are best buddies could be something to consider as they have been together for along time). I think if you can no longer keep them the kindest thing would be to let them go together. You never know whats round the next corner in terms of horse health especialy when they gat older ( I know it's not egsactly the same but when I made the terrable desition to let Lucy go She wasn't yet suffering, I agonised about letting her go or waiting till i got back from holiday so I could say good by, My vet didn't know when Lucy would start to suffer. My vet then said to me better a month to early than a day to late. If you get what i'm trying to say).
Your 13hh pony sounds wonderful. I'm shore you will have no trouble finding him a wonderful home with a little boy/girl who will adour him as much as you do and give him all the fuss and cuddles he deserves and prob spoil him rotton. If I didn't already have Merryn he sounds just what I was looking for for my OHs kids.
Your big boy looks amazing. There are forever homes out there. He looks as if he still has so much to give. I'm shore there is someone out there who will want to give him a home.
Good luck with all that lies ahead for you I realy hope it all works out for the best. If you ever need someone to talk to i'm only a PM away for advice, a friendly chat or just somewhere to let it all out if you need to. You sound like such a caring person and you will do whats best for your horses. xx

 

[bexcy-bee]

Massive (((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) to you. It's clear from your post you realy care for your horses and only want whats best for them.
With regards to your two older horses. 35 and 41 are fantastic ages to get horses to so firstly well done you Also well done for thinking about taking responsebility for them instead of trying to pass the buck by selling on or giving to a charety who as you rightly say are full of younger healthyer mainly neglected horses. If your 41yr old is on 3 legs most of the time I think it is probably time to let her go now. She has had one hell of a life and had 15 wonderful years with you. I'm shore she will be forever thanklful to you for that and will understand you are making the desition in her best intrests. You have also given the 35yr old the most amazing life. Not many horses can say they've had one owner since they were 6 months old! She certanly is a lucky lady to have had such a caring owner all her life. I don't think anyone should judge you for considering putting her to sleep to. I think it would be unfair to loan her to someone new when she has been with you all her life and moving her could be stress full also she may miss her old friend when she goes (Not shore how close they are but if they are best buddies could be something to consider as they have been together for along time). I think if you can no longer keep them the kindest thing would be to let them go together. You never know whats round the next corner in terms of horse health especialy when they gat older ( I know it's not egsactly the same but when I made the terrable desition to let Lucy go She wasn't yet suffering, I agonised about letting her go or waiting till i got back from holiday so I could say good by, My vet didn't know when Lucy would start to suffer. My vet then said to me better a month to early than a day to late. If you get what i'm trying to say).
Your 13hh pony sounds wonderful. I'm shore you will have no trouble finding him a wonderful home with a little boy/girl who will adour him as much as you do and give him all the fuss and cuddles he deserves and prob spoil him rotton. If I didn't already have Merryn he sounds just what I was looking for for my OHs kids.
Your big boy looks amazing. There are forever homes out there. He looks as if he still has so much to give. I'm shore there is someone out there who will want to give him a home.
Good luck with all that lies ahead for you I realy hope it all works out for the best. If you ever need someone to talk to i'm only a PM away for advice, a friendly chat or just somewhere to let it all out if you need to. You sound like such a caring person and you will do whats best for your horses. xx

Thank you so much, really cheered me up [=

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean regarding a month to early or a day too late! Luckily, she isn't in pain by the looks of it, but being so old, and wanting to keep up with her 4yr old boyfriend (tart - i know!), she goes onto 3 legs when she runs around the field. Thankfully, I think she is learning she hasn't got the strength left!

We want to keep the mares until summer, just so they have some sun on their backs, and 'cheer up' (I sure get down in the winter, with the mud etc., so I'm sure they do!), and then see where we stand then.

As I said, my big boy comes home tomorrow, and the closer it gets, the more excited I get, he's just SO big, I dont think I could give him the competitions he loves so much anymore. I am hoping to put them all in a line together, smallest to biggest tomorrow/sunday, and I can show off all my babies together!

