PTS a healthy horse

Bellaboo18 said:
I think that's just their way of turning you down. I'd slowly bring him in to work (if you can afford to pay someone) and see how it goes. If that doesn't work out you've got your answer.
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I agree. I'm sure a period of groundwork to build his core strength and then light work under saddle wouldn't cause him a problem.

But I retired my missold horse at great cost to my pocket and mental health, whereas many would have pts so some could argue I'm just overly sentimental. Neither is wrong.

People put healthy horses to sleep all the time. Due to costs in keeping them, because they lose their jobs or homes, because the horse has become aggressive, or are unsafe to eat, due to breakdown in partnerships, not having time due to family commitments, ill health etc, etc.
 
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Birker2020 said:
I agree. I'm sure a period of groundwork to build his core strength and then light work under saddle wouldn't cause him a problem.
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I get that you're trying to be encouraging, B, but I think this is false assurance from a base of not knowing enough about off track TBs to be "sure" about anything.

The chances of him not having something that would cause him pain to be ridden at the age of 15 are actually pretty slim, in my experience.
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ycbm said:
Am I the only one who feels squeaky about taking a horse who has mooched around a field for 8 years and turning his world inside out by expecting him to work again?
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No. I get called names and mocked in the horse world round here for being the type of person I am, and not forcing horses with issues to be ridden
 
ycbm said:
I get that you're trying to be encouraging, B, but I think this is false assurance from a base of not knowing enough about off track TBs to be "sure" about anything.

The chances of him not having something that would cause him pain to be ridden at the age of 15 are actually pretty slim, in my experience.
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Well I'd suggest a vet gives an assessment then, if the OP is considering going down this route.

Autumn Days, unless I've missed something (I'm flitting in and out as I'm in my SW meeting) the horse doesn't have issues??
 
I would have at least a physio take a look at him and if you can a vet. Taking aside he's an OTTB, so may have arthritic changes from his training/racing career, some horses for whatever reason aren't started until much later in life - my Exmoor was 14 (she'd always been a companion).

If there's any doubt in your mind, not many would judge you for pts to secure his future, but if he was a good hack in the past and it was your health that cut short his ridden career, I also see why you don't want to have him pts. I know of a couple of successful ex-racers in there 20s, still being ridden with no issues.
 
SpotsandBays said:
Have seen others mention blood banks on here before. No idea what the criteria is for those?

But definitely no judgment from me if you decide to PTS. A much more dignified end rather than being passed around with no certainty of his future.
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I believe it has to be over 15.2hh and of a medium stamp due to blood volume. Also 15 or under.

I have David Tombs number if you need it OP.
 
The number of people who will take on an out of work 15yo tb with the horse’s best interests at heart are vanishingly small. It’ll likely be moved on very quickly at a profit or bounced back from loan after being hammered and broken.

All those who are bigging how they could never put a healthy horse down, yada yada, do not seem to have taken on board that the OP has her own health issues and is cash strapped.

There are far worse fates than putting a horse down to secure its future if you can no longer care for it.
 
With his age and background I think even if you could find a buyer the price you could justify asking for would have to be very low indeed. With that low price comes all the high and horrific risks with older or compromised horses being sold on cheaply, even seemingly perfect new owners have been revealed as low end dealers in this scenario many times over. Loaning out could end the same way, unless it is someone you know well you could get back an abused and broken wreck or find he disappears altogether.

I could not in conscience let this horse move on to another home if he were mine and loved him as much as you obviously do. I would let him go at home with you by his side with a big bucket of carrots and count your blessings you can rest easy that although he is gone, he is not being abused, ridden into the ground on bute or passing from one low level dealer to another.
 
ycbm said:
Am I the only one who feels squeaky about taking a horse who has mooched around a field for 8 years and turning his world inside out by expecting him to work again?
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looking very simply at that very basic question then no I wouldn't have a problem. This horse seems to have been about 7 when he was last ridden,
I would quite happily take one out of my field in that situation and plan his return to work which obviously would take time and retraining.

would I send him away for that, or let someone else without my total supervision over how he was dealt with then that would be a far more "squeaky" question. (that is not being big headed that I am any good it is simply safeguarding the horse)
 
Birker2020 said:
Well I'd suggest a vet gives an assessment then, if the OP is considering going down this route.

