Redwings - will they take a horses if you can't cope?

A vet that will not PTS is a bloody irresponsible practice.
Ring around or call the hunt....I'm lost for words. They would have her starve in a field rather than PTS?
Incredulous!
 
Hold your uphaul joeanne, it rather sounds as if OP has been told (by whom?) that they won't, rather than actually had the conversation with her own vet to find out for sure. It's not part of a vet's code of conduct to only PTS healthy animals, so I would imagine it's either an old wives tale or individual vets airing their own views. If OP's own vet won't, I'm sure you could find one in your area who will.

I'm sorry you are having such problems, OP :(
 
What M&S said - speak to the Vet, not a 3rd party who may have their own agenda. Horrible situation to be in but I know it's hard to find a sharer for a good ridden 13 yo horse with no chores, so to rehome an elderly companion is going to be hear impossible.
 
Definitely contact the veteran horse society they are very experienced and helpful, they can help advertise for rehoming if you go that route.

Have you looked into a sharer to help with chores and costs? I realise she's can only do light hacking but if you are lucky there may be someone who just wants to spend time with a horse.

Its a very hard decision but at her age I would reconsider the pts again, welfare wise for older horses it is often the much kinder option. If you are struggling financially now its only going to get worse as she gets older, older horses generally will need more feed, supplements and things go wrong which will all cost more and the worst thing would be to find her welfare is suffering because of it. Hopefully you'll find a way and it won't come to that but I believe what your friends and family say are wrong, by pts you are ensuring she won't suffer either due to not getting what she needs or through changing homes a lot etc.

Hope the veteran horse society can be of assistance.
 
If you explain your circumstances I'd be surprised that a vet wouldn't pts an elderly previously injured horse. It's the route I would take as I believe I owe my mare that final security. I'd ring and have a chat with them, and ignore anyone ele's opinion, it is your business and nothing to do with them.
 
If your horse is only sound enough for walk hacking she must have a significant soundness issue, this is reason enough for most responsible vets to agree to pts at an owner's request.

It sounds like your horse has had a happy life and pts would not be unfair to her IMO.
 
If this was my horse (I have an oldie but hes perfectly sound) I would PTS. If the vet refused then call the hunt they will do it kindly and with sensitivity. If your like me and dont have a hunt local to do so then there will be a number for a local knackerman in yellow pages or ask a local farmer.

Hugs to you x
 
joeanne said:
No...they will not take her.
If you cannot keep her, and cannot sell her, the kindest thing (which many of the charities are advocating right now) is to PTS.
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Unfortunately I think this is probably right. there just aren't enough homes for companion horses. i have an elderly companion on loan from one of the horse welfare societies who is brilliant for what I want but I suspect if i sent her back to them they'd probably end up PTS.
 
OP your friends and family gave a point regarding PTS not fair on the horse, but its not just about the horse. What's fair on you and your child? You say your mental health is suffering. So I assume your friends and family think that is ok? Or, perhaps you haven't told them. The horse is old and unsaleable and your own health is suffering. It seems the only way you could cope with this horse is if it was on full livery, so if you can't afford that, PTS. Vet or hunt will do it.
 
Do the fairest thing for both of you and PTS. I did it and no matter how hard the decision I knew it was the right thing in the long run. We all have a responsibility to our animals and if we cannot provide good care ourselves, we cannot expect others to do it for us for nothing. I know this sounds harsh but trust me, its better than ending up being sold on by an unscrupulous person (and we know there are many of those around).
 
I agree with all the other posters that suggest PTS. She's had a good life for 20 years, rehoming is unlikely, and putting a horse down is not cruel. I've had people say to me that they couldn't have had a horse put down the way I have done before, but perhaps they didn't understand that sometimes it's out of love that you make that call.

It's brave to admit you can't cope. Under the circumstances you describe PTS seems the right way to go.
 
Me again, still struggling on. It's all come to a bit of a head yesterday when I right barney with my mother who is sick of me keeping my horsey clothes at their house (they live next door to the farm so I keep a set of horsey clothes to change into whilst I drop my daughter off) and they are also fed up of the restrictions of looking after my daughter whilst I go to the horse 5 times a week. They want to go on holiday and can't really until the horse is out for summer then I can take my daughter with me whilst I check on her. Its really floored me tbh, there is no one else I can ask to look after her whilst I do the horse and I can't take her with me either. It's just the final blinking straw. I don't like asking them to look after my daughter whilst I go to the horse as they have her 2 full days whilst I'm at work.

