Question about PTS with Hunt.

Jesstickle said:
Is this really the time or the place?
Click to expand...

I was reacting to a statement which seemed to be criticising people (like the OP) who have kept their horses in retirement. So yes, I think that it was the time and the place.

OP I have not personally had a horse shot by the hunt, but I do believe it to be a totally humane method, and very quick for the horse. I wouldn't do it personally, because I would want to be with the horse when it goes, and I don't think I could if it was shot. I have watched horses be PTS by injection on three occasions. All three were completely peaceful. Obviously, the process takes longer and it is not so instant, but it is much easier for the owner to be there if that is what you would want.
 
Goldenstar said:
Blowing the horn before you shot any of our old hunters would have been a very bad idea.
Click to expand...

My Mother's pony was ancient by this point! Not much chance of him going anywhere but I can imagine if you have a sightly *ahem* 'sprightlier' horse whose legs have gone but nothing else it might not be the most sensible thing to do.

Mothership's pony was done by the hunt who had known him his whole life so I guess they deemed it safe
 
I've had experience of both injection and hunt- I'd never ever want a horse to be PTS via injection again.

The pony who i had injected was on loan to me so the owner chose that method.
The vet injected the pony, it wasn't enough to do the job and the pony swayed and staggered around like a drunken sailor and ended up crashing through a fence, smashing it to pieces! At this point the poor pony was very distressed and disorientated, couldn't quite stand, kept falling over, and was frantically thrashing around- the vet meanwhile was in panic mode quickly trying to get the next injection ready and into the pony. This finally happened and he just keeled over and died.

As you can imagine it was VERY upsetting and disturbing to watch, the poor boy had a totally undignified ending. I am still haunted by what happened to this day.

On a more positive note, a few months back a good friend had her old girl PTS by our local hunt. They were really kind and supportive and arranged everything for her. They took her down to the kennels, she was fussed over, had some apples and they said their goodbyes and that was it. The huntsman quietly took her round the back and it was over in minutes- a quick bullet to the head.

If i have to have one of mine PTS in the future i will pick the hunt option for sure. It's quick and painless and gets the job done with as little stress to both horse and owner as possible.
 
Wagtail said:
I was reacting to a statement which seemed to be criticising people (like the OP) who have kept their horses in retirement. So yes, I think that it was the time and the place.

OP I have not personally had a horse shot by the hunt, but I do believe it to be a totally humane method, and very quick for the horse. I wouldn't do it personally, because I would want to be with the horse when it goes, and I don't think I could if it was shot. I have watched horses be PTS by injection on three occasions. All three were completely peaceful. Obviously, the process takes longer and it is not so instant, but it is much easier for the owner to be there if that is what you would want.
Click to expand...

I wasnt criticising just merely stating a fact. I kept my old chap in retirement for 3 years before having PTS in June. I was just saying I wouldnt do it again!

And it amazes me what you pick up on in threads like these or any others. I observe an awful lot on here and one of the reasons I do that rather than post stuff like I used to is because of people like you.


OP I am very sorry if you feel that I am criticizing anything at all. I truly wasnt. I personally believe via my sub conscious that I put off having my old chap PTS because of how horrific I thought it would be. It really and truly wasnt at all. IMO having the Hunt do the job worked for me and my boy. They really were wonderful. I hope whatever and however you decide to do it it goes as well as is possible.x
 
Star26 I also had an appalling injection experiance ( and have seen less awful ones as well it's more humane only for the humans IMO )and I would never allow it again for one of mine unless himan safety made it difficult to shoot them.
Your post just brought the memory back it was by far the worse equine experiance I have had sorry you went through it too.
 
Goldenstar said:
Star26 I also had an appalling injection experiance ( and have seen less awful ones as well it's more humane only for the humans IMO )and I would never allow it again for one of mine unless himan safety made it difficult to shoot them.
Your post just brought the memory back it was by far the worse equine experiance I have had sorry you went through it too.
Click to expand...

It really was quite awful, sorry to hear you've experienced it too. :( Unfortunately i know of others who have also had bad experiences with the injection. I totally agree that it should only be a last resort- where shooting isn't able/appropriate. It's not always a quick (or dignified) death whereas a bullet to the brain is.
 
Can I hijack slightly and ask what the difference in price is for the various ways of pts? I have 2 vet/needle shy horses who at some point in the future I will decide how is best to end their days.
 
weebarney said:
Can I hijack slightly and ask what the difference in price is for the various ways of pts? I have 2 vet/needle shy horses who at some point in the future I will decide how is best to end their days.
Click to expand...

I think our hunt charge £150 to shoot and remove.
 
Ok thanks. What is the difference between getting the hunt or knacker? My horses would have to be done at home, A for my peace of mind and B one will not travel.
 
Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me.

I have decided our local hunt will be a fitting end for my amazing mare. I spoke to our local huntsman today and he seemed very lovely and completely reassured me that I am making the right choice for her. He remained very kind even when I started to cry.

I know her time has come but its so hard to say goodbye. :(

Thanks again for all the support and advice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top