Autumn Days, unless I've missed something (I'm flitting in and out as I'm in my SW meeting) the horse doesn't have issues??
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No, he doesn't have issues, it was just a generalised reply to YCBM's comment and me alluding to the kind of comments I get. Maybe a cackhanded way of saying that there are people out there who will take on and not ride!
 
Ironic that this is next to a thread about if buying an 18 year old horse is a good idea and the general consensus is yes ! I think you should give your horse a chance at finding a new home, there could well be someone out there looking for a light hack especially if he’s a nice horse to have around.
 
bonny said:
Ironic that this is next to a thread about if buying an 18 year old horse is a good idea and the general consensus is yes ! I think you should give your horse a chance at finding a new home, there could well be someone out there looking for a light hack especially if he’s a nice horse to have around.
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Could you please clarify by pointing out who has said 'yes buy' on the 18 year old thread and where they have said 'PTS' on this thread? It appears we have some posters on another thread with their opinion on that particular horse which is grand, and different posters on here who have not commented on the other thread at all but are saying they would PTS in this instance. I apologise if I am wrong as I haven't carefully studied who has posted what but it is certainly not the impression you seem to be suggesting Bonny?
 
bonny said:
Ironic that this is next to a thread about if buying an 18 year old horse is a good idea and the general consensus is yes ! I think you should give your horse a chance at finding a new home, there could well be someone out there looking for a light hack especially if he’s a nice horse to have around.
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I agree with you, and there are people like me who would take it on and work with it and if painfree great , hopefully have a happy hacking life but if not , could be just retired to a field, we dont all want to make a profit, in fact never sold a horse in my life. I have separation anxiety 🤣🤣🤣🤣
 
bonny said:
Ironic that this is next to a thread about if buying an 18 year old horse is a good idea and the general consensus is yes ! I think you should give your horse a chance at finding a new home, there could well be someone out there looking for a light hack especially if he’s a nice horse to have around.
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I bought a seventeen year old TB for my daughter as first horse, but there is a huge difference in buying a horse that is being ridden, and has job to go to, than a horse that even maintenance care could make it a money pit. I have four that are not ridden and apart from the vacs, wormers, and the farrier, they cost me very little, but I am fortunate, I discount the £2k a year it costs to keep the land and hedges tidy.

I would rather have one PTS than worry where they end up. I got back a Highland that I sold as a three year old, as it had been loaned as unrideable by the last owner and in the space of two weeks it had been passed on and was being sold on Facebook. The loan was to someone the owner thought she could trust. Fortunately we got him back.
 
Mrs. Jingle said:
Could you please clarify by pointing out who has said 'yes buy' on the 18 year old thread and where they have said 'PTS' on this thread? It appears we have some posters on another thread with their opinion on that particular horse which is grand, and different posters on here who have not commented on the other thread at all but are saying they would PTS in this instance. I apologise if I am wrong as I haven't carefully studied who has posted what but it is certainly not the impression you seem to be suggesting Bonny?
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I’m not suggesting anything other than 15 is not that old and for all we know the horse could be fine to ride again, none of us actually know the horse apart from the owner so it has to be her call but it could be an option.
 
Thanks for all your interesting replies.
I’m just h9me from looking at a livery yard that’s going to suit him to the ground, 24/7 turnout summer and winter which is how he’s been kept in m6 ownership.
I’ve thought long and hard and come to the conclusion I’m going to have to tighten my belt and save the pennies, but I’ve really bonded with this horse, love the bones of him and if it’s in my means to keep him I will.
If I start struggling then I’ll let him go peacefully with me at his head knowing I’m doing what’s best for him.
 
sprytzer said:
How do people feel about pts a healthy horse, unridden for 7/8yrs, been advised at his age, 15 yrs, being bought back into work after so long isn’t advisable due to back muscle changes after so long off.
Been looking to loan him out but not having luck, I can’t ride due to my health so I’m seriously having to consider his future due to finances and his best interests.
I love this horse to bits and only want what’s best for him but I feel so guilty even considering this, I can’t afford retirement livery and no one wants a companion so it seems nowadays.
I know the saying better a day to early than a day to late, but a perfectly healthy horse I’m having a problem with.
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Sorry if harsh and I do understand your predicament, but I seen 4 people just today looking for a horse on loan as a companion. Have you tired that say on horses for homes or homes for horses?https://www.horses4homes.net/
 
