Putting a horse down for dangerous behavior.

[Irish gal]

Sky babe I think you will be doing the right thing for her, like the OP here. Unfortunately, this gut wrenching part of having a horse is not something any of us envision, yet it's part of our responsibility to them.

It sounds like you've really tried your best. Not easy, I know, but perhaps you'll feel also feel relieved when it's done.

 

[Adopter]

Skybabe, so sorry to read about your mare and her ongoing problems, it takes courage to make the call to end the pain, but it is the kindest option for your horse. Sadly sometimes there is no answer as to why the problem continues, but the behaviour is not that of a happy horse so sending hugs at this difficult time.

 

[LadySam]

Feeling relieved shows how right your decision was. It's ok to feel this way and it's ok to feel awful too, because everyone feels awful whenever they have any animal pts, it's the flip side of animal ownership. You have behaved responsibly, let the relief flood through you.

This is exactly what I came to say. The right thing often isn't the easiest thing.

I had a very similar experience to xDundryx. You do have to draw a line somewhere for everybody's sake, including the horse. Horses that can't be helped do happen, and you did everything you could for a long time. Big internet hugs to you.

 

[Mollylittle]

is she safe out in the field and happy with other horses? Than maybe there would be an option to rehome her as a companionhorse only?

 

[Ruftysdad]

Molly Little, the OP has already said that this has been tried and that he was just as bad

 

[Mollylittle]

Molly Little, the OP has already said that this has been tried and that he was just as bad

I didn't understand it like that-my understanding was that mare will take off hot while being brought to the turn out. My question was is she dangerous while she is in the field?

 

[Frumpoon]

Brave, responsible, strong and selfless!!!

Anybody gives you stick send them my way xxxxxx

 

[YorksG]

is she safe out in the field and happy with other horses? Than maybe there would be an option to rehome her as a companionhorse only?

Companion horses also need catching in, for farrier, vet, ground conditions etc. There is a serious glut of horses in the UK as it is, PTS is absolutely the right thing in this case, have you read about the mares health problems? Companion animal homes are something of a myth as far as I can see.

 

[Mollylittle]

Companion horses also need catching in, for farrier, vet, ground conditions etc. There is a serious glut of horses in the UK as it is, PTS is absolutely the right thing in this case, have you read about the mares health problems? Companion animal homes are something of a myth as far as I can see.

Look, I have a reason for asking. i currently care for 8 horses. 2 were surrendered to a rescue close to me for being dangerous. 2 chestnut mares. The rescue asked if I could try and help. Now I have a policy of letting a horse be a horse. I also have 6 very calm and collected horses. Within about 6 months their behavior had rubbed off on the dangerous horses to a level that they now can be safely approached and handled.Riding them will never be possible-but we knew that form the start. They are now fit to be re homed as a perfect companion horse. Thats why i'm asking.Horses learn by imitating.I have no issues if OP want to euthanize her horse, that is her decision.But I can ask yes? Re companion homes being a myth? eh...nnly 2 out of my 6 can be ridden.The rest are companions.

 

[YorksG]

Look, I have a reason for asking. i currently care for 8 horses. 2 were surrendered to a rescue close to me for being dangerous. 2 chestnut mares. The rescue asked if I could try and help. Now I have a policy of letting a horse be a horse. I also have 6 very calm and collected horses. Within about 6 months their behavior had rubbed off on the dangerous horses to a level that they now can be safely approached and handled.Riding them will never be possible-but we knew that form the start. They are now fit to be re homed as a perfect companion horse. Thats why i'm asking.Horses learn by imitating.I have no issues if OP want to euthanize her horse, that is her decision.But I can ask yes? Re companion homes being a myth? eh...nnly 2 out of my 6 can be ridden.The rest are companions.

Have you found homes for them, are they lame and have health issues? You may have four who are fit to be companions, but at the moment they are companions to each other! We too allow our horses to be horses together, but any retired remain with us, we do not send them out to be "companions". Please look at the adverts for horses on any of the sites, as I said, a glut of horses.

 

[Mollylittle]

I've re homed a few in the past, but those 6 will always stay with me for reasons of personal attachments and they are a tight little community. Of course there are health issues, otherwise they wouldn't be un-ridable wouldn't they? I have a home check pending for outcome for one of the girls.I am not sure why you would want me to look at horses for sale. I haven't bought a horse in my life nor will I ever.

 

[Frumpoon]

Look, I have a reason for asking. i currently care for 8 horses. 2 were surrendered to a rescue close to me for being dangerous. 2 chestnut mares. The rescue asked if I could try and help. Now I have a policy of letting a horse be a horse. I also have 6 very calm and collected horses. Within about 6 months their behavior had rubbed off on the dangerous horses to a level that they now can be safely approached and handled.Riding them will never be possible-but we knew that form the start. They are now fit to be re homed as a perfect companion horse. Thats why i'm asking.Horses learn by imitating.I have no issues if OP want to euthanize her horse, that is her decision.But I can ask yes? Re companion homes being a myth? eh...nnly 2 out of my 6 can be ridden.The rest are companions.