Thank you so much everyone for cheering me up [=

 

[MrsMozart]

I think with the old ones, really for one to be on three legs she can't be comfortable, so I quite understand the decision to PTS and for what it's worth it's what I would do.

Ditto. You couldn't move them on, even if you wanted to! I'm wondering what to do with LL come next winter, whether it's fair to keep him going through the cold knowing that he'll have to have Bute every day to make it. But that's another story.

If you're heart is no longer in it all and your life is changing, then it sounds like it's time to start making plans. Nothing stays the same for ever.

 

[Booboos]

Sounds like you are a bit overwhelmed because everything needs deciding together. Is there any way you can take a bit of time and consider the options one by one?

Seems to me that the oldies have had a really good, long life with you and perhaps it's time to let them go. I would be tempted to PTS together so that they remain calm and happy as they have been all of their lives rather than one of them having to adjust to more changes.

Your pony sounds like a very easy to loan pony, everyone is always looking for safe children's ponies, so why not give that a try? You should be able to find somewhere reasonably close for him so you can keep an eye on him and he will have a new child to love him and look after him.

That leaves you with fewer 'cares' and you can take a moment to decide what happens next.

 

[tabithakat64]

I would advertise your horse that's coming back off loan for sale, everyone wants a decent competition schoolmaster no matter what level and he could give someone else years of fun.

I would try to loan out your pony, safe kids ponies are worth their weight in gold, contact your local PC.

Keep the two oldies as long as they are happy, think about putting to sleep at the end of the summer, this means you'll also have something to keep your project pony company until he/she is sold.

Hugs from me and a well done for trying to ensure your horses have the best future possible.

 

[Omarkiam]

Just had a look at your sig link, and he is stunning, looks very much like my boy, all the markings in the same place! My boy is 17hh so I know what you mean about feeling big, especially if youve been riding something small. I jus got a 15.3 tb and he feels too small for me now!

You are better of selling your boy onto a competition home as he looks like the competitive type!
I wouldnt keep all these horses if your struggling at mo, it ont help either you or horse. Both of your older ones have clearly been treated very ell and it is the right decision for them to be pts, especially since they have spent such a long life together. Maybe if they did go to horsey heaven, you'd have more time and be more relaxed to get back into the saddle with your boy? It cant be easy trying to do so many at once! And as others have said, the little pony ould make a small child very happy, perhaps consider that and youll feel a little more at ease x

 

[Sambo]

Hi - I am new to posting on this forrum - although have been viewing for a while.

I think you know what the right decision will be...

I love the look of your 16.2.. I have my own yard in Normandy near Guildford (GU3 2AN) - and should you want to offer him on perm loan or for even sale please let me know. I am mainly a hacking rider, but do enjoy some showing and a bit of jumping too - as we are about 5 minutes from Merrist Wood! And hacking is amazing! Just want something fairly big as I'm 5'9, but a safe ride... am fed up with buckers and bolters...

Thank you - and good luck with everything x

 

[topclass]

I know this is a most heart breaking time for you and decisions have to be made. I personally would evaluate the quality of life your old babies have as you say on is on 3 legs most of the time then I agree the most humane thing to do would be to PTS that would be kindest thing for her. Your really old baby - now im going to rock the boat I would not have them PTS as long as they have quality of life and they have no urgent medical needs then what about donating them to a local animal education facility for under priviledge children. The reason for this is my friend 44 years old pony has been doing this since he was 39 and all types of kids come and groom him, play with him, and generally learn how to care for a horse at an early age thus educating them not to hurt or harm animals. He has a a little boy how rides him once a week and they do little inhouse competions and have pony camp etc for these children who just thrive on doing this and being near these beautiful animals and they have prizes for pony with the the wettest nose, pony with the cleanest coat, etc etc and Hercules loves it if anything its given him a new lease on life. I still ride my 32 years old guy and he loves a good gallop down the fields I have to tell him to slow down he thinks he's a 2 year old. lol


Your little pony that needs a little boy or little girl to ride ask around the local yards or friends they are boudn to know someone who is looking for just that pony or do a free to good home ad but with a contract that this is a permanent home needed but they must abid by certain things in order to have him for free. With regard to your big lad who is gorgeous by the way I think a competion home would be best suited for him energy and 99% of the time most people keep these horses as hacks and do little bit of schooling on them anyway.

