Question about PTS with Hunt.

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Unfortunately I am having to make the awful decision to have my lovely mare PTS. She's old and has arthritis. I've spoken to my vet and they support my decision and will come out to see her when we're ready.

However, someone on my yard recently had one of her horses PTS with the local hunt. I've known a lot of people that have done this too.

I was just wondering what happens? I dont hunt myself so I was curious to know what the process is and what other think of having their beloved pts this way?

Thanks for any info.
 
It does depend on the hunt so it's best to ask them what sort of arrangements they are happy to make but as an example the last one I took to our local hunt was a small elderly pony who'd started her long and happy PC career with her first rally at the kennels. It seemed fitting that she end her career there. We rang to ask when was a suitable date and time. On the day we got her up as though she were off to another rally, which made her very cheerful, unloaded her at the kennels and handed her leadrope to one of the hunt staff, he lead her away round the corner where there was a bowl of feed waiting and within a minute or so we heard a shot. He came back to us with her headcollar.

So she left this world perfectly calm and happy with a mouthful of normally forbidden feed. She was perfectly ok to travel. We'd just been watching her wasting away with some mystery illness and wanted her to go whilst she was still herself.
 
Ditto Jemima. My oldie was 40 & was starting to go downhill. We loaded her up, which pleased her as she thought she was going jumping. O/h drove her there, handed her over & went, & that was that.

I preferred the idea of her being re-used rather than drugged & then disposed of. I've never hunted either, except for once when I thought I was going on a drag hunt. It wasn't as awful as I was expecting as we didn't actually see anything traumatic. She was happy to be 'competing', & it was probably best for us to leave her rather than upsetting her by giving off distressed vibes that she could pick up on. I know that some people would probably rather stay, but that wasn't something I wanted to see.

It's a very personal decision, so you need to do whatever you feel is right.

(((hugs)))

T x
 
Ours have been done by the hunt. The guy who comes is such a lovely man. He has a real way with horses...so kind. He came to us with his trailer.
Lead horse behind trailer and chatted to him...bucket of apples in one hand. Horse very happy and relaxed eating apples. Ours have never even seen the gun. Its quick and then they are winched onto the trailer. I have had a horse PTS by injection but NEVER again...I found it very traumatic. At least with a bullet its instant.
I really feel for you xxxx
 
My last old boy a PTS this way earlier this year, it was done at home in his environment, it was very quiet and peaceful and IMHO it was the best way. Horse had no idea, no stress and was sleep before he was on the floor. With mine very little blood and they hosed down yard.
Was asked before PTS about taking some tail hair (I did this before they came tho), also I asked for his shoes back. I strongly advise you to think about how they need to take your girl away, and make sure that you can plan every detail before they turn up, so everything is kept calm and normal.
They where wonderful, kind and very respectful to my horse and myself...............they will very good horsemanship skills and will take care and do a proper job. If they offer for you to stay, SAY NO, as you are choosing, please have a good last image of your girl (I speak from experience!).
 
Thank you all so much for your replies.

I was with my friend not long ago what her horse was pts by injection by the vet and it was pretty awful. Very upsetting.

I would prefer her not to know whats happening. It's so hard though. I'm crying now just thinking about it but I know I cant make her suffer.

When I mentioned I was thinking of looking into using the hunt to my vet she didnt approve at all.

Thanks everyone you've been really helpful.
 
We've had the hunt come out to ours, one had gone down in her box, with a stroke and the hunt had to pts and then get the body out of the stable. IME the only traumatic part is the removal of the body. I prefer to stay with the horse, although you are not allowed to hold them, as you have to be behind the gun for safety but always go into the house before the winching. We've also had the knacker and the vet. I'm with SLH and much prefer not to have the injection. The horse knows nothing about guns and it truly is instantaneous. Every one of ours had gone down with a mouthful of food.

ETA, our vet has arranged for the knacker to come out in an emergency, she really didn't want to do the job herself.
 
I've never seen one with injection so can't comment on that(although have heard awful stories) Had one myself done by the hunt, was quick and horse was dead before she hit the floor. They take the body away so you don't have to organise any of that. Had several done by the hunt at work aswell. Had one shot by a vet at one job, the vet seemed really nervous, she told me afterwards that they don't get the experience using the gun like hunt or knacker men do.
 
My old pony was "done" by the Hunt; I wasn't there at the time.

My last horse was PTS by injection with the vet. It was all very peaceful and I'd be quite happy to have a horse PTS this way again. The body was then collected for cremation.

Also would be happy to have the hunt another time if necessary. They are professional, know their job because they're doing it all the time, and because of that, manage to combine efficiency with humanity.