But who are they companions to? In 35 years of horses I have literally never known of anybody needing an unridden companion horse yet see hundreds of people every day try and rehouse lame, unpredictable, or poorly creatures to their 'forever' homes

Maybe it's because land is at a premium around here and it's not traditional horse country

 

[Clodagh]

I always have a companion horse or pony.

 

[Mollylittle]

But who are they companions to? In 35 years of horses I have literally never known of anybody needing an unridden companion horse yet see hundreds of people every day try and rehouse lame, unpredictable, or poorly creatures to their 'forever' homes

Maybe it's because land is at a premium around here and it's not traditional horse country

You might be right with the Land. I re home to Germany and in one case to the Netherlands.IN all cases the new homes had one horse which was fine to ride for the family and didn't want to splash out on a second horse just for company.Those people adopted.

 

[YorksG]

I've re homed a few in the past, but those 6 will always stay with me for reasons of personal attachments and they are a tight little community. Of course there are health issues, otherwise they wouldn't be un-ridable wouldn't they? I have a home check pending for outcome for one of the girls.I am not sure why you would want me to look at horses for sale. I haven't bought a horse in my life nor will I ever.

The reason I suggested that you look at the horse sales sites, is that then you will be more aware of the number of horses for sale, including those who are being offered as companions.

 

[Mollylittle]

oh....what makes you think i am not aware...and why would you think that would change my stance?

 

[EQUIDAE]

is she safe out in the field and happy with other horses? Than maybe there would be an option to rehome her as a companionhorse only?

Noone wants a 17h2, horse that is dangerous to handle as a companion.

 

[Mollylittle]

Noone wants a 17h2, horse that is dangerous to handle as a companion.

so you know what 100 million people want? >just saying<.I just don't agree with generalization.
Honestly, if the gal was in my own country,i'd give her a go. What OP describes here is actually less dangerous behavior than one of the 2 chestnut girls displayed.

 

[skybabe]

yes that's the issue I've got. she is not easy to turn out, bolts away and she is not easy to catch either. she has almost turned into a wild horse, and will gallop around for hours rather than be caught. so this is why retirement or companion horse isn't ideal, she will only be caught when she is in a good mood and I feel I can't care for her properly. I'd love to go down, get her in, groom her, pamper her then put her back out, but can't :-(

 

[Mollylittle]

yes that's the issue I've got. she is not easy to turn out, bolts away and she is not easy to catch either. she has almost turned into a wild horse, and will gallop around for hours rather than be caught. so this is why retirement or companion horse isn't ideal, she will only be caught when she is in a good mood and I feel I can't care for her properly. I'd love to go down, get her in, groom her, pamper her then put her back out, but can't :-(

I see. So she would probably be happy in a herd of horses being free. My lot comes and goes as they please.My land is connected with an open lane to my stables which are behind the house.If they want to come up,they come up.If they don't,they don't.They can be relied on to come up strictly on time in the winter for feeding.I might have an idea.I will pm you.

 

[EternalVetBills]

Gosh, had completely forgotten how lovely and supportive you all were through that very hard time. Thank you all so much again. It's hard to believe that it's been nearly a year, still feels like yesterday.
Skybabe, I have PMed you and hope you find my advice at least slightly helpful. As you know, you have my utmost sympathy and I am sending you best wishes I can.
Mollylittle, I'm afraid I agree with YorksG, there are so many horses out there that need homes that it really is an unknown for a horse like skybabe has.

 

[EQUIDAE]

I see. So she would probably be happy in a herd of horses being free. My lot comes and goes as they please.My land is connected with an open lane to my stables which are behind the house.If they want to come up,they come up.If they don't,they don't.They can be relied on to come up strictly on time in the winter for feeding.I might have an idea.I will pm you.

Stop guilt tripping the poor girl - shame on you!

 

[ljohnsonsj]

All my sympathy but totally the right decision. They're many fates worse than death, especially for a horse like this. x

 

[conniegirl]

I see. So she would probably be happy in a herd of horses being free. My lot comes and goes as they please.My land is connected with an open lane to my stables which are behind the house.If they want to come up,they come up.If they don't,they don't.They can be relied on to come up strictly on time in the winter for feeding.I might have an idea.I will pm you.

What a horrid person you are, trying to guilt trip this poor person.
A 17.2hh that is dangerous to handle and cannot be caught is not suitable for a companion and infact in the UK no one will want a 17.2hh horse as a companion anyway. There are litteraly thousands of horses advertised as companions only, or in rescue centres advertised as idea companions and cant be ridden. There is a reason that the rescue centres are over flowing with them.

How exactly would you handle said dangerous horse if it needed urgent vet treatment? when it is highly stressed already and in full flight mode?
It is hard enough handling a well mannered, well handled horse who is highly stressed and injured let alone something that is dangerous to begin with!

Please feel free to take a trip to some of the low level auctions like York, Beeston and Derby to see what a horrid future awaits those poor horses that are sold as companions. Often neglected, starved or drugged up to the eyeballs to be sold on for a small profit and then they end up hurting someone or in the wrong hands

I also don't see you offering this horse a home?

