Putting a horse down for dangerous behavior.

EternalVetBills

EternalVetBills

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Hi guys,

In a bit of a state here. As some of you may know, I have been having trouble with Teddy, my 5 year old, for almost two years now.

Long story short, we have recently moved yards as our previous YO thought Teddy was dangerous and a liability. We have now had a few more incidents at the new yard, not even been there a week yet, and new YO has said he is a 'safety risk' and has given us a warning. So far he has not hurt himself or anyone around him seriously, but it is waiting to happen.

He has become increasingly aggressive, biting, kicking, pinning me against walls, running at me in the field. He also bolts away from me when I am leading him (this is our main issue) and will quite often bowl me over on his way. In short he has become dangerous. Unfortunately it has taken me nearly two years to come to terms with the fact that it may be safer (for him and people around him) to have him PTS.

It have taken us four years just to get him safe enough to have his feet done. We have Jim Goddard out frequently and he has been amazing, sadly he agrees that we should at least look into re-homing Teddy to a charity.

He has got both hind gut and stomach ulcers, so chances of him ever making a ridden horse are slim, considering he can barely tolerate a saddle any more. He is also displaying more riggish behavior every day, unfortunately we don't have the money to get him tested.

Just looking for a bit of reassurance really and also would like to know if we need any kind of proof from a vet or something before we can get him PTS?

We were going to get Harry Hawkins out, does he still do PTS?

I am also think it would be better to get him shot as he is only 5?

Thank you so very much for any advice, sorry if it doesn't make sense, I am absolutely beside myself.
 
no need for proof unless youre trying to claim insurance (and you most likely wont be able to claim on insurance) sounds like he has been examined thoroughly if he's diagnosed with ulcers etc?
Doesn't matter shooting or injection - if he's difficult to inject shooting will be easier.
Assuming you've tried turfing him out to be a horse in a herd, a length of time with a professional to see if he's just a pro horse - but if he's not rideable or handleable and has demonstrated this regularly for 2 years I think you have to wonderwhat else you can do
(ps- alhtough I'd not put much stock in anyone who suggests rehoming a difficult 5yr old ot a charity...)
 
I can't give you any advice but I'd like to offer my sympathy for what must be such a difficult decision. You know the horse best and if you feel you have come to the end of the road with him, then you must trust and believe in your own judgement.
 
If you don't have the money to investigate and treat the issues (ulcers/riggish behaviour etc) and give him a quality of life/make him safe for those that handle him, then shoot him. Hunt will do the deed professionally for you for c£150., depending on your area; don't need any proof.

You have my sympathy, but sometimes the hardest decisions are the best all round.
 
EquestrianEllie01 said:
Hi guys,

In a bit of a state here. As some of you may know, I have been having trouble with Teddy, my 5 year old, for almost two years now.

Long story short, we have recently moved yards as our previous YO thought Teddy was dangerous and a liability. We have now had a few more incidents at the new yard, not even been there a week yet, and new YO has said he is a 'safety risk' and has given us a warning. So far he has not hurt himself or anyone around him seriously, but it is waiting to happen.

He has become increasingly aggressive, biting, kicking, pinning me against walls, running at me in the field. He also bolts away from me when I am leading him (this is our main issue) and will quite often bowl me over on his way. In short he has become dangerous. Unfortunately it has taken me nearly two years to come to terms with the fact that it may be safer (for him and people around him) to have him PTS.

It have taken us four years just to get him safe enough to have his feet done. We have Jim Goddard out frequently and he has been amazing, sadly he agrees that we should at least look into re-homing Teddy to a charity.

He has got both hind gut and stomach ulcers, so chances of him ever making a ridden horse are slim, considering he can barely tolerate a saddle any more. He is also displaying more riggish behavior every day, unfortunately we don't have the money to get him tested.

Just looking for a bit of reassurance really and also would like to know if we need any kind of proof from a vet or something before we can get him PTS?

We were going to get Harry Hawkins out, does he still do PTS?

I am also think it would be better to get him shot as he is only 5?

Thank you so very much for any advice, sorry if it doesn't make sense, I am absolutely beside myself.
Click to expand...

Poor boy and poor you! Have you tried the Facebook group - horses with ulcers? I know than my own mare has been vile in the past but after treating her for ulcers and intolerance to clover (check out calm healthy horses website), she is now a reformed character! Also a Richard Maxwell pressure halter, allowed me to handle her safely! Have you considered turning him away 24/7 for the winter?
 
Thank you all so very much for some really lovely posts. We have tried turning him away with a group of horses, unfortunately it made him worse.

I think I will be calling Harry Hawkins in the morning.

Thank you all again very much.
 
EquestrianEllie01 said:
Thank you all so very much for some really lovely posts. We have tried turning him away with a group of horses, unfortunately it made him worse.

I think I will be calling Harry Hawkins in the morning.

Thank you all again very much.
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God bless and thoughts are with you, a very sensible and responsible decision to PTS after what you have said.
 
So sorry to hear what you've been going through :(

From what I have heard, for me, there is no doubt he should be put to sleep. You've done all you can for him, and passing him on to a charity or anything else would not be sensible.
 