However you decide, as others have said, it is far better not to be around for the actual disposal of the remains, i.e. the winching onto the vehicle etc. This can be very upsetting and most reputable operators will suggest as firmly (but gently) as is possible that it is better for the owner NOT to be around.

Also you need to think in advance of what "keepsakes" for want of a better word, you want to retain, i.e. any of the mane or tail, shoes, etc. I know it sounds stupid but I just wanted to have some of my lovely horse's whiskers to keep; it felt awful cutting them off but I just wanted to be able to keep that part of him. OMG, just making meself cry now.........

Am so sorry for you having to make this awful decision OP. Its never easy, but it IS something that we as humans can do for our animal/equine friends.

It won't be easy, but it WILL be the greatest gift you can ever give to your lovely horse, and that is a happy and compassionate death.
 
We had one of ours PTS by the hunt at home. They couldn't have been better, arrived on the dot they told me, took payment in advance so no hanging around when you're upset, whole thing took about 15 mins and the horse knew nothing.
 
I've never seen a horse done by injection, so can't comment about that either. I witnessed two horses PTS by the hunt and while that horrible sound is still ringing in my ears, the men who did it were lovely. I didn't speak to them really (as two others were dealing with the situation, I just happened to be there) but I could tell they were nice.
So long as I didn't have to hear it, or see him drop, I would be quite all right with Ned going that way.

Good luck, so sorry you have to be thinking about this :(
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
However you decide, as others have said, it is far better not to be around for the actual disposal of the remains, i.e. the winching onto the vehicle etc. This can be very upsetting and most reputable operators will suggest as firmly (but gently) as is possible that it is better for the owner NOT to be around.
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This, although I didn't speak speak to them, they did take us all aside and told us not to watch that part, I heard the winch, but didn't see it. I don't suppose it's very dignified or pleasant to watch :(
 
A girl I knew years ago had an old hunter who was starting to suffer badly from arthritis and she didn't want him to go through another winter, so she rode him the two miles to the park kennels. While she stood under the old oaks the kennel men brought out the dogs and she removed his saddle. No bucket of feed but they blew the horn for him, his ears pricked up and it was over. A dignified way for the old boy to go.
 
Op I'm so sorry your in this situation. Personally I've only ever had the two horses I lost pts by the vet as I thought it best, and I still have no reason to say its not but hearing several really positive stories about how professional and caring the hunt locally to me are under such difficult circumstances had really made me have a rethink and I've decided actually if its a pre arranged thing I'd probably use the hunt in the future.
On the bad side I'd not be able to hold the horse but I've been assured if you tell them on the phone when making the arrangement they will bring a second person so the owner can say goodbye and leave them to it. I'm more than happy that its quick, humane and done with great compassion.
Hugs xx
 
Elsbells said:
A girl I knew years ago had an old hunter who was starting to suffer badly from arthritis and she didn't want him to go through another winter, so she rode him the two miles to the park kennels. While she stood under the old oaks the kennel men brought out the dogs and she removed his saddle. No bucket of feed but they blew the horn for him, his ears pricked up and it was over. A dignified way for the old boy to go.
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:) - agreed x
 
I have horses done both ways. Injection takes a lot longer as the cannula has to be sited and often sedation is given before. I had my horse shot in the field, I handed the lead rope and the carrot over and walked away, I got about 30ft before I heard the shot. I am having my old girl PTS soon and its the hunt for me this time, she hates needles.
 
This might be a strange question but if you have to be behind the gun how does the holder hold the horse so that the head doesnt move and they make a bad shot. I couldnt bear that.
 
putasocinit said:
This might be a strange question but if you have to be behind the gun how does the holder hold the horse so that the head doesnt move and they make a bad shot. I couldnt bear that.
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My head shy horse was done very recently. They are so skilled at there job that they are able to hold the horse and shoot them. Best way to have them done in my opinion. I did stay to witness it though. But that was my choice and I'm very glad I did although it wasnt pleasant. It has also made me decide that with mine once they are finished in working life for whatever reason I will not let them dawdle about day after day in a field.
It did nothing for the horse and I wish I had done mine the day the vet said he was no longer safe to ride.

What amazes me which might sound strange is how they get the done up headcollar off the horse so neatly before it even hits the ground!

Strange what you remember from things....

Would only ever have the hunt from now on.
 
My old girl was taken care of by the hunt.

The very nice man came to our field. I was with Ellie when he shot her, and she gone before she hit the ground.