 

[Birker2020]

Interesting but sad thread.

 

[Red-1]

I have read all the myriad of replies about this horse but I take it he has had everything investigating and treated?

I know someone who wanted a six year old pts because they couldn't be bothered to rehabilitate him as the daughter was into her new puppy and didn't want to be bothered with a horse that she was frightened of or couldn't ride whilst it was rehabbed. They were running out of money also.

The appointment was booked the vet came out to PTS and he asked for a weeks extension so a suitable home could be found. He felt it was a shame to let go of a young horse without trying to solve the problem or find an alternative home for it. Owner was adamant (through ignorance) that her horse was not going to a blood bank 'to be experimented on' and there was little choice. Thank goodness for the vet. New owners were found, the owners didn't give a toss when the horse went, just literally saying good riddance, it was heartbreaking to us fellow liveries who thought a lot of the horse and we were digusted with the woman and her daughters attitude.Horse ended up going to the home for about three months, but did subsequently die from colic which was sad but at least it had a chance. I know a blood bank would probably not be suitable in your horses case because if he cannot be shod without huge problems then I a am guessing he wouldn't tolerate needles.

I think you owe it to him to try and solve the gastric ulcer problem first, even if you just tame it to an extent with cheap treatment like slippery elm or other supplements on the market without necessarily treating it with expensive veterinary intervention.

I am sorry as I rarely contribute to your threads Applecart, as they seem to end with you crying "bullies" but this time I think you could re read your post in this thread. You say you have read the "myriad of replies" about the horse, but maybe have missed that the horse was PTS almost a year ago? If you did not miss that, then telling the owner that she "owes it to the horse" to sort out the ulcers, along with a story about people who "could not be bothered to rehabilitate" is utterly cruel.

IMO it is bad enough to argue and guilt trip before the horse has been PTS, but to do the same after the event is awful.

I do hope that it is a mistake, and that you have not in fact read the thread, as you say you have.

The current horse has not been diagnosed as having ulcers as far as this thread is concerned.

For what its worth, I think both OP and Skybabe are doing the correct and responsible thing for their horse.

I wish you well, both of you, and hope your horses have peace.

 

[EternalVetBills]

I am sorry as I rarely contribute to your threads Applecart, as they seem to end with you crying "bullies" but this time I think you could re read your post in this thread. You say you have read the "myriad of replies" about the horse, but maybe have missed that the horse was PTS almost a year ago? If you did not miss that, then telling the owner that she "owes it to the horse" to sort out the ulcers, along with a story about people who "could not be bothered to rehabilitate" is utterly cruel.

IMO it is bad enough to argue and guilt trip before the horse has been PTS, but to do the same after the event is awful.

I do hope that it is a mistake, and that you have not in fact read the thread, as you say you have.

The current horse has not been diagnosed as having ulcers as far as this thread is concerned.

For what its worth, I think both OP and Skybabe are doing the correct and responsible thing for their horse.

I wish you well, both of you, and hope your horses have peace.

Thank you Red-1 x

 

[Damnation]

I see. So she would probably be happy in a herd of horses being free. My lot comes and goes as they please.My land is connected with an open lane to my stables which are behind the house.If they want to come up,they come up.If they don't,they don't.They can be relied on to come up strictly on time in the winter for feeding.I might have an idea.I will pm you.

I'm sorry Mollylitte, I don't know what has annoyed you but Babe is facing a hard decision and quite frankly, I don't think you are helping. If a horse is dangerous then I am sorry but human life comes first.

In Skybabe's shoes I would PTS to prevent anyone getting injured in future, whether or not they have the dream set up, my own conscience would not hold that.

Quality not quantity - Babe's horse has had a hard life of being poked, prodded, lameness issues and back problems. This behaviour could be pain related and alot of vetenary intervention and I am sure time, money and emotion has gone into this hose and it hasn't been able to sort these issues. What makes you think that being out in a field, unable to catch the horse to even trim her feet or treat her medical issues without risk of being hurt is a good idea to anyone?

Your guilt tripping is insensative, uncalled for and rude. You appear to be under some misguided conception that any life is better than no life.

Babe - Ignore Mollylittle's emotional blackmail and insensative comments. You know your horse and sometimes despite what other people say you have to make that call. *Huge hugs*

P.s I PTS my mare 6 years ago due to unfixable medical issues and the behavioural problems that came with the issue. Quality over quantity.

 

[Red-1]

Thank you Red-1 x

You are welcome. I see Applecart has not edited her post. Glad she has seen the error of her ways, even if there is no apology, ad I hope it was a simple error.

I do think this is one of the hardest 'costs' of having our horses, and I am amazed when someone criticises someone making the brave decision to do the right thing.

I would take mollylittle a little more seriously if she were to actually offer a home for Babe's horse, easy to be an armchair critic.


ETA - not that I would take mollylittle up on it, as I think you re doing the tight thing.

 

[Neversaydie]

Such a shame for all involved, it is a hard decision to make. Hope you are ok op.