sprytzer said:
Thanks for all your interesting replies.
I’m just h9me from looking at a livery yard that’s going to suit him to the ground, 24/7 turnout summer and winter which is how he’s been kept in m6 ownership.
I’ve thought long and hard and come to the conclusion I’m going to have to tighten my belt and save the pennies, but I’ve really bonded with this horse, love the bones of him and if it’s in my means to keep him I will.
If I start struggling then I’ll let him go peacefully with me at his head knowing I’m doing what’s best for him.
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That sounds like a perfect outcome and forward plan - I'm really happy for you both.

Sending you best wishes for the times to come ❤️ .
 
sprytzer said:
Thanks for all your interesting replies.
I’m just h9me from looking at a livery yard that’s going to suit him to the ground, 24/7 turnout summer and winter which is how he’s been kept in m6 ownership.
I’ve thought long and hard and come to the conclusion I’m going to have to tighten my belt and save the pennies, but I’ve really bonded with this horse, love the bones of him and if it’s in my means to keep him I will.
If I start struggling then I’ll let him go peacefully with me at his head knowing I’m doing what’s best for him.
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pleased you have found a way. Good luck with him, enjoy him. Lucky horse :):)
 
AutumnDays said:
No, he doesn't have issues, it was just a generalised reply to YCBM's comment and me alluding to the kind of comments I get. Maybe a cackhanded way of saying that there are people out there who will take on and not ride!
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Great. When are you picking him up? Quite frankly, if you aren't prepared to take this horse and keep him until the day he dies, then you have no right to judge anyone else's decision. I've quoted you as you are the most recent comment I saw, but this is a generic you.

And there's always a reason people commenting can't take the horse. Thats is fine, fair enough. But where are you expecting these mythical retirement homes to come from?
 
Mrs. Jingle said:
Could you please clarify by pointing out who has said 'yes buy' on the 18 year old thread and where they have said 'PTS' on this thread? It appears we have some posters on another thread with their opinion on that particular horse which is grand, and different posters on here who have not commented on the other thread at all but are saying they would PTS in this instance. I apologise if I am wrong as I haven't carefully studied who has posted what but it is certainly not the impression you seem to be suggesting Bonny?
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Me!

Yes, I would consider an 18 year old horse who was sound and in work, if they could fulfil my job. If they worked out, they may well then get a long and happy retirement. I said, on the other thread that yes, I would consider it, but also consider what would be the plan for the future, as in, would I either retire of PTS with a clear conscience.

I have not seen the horse but I believe it is sound and in regular work. Obviously, any horse looking to step down is one I would want to assess by vet, but I don't think it out the way for an ex CCI*** horse to want to take it slower, and still be a good purchase.

On this thread, it is up to the owner what they do. But, the horse is compromised in some way that OP was told not to try to ride. It is also a TB. I'm not sure what it has to offer a new owner! I would say that it would be a high likelihood that someone would buy cheaply, work the horse's socks off then sell for a quick profit.

They are two very different scenarios.
 
I'm Dun said:
Great. When are you picking him up? Quite frankly, if you aren't prepared to take this horse and keep him until the day he dies, then you have no right to judge anyone else's decision. I've quoted you as you are the most recent comment I saw, but this is a generic you.

And there's always a reason people commenting can't take the horse. Thats is fine, fair enough. But where are you expecting these mythical retirement homes to come from?
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I guess my other comment that said it's a tough place to be in and that PTS secures his future, and offer the O a peace of mind and that I wouldn't judge at all as there are fates worse than a peaceful, dignified end really didn't matter then, hey? As the comment above was made about how some people may take on a horse that can't be ridden as a companion, but the vast majority want a horse to ride? So not made out as you have interpreted? My fault I am not very good at articulating myself, but I will not take that when my first comment on the thread was saying that I don't judge and trying to reassure OP
 
sprytzer said:
Thanks for all your interesting replies.
I’m just h9me from looking at a livery yard that’s going to suit him to the ground, 24/7 turnout summer and winter which is how he’s been kept in m6 ownership.
I’ve thought long and hard and come to the conclusion I’m going to have to tighten my belt and save the pennies, but I’ve really bonded with this horse, love the bones of him and if it’s in my means to keep him I will.
If I start struggling then I’ll let him go peacefully with me at his head knowing I’m doing what’s best for him.
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This is lovely to do, maybe put in some “hard stops” that will almost make the decision for you, before you feel like you’re struggling. High stress in other areas won’t help if you do have to pts one day. Good luck!
 