The man did suggest I didn't watch her being winched onto the truck, so I went off. OH was hiding when Ellie died as he didn't want to see it, so felt he should be with her when she was put on the lorry. He helped the man put the straps on her, and while he said it was awful to see her being winched, he was glad he was with her.

From the man arriving to leaving took about an hour as he didn't want march straight in and do it, but let the horses come and see him and then wander off. After Ellie died he told me let the other horses in to say their goodbyes to her, and he would only take her when they were ready to let her go.
 
Another good thing about using the hunt is that the man doesn't smell of chemicals (which the horse will recognise) but of dogs & horses. My hunt is super, feeding the horse polos as the deed is done. Quick & professional with no stress for the horse.
 
Third option is your local knacker man, usually very kind gentle man whi's very skilled in his job. Ours is an expert and I wouldn't have anyone else do such an important job.
They use a relatively small hand gun and just reach up to give them a rub on the face and it's all over - horses have no idea it's coming and actually seeing it made me personally feel better about how quick it was.
 
I have had one pts by knacker man, very professional. I handed pony over and before I had gone 5 yards over and done with.

I have had two pts by vet, also very professional. Both lowered to the ground carefully by vets. Death took longer but both ponies 'out of it'. I stayed with these two.

All three taken away by knacker man, same one.

Each time told to go away while ponies winched into lorry, 'didn't need to see that'.

Not a pleasant thing which ever way you choose. However these guys are very professional and understanding of the owners sensibilities.

My knacker man said the worst thing he has to do and hates is disposing of young calves, says it all really, they are human.
 
I've unfortunately been in this postition twice this year.

The first time I took my mare over to the hunt as my lovely supporting yard at the time didn't approve of my choice of the gun and wouldn't allow her to be shot on site(!). I don't know what I was expecting when I took her to the kennels, but the place was beautiful and very serene (not sure if I was expecting some axe-wielding mad man covered in blood with a load of hounds barking in the background but it was as far from that as possible!!!), the huntsman met the lorry on the way up the drive. He helped me unload her and put her in a stable alongside his own horses with hay and water. I stood and chatted with him for a while about the reasons for doing so, gave her plenty of treats etc... he assured me I was doing the right thing etc. He asked me if I'd like to stay, I said no way, he swapped over her headcollar for one of his own and handed mine back to me. He then said as soon as I went he would take her round the back and that would be that. He then text about an hour later when he knew I would be home saying he hoped I was ok which was nice.

My second fortunately was dealt with by my new yard owner (her husband is the master of a separate hunt). As far as I know the huntsman came out and dealt with him at home, he was then taken away.

I would always, always choose this method over any other.
 
Polos Mum said:
Third option is your local knacker man, usually very kind gentle man whi's very skilled in his job. Ours is an expert and I wouldn't have anyone else do such an important job.
They use a relatively small hand gun and just reach up to give them a rub on the face and it's all over - horses have no idea it's coming and actually seeing it made me personally feel better about how quick it was.
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Our local firm always bring a bucket of feed for the horse, which I think is lovely, and not just a sprinkle in the bottom of the bucket either!
We always have a bucket ready but it just proves to me that they are real horsemen/women.
 
Aleka81 said:
It has also made me decide that with mine once they are finished in working life for whatever reason I will not let them dawdle about day after day in a field.
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So the day your horse cannot work is the day you decide to have it shot? Just curious as to why that is?
 
Wagtail said:
So the day your horse cannot work is the day you decide to have it shot? Just curious as to why that is?
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We don't do long field retirement here either I do down grade their jobs give a lot of medical support to them but then they are unrideable I am not saying its the next day but they go at some point .
 
Pearlsasinger said:
Our local firm always bring a bucket of feed for the horse, which I think is lovely, and not just a sprinkle in the bottom of the bucket either!
We always have a bucket ready but it just proves to me that they are real horsemen/women.
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Very thoughtful and knowledgable, don't know what I was expecting but a genuinely kind sweet man who clearly knows how to handle horses was a nice suprise an a very dark day
 
Wagtail said:
So the day your horse cannot work is the day you decide to have it shot? Just curious as to why that is?
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Is this really the time or the place?

OP I am sorry you are having to make this decision. I have been really fortunate and never had to make the decision for my own. I have seen them both ways at work and I would be entirely comfortable with either.

My Mother had her pony done by the hunt. They also blew the horn for him (he was a hunter through and through) and she said it was the best way for him to go.
 
Goldenstar said:
We don't do long field retirement here either I do down grade their jobs give a lot of medical support to them but then they are unrideable I am not saying its the next day but they go at some point .
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I sometimes wish I could think like that. It would make life a lot easier (and cheaper!).
 
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