 

[Rana]

Oh Bexcy, I am sorry to read this. It's a horrible situation with these oldies - I'm in the same situation myself, wondering how on earth I'm going to get her through this winter, and whether or not to try to do another winter with her. I just don't know, and it's a horrible decision. I really feel for you with having others to decide about as well.

No advice, you'll know when the time is right for your oldies and no one will blame you for it. Would you consider selling your big lad? I know someone who bought a similar type a couple of years ago. He's thriving in a quieter environment (was an eventer) and loving hacking about all over the place. She would never sell him on. These types of homes do exist, but better to try to find someone through word of mouth if you can.

Really hope you can get things sorted soon. Don't beat yourself up about it, life does change. I wouldn't get another horse when Rana goes, and we're looking to move out of the area when she does It's a sad thought, but I just don't have the time or money for a horse any more

 

[Maesfen]

Ditto. You couldn't move them on, even if you wanted to!

If you're heart is no longer in it all and your life is changing, then it sounds like it's time to start making plans. Nothing stays the same for ever.

Couldn't agree more with this. It's never easy thinking about things like this but once your mind's made up what to do, it gets a lot easier. As long as you remember (which I know is happening already) their well being comes first before your feelings you won't go far wrong.

 

[bexcy-bee]

I know this is a most heart breaking time for you and decisions have to be made. I personally would evaluate the quality of life your old babies have as you say on is on 3 legs most of the time then I agree the most humane thing to do would be to PTS that would be kindest thing for her. Your really old baby - now im going to rock the boat I would not have them PTS as long as they have quality of life and they have no urgent medical needs then what about donating them to a local animal education facility for under priviledge children. The reason for this is my friend 44 years old pony has been doing this since he was 39 and all types of kids come and groom him, play with him, and generally learn how to care for a horse at an early age thus educating them not to hurt or harm animals. He has a a little boy how rides him once a week and they do little inhouse competions and have pony camp etc for these children who just thrive on doing this and being near these beautiful animals and they have prizes for pony with the the wettest nose, pony with the cleanest coat, etc etc and Hercules loves it if anything its given him a new lease on life. I still ride my 32 years old guy and he loves a good gallop down the fields I have to tell him to slow down he thinks he's a 2 year old. lol


Your little pony that needs a little boy or little girl to ride ask around the local yards or friends they are boudn to know someone who is looking for just that pony or do a free to good home ad but with a contract that this is a permanent home needed but they must abid by certain things in order to have him for free. With regard to your big lad who is gorgeous by the way I think a competion home would be best suited for him energy and 99% of the time most people keep these horses as hacks and do little bit of schooling on them anyway.

The 40 odd yr old is the 3 legged one. She is the most friendliest girl in the world, but I think she would be best off PTS, as she will only get worse. As preivously said, its better a month early, than a day late. She isn't in pain ATM I dont think, she doesnt appear to be, shes just so stiff now. But I dont want to keep her alive on bute. The other pony, the 35yr old, is a little madam! She is lovely to be groomed, and loved etc, but she wouldnt be able to be ridden. She has a tumer (sp?) in her mouth, which, albeit huge, causes her no problems or pain - have had the vet out, had xrays, and she doesnt struggle to eat, but again, the older she gets, the worse it will be.

My pony I have decided to put on long term loan. I would possibly consider him going to that kind of home, where there are loads of little kids playing with him, because he would love it. But preferably, I would like to keep him local, and with one or two children, to be his humans.

We are debating selling my big horse, but I'm maybe thinking LWVTB, but i have heard so many horror stories with this too. He has only had 2 homes in his life, excluding the loan home he is at currently.

Its not that I have lost interest, its more that Owen is just so big! I LOVE schooling, and hacking him, but he needs more I think. Maybe as im getting older, I am losing my nerve! ha.

Thank you so much for everyones kind words, and I'm so relieved no one has shouted at me for putting the old ladies to sleep.