What's been done about the ulcers? How did a horse so young get them?

Have you thought about getting someone else in to help...are you maybe just way out of your depth? Sounds like it is pure ignorance of you and he needs some bloomin manners put in him. He's only 5. I doubt he is beyond being saved.
 
Sorry, think this post is going to sound rude, I really don't mean it that way.

His ulcers are a long story, which I really don't feel like telling tonight. Yes they have been treated, they keep coming back. He is on a special feed and a supplement. I have no doubt that they do contribute to his behaviour, and he has improved on a diet.

As for the experience side of things, my Mum was a three star eventer, whom trained and produced young event horses, she also has experience with rigs. We have had many professionals out to him, including Gill Blake, Rosie Jones and Mary Chick.

I have had Teddy since he was 6 months old, I have given him the best chance I can. Unfortunately he is no longer manageable. I owe everything to him as he is what got me out of my wheel chair nearly five years ago, this has not been an easy decision.

Thank you all for your support, you have been brilliant. And sorry gunnerdog (not sure I got your username right), I haven't answered your PM, too tired will get back to you tomorrow, thank you very much for your lovely advice.
 
EE01. I completely understand how dreadful stomach ulcers are for horses. My lovely TB died from colic due to a hemorrhaged ulcer, despite treatment and very good veterinary care. They can be very, very serious and also extremely painful.

You don't need to justify yourself or tell the whole back story. It's clear that you have the horse's best interests at heart.
 
OP he wont know he is being put to sleep and I honestly think more people are guilty of passing horses on than taking responsibility and preventing injury to anyone. A horse with behaviour such as you describe is not mentally in a good place-whatever the reason ending his days will prevent suffering for him and injury to others.
tough decision and good luck
 
What a horrible situation to be in and a very difficult decision to make but it sounds like you have done everything you can for him, it's heartbreaking I think you have been very brave I wish you well x
 
Brave decision and I wish you all the best. It's never an easy one to make in a horse so young but why put them (and you) through more than necessary? You sound very sensible and have obviously done what you can so I think you are totally justified. End the day of the day it's your horse therefore your decision. X
 
I have PTS two horses who had diffcult behaviours .
Op I believe you are doing the right thing the ulcers are probably being driven for something else .
One I PTS had worsening ulcers no matter what we did I am sure that horse had something else wrong we just never found out what it was .
The other had behavioural issues very infrequent but not safe for people .
It's a horrible place to be have a hug from me .
 
I really feel for you OP. :(

When behaviour gets to this stage it can be nigh impossible to change it's path. I for one am extremely more wary of a horse that displays dangerous behaviour in an offensive and aggressive manner. It has either been confirmed or strongly suspected to be a brain tumour/lesion/neuron issue ime of horses that behave like this and sadly, nothing could have been done to help them but give them a humane end.

I'm not saying Teddy is necessarily inflicted in this way, just that I don't believe horses are aggressive animals as such unless there are significant and potentially very complicated issues going on.

I think you are doing the right thing by acknowledging that PTS would be a very kind and brave gesture for you to do for him. It's ok to have doubts and wonder if you are doing the right thing, I'm behind you as so many of us will be. Keep safe and we are all just a few clicks of the internet away if you need support.

Best wishes and kindest regards.
 
I would support you ll the way ! a brave and sensible decision at the end of the day deep down you know when its right - Big hugs
 
Oh no! Poor you (and poor Teddy - re the ulcers I mean).

Really feel for you at this difficult decision. Whatever you decide, it's clear you have everyone's best interests (including the horse) at heart. I think you're very brave.
 
Really sad situation but the behaviour sounds like a symptom of his condition. If you think of it as letting him go due to the pain caused caused by his ulcers it may make it a bit easier for you.
 
Very sad for you but well done for being so responsible about his welfare. It sounds like you have done everything you could and more.
 
Have a virtual hug from me too. Its never easy to put down a young animal, especially since you have known him since he was just a baby, but it does sound like his life is horrible for him. Passing on something that is clearly dangerous to a charity is absolutely not something to even consider - imagine how bad you would feel if you heard that he had seriously injured someone there and caused the charity considerable problems in the process? I hope it all goes well for you and him. At least you will be certain that all his pain and problems are gone.
 
twiggy2 said:
OP he wont know he is being put to sleep and I honestly think more people are guilty of passing horses on than taking responsibility and preventing injury to anyone. A horse with behaviour such as you describe is not mentally in a good place-whatever the reason ending his days will prevent suffering for him and injury to others.
tough decision and good luck
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Agree with this.

He doesn't know death but he clearly does know pain. It must be a very difficult decision but you have to be responsible and not pass on a horse who is clearly very dangerous, you are doing the right thing x
 
Thank you all so much for the comforting words. We have got Harry coming out at lunchtime. I may post some of the lovely pics I took of him this morning later. Thank you all again so much. x
 
You have my love and support too, I PTS my gorgeous lad last year for behavioral reasons too ... Hope everything goes as smoothly as it can for you x
 
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