sprytzer said:
Thanks for all your interesting replies.
I’m just h9me from looking at a livery yard that’s going to suit him to the ground, 24/7 turnout summer and winter which is how he’s been kept in m6 ownership.
I’ve thought long and hard and come to the conclusion I’m going to have to tighten my belt and save the pennies, but I’ve really bonded with this horse, love the bones of him and if it’s in my means to keep him I will.
If I start struggling then I’ll let him go peacefully with me at his head knowing I’m doing what’s best for him.
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I'm glad to hear you have found something, and have a plan that you are at peace with. I wish you both all the best
 
ycbm said:
Am I the only one who feels squeaky about taking a horse who has mooched around a field for 8 years and turning his world inside out by expecting him to work again?
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Having taken older ponies and older ferals - they unanimously loved coming into gentle work. My current teenager mare is more enthusiastic about riding than she is about food most of the time! She spent her life in a field, she absolutely loves going exploring with her little girl on her back. Perks up when she sees her, comes to the gate (and no, the little girl never brings dinner and neither do I - my husband does that and he’s not there when we ride).
 
Nice to see a good update in regard to the horses future.

Was the horse sound and ridden when you got him?
Personally I don't think 15 is to old to return to wwork, but it has to be done slowly and carefuly.
If the horse was sound, ridden and a generally nice person then I would be thinking along the lines of
contacting your local uiniversity to see if there is anyone there who has had to leave behind their horse and wants some horse time.
Advertising localy for someone who only wants to do ground work with him?
asking at your local equestrian centre if they know of anyone to free share him from your yard?
local RDA as a non ridden therapy horse?

I'd suggest you get a vet out to look him over and give their opinion. No one on here has seen the horse so cannot really tell if the horse is going to be able to come into full work, some work or no work.
At least then you will have an idea of where you are starting from and if there is an option for him to work.
ycbm said:
I get that you're trying to be encouraging, B, but I think this is false assurance from a base of not knowing enough about off track TBs to be "sure" about anything.

The chances of him not having something that would cause him pain to be ridden at the age of 15 are actually pretty slim, in my experience.
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The chances of most 15 year olds to be perfectly sound and healthy are pretty low tbh.
 
ycbm said:
I get that you're trying to be encouraging, B, but I think this is false assurance from a base of not knowing enough about off track TBs to be "sure" about anything.

The chances of him not having something that would cause him pain to be ridden at the age of 15 are actually pretty slim, in my experience.
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Agree. Very slim indeed. Most are broken by the time they come out of racing x
 
sprytzer said:
I got him as a hack, rode him once, shortly after my health started going so never rode him again. He has been kept on my ex husbands land with daughter horse who sadly recently had a tragic field accident, I moved him to a temp place until I could sort myself out.
...
I’ve approached a local yard re. grass livery, which is the option I’m going for at the moment.
But I’m also trying to think ahead about his future should I find myself where i have to go down the pts route when my finances and health, (plus I’m almost 70) really aren’t coping.
It’s having to make the healthy horse pts decision I’m not getting my head around
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One could also view it as that he's already gotten 7-8 years as a happy, retired companion horse to your daughter's horse. There's lots of retired horses that doesn't get that many years retirement before they need to be euthanised, and some have accidents and doesn't get any retirement at all.
You've tried to find other solutions for him, but this far you haven't found one except the potential grass livery. If that works out, and you can afford it, great, he gets a bit more time, but if it the grass livery doesn't work out, what are you going to do? Take him home, and keep him there, hypothetically in a 3rd floor flat, because he's still healthy, and you don't have the heart to euthanise him?
No matter how good your intentions are, that alone won't be enough to continue to keep your horse well taken cared of.


How many of us wouldn't say that we want our end to come when we're still reasonably healthy, well enough to enjoy life, and then, without too much prolonged misery, it's just over one day?
There's far worse ways for a horse to end than still being happy, and healthy, and having spent several years as a retired companion.
 
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