I don't know if I should my mare summer out then PTS although I suggested that to my mother and she was disgusted I'd consider that as an animal is for life etc so I don't know what to do. It seems such a shame when shes full of life and such sweet natured thing. Her tendon isn't bothering her at all now but it's on advice of the vet I stick to just walking her out to stop it going again. What a mess, I'm so depressed about it all and resentful of the situation then guilty about feeling so crappy about.
 
No...they, along with all charities at the moment are advising PTS in that situation. They are only taking in.extreme welfare cases.

I know because I called every single one in the UK before Christmas.

We have horses so we have to be responsible when the time comes and in some cases, as with the horses I helped with, PTS was the best option to ensure welfare and no uncertain future of abuse, abandonment, neglect or slaughter.

Think of the horses future.
 
Sorry GG, I'm no longer asking the question about Redwings, I quickly established back in January when I first posted that was not an option but it won't let me edit the title. I didn't want to start a new thread as this had all the history.
 
I think you have a hard decision to make but I have a oldie too if for any reason I could not afford her then she would be pts at there age it's the kindest thing you could do. I know it's hard with a 5 year old in tow as have one myself but don't have anyone to have him.. Bit like a comical sketch as I have 2 bring in 2 down a road with a 5 year old! Never easy!! Xxx
 
tye_bo said:
Me again, still struggling on. It's all come to a bit of a head yesterday when I right barney with my mother who is sick of me keeping my horsey clothes at their house (they live next door to the farm so I keep a set of horsey clothes to change into whilst I drop my daughter off) and they are also fed up of the restrictions of looking after my daughter whilst I go to the horse 5 times a week. They want to go on holiday and can't really until the horse is out for summer then I can take my daughter with me whilst I check on her. Its really floored me tbh, there is no one else I can ask to look after her whilst I do the horse and I can't take her with me either. It's just the final blinking straw. I don't like asking them to look after my daughter whilst I go to the horse as they have her 2 full days whilst I'm at work.

I don't know if I should my mare summer out then PTS although I suggested that to my mother and she was disgusted I'd consider that as an animal is for life etc so I don't know what to do. It seems such a shame when shes full of life and such sweet natured thing. Her tendon isn't bothering her at all now but it's on advice of the vet I stick to just walking her out to stop it going again. What a mess, I'm so depressed about it all and resentful of the situation then guilty about feeling so crappy about.
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Sorry to hear things are difficult.

I used to be really against PTS but the more I see of the other options I can only see PTS as the kindest thing to do.

However don't forget that this isn't a choice of right now or when your horse dies naturally- work out how long you can give her and PTS then.

Personally I think giving her the summer and then a painless end means that you'll have done your duty to her.

On a slightly flippant note- that retirement livery place looks like where you tell your kids you've sent the pony when it passes away...
 
Ignore all advice from anyone except someone who would actually take on your horse and look after it for life. They wouldn't? Well then they can take their opinions and stuff it, especially if they are then moaning about the hassle of the horse and criticising you for considering PTS.

If it were me, I would give your horse a good last summer and then PTS, quietly, kindly and with love. They won't get old and ill and suffer, and you will know you did right by them and looked after them properly and responsibly. And you should also be able to look the critics firmly in the eye and know you did the best thing.
 
Sounds to me like your family and friends perhaps are not horsey and see her more as a dog than a horse ?? sad situation to be in but after what is quite a long and happy life i would have her PTS. What you have to think about is she might be passed around and with a horse that isn't sound and can only do extremely light work she will not appeal to many people.

Do not listen to those around you whom have no knowledge on the situation or horses, you don't need to struggle on with it do what is best for both you and the horse... in this case PTS

all the best xx
 
I would still advertise for a share, op. You've little to lose at this point. Is there no friends who can help with daughter for a week if your parents go away? Or a local childminder? I'm guessing she's quite young, but is there another reason why she can't go to the farm? If your mare is out for the summer can you get away with no poo picking and just checks and feed for a week? As for clothes, I just keep an oversize coat in my boot and wellies with waterproof trousers over. Very rarely change from work to horses, even skirts get rolled up and waterproofs over the top!

Hope you get something sorted. There's a real air of despair in your posts. :(
 
You poor thing. What a miserable attitude your parents seem to have.
Most grandparents would be thrilled they get to see so much of their grandaughter, and as for your mother's attitude towards PTS; she has no right to be judgemental as she is the one putting you in that situation on the first place.

I'd advertise everywhere for a sharer, it wouldn't need to be a financial arrangement, just someone who would like to do a bit of gentle hacking in return for help.
 
The final kindness you can do is have her pts. I feel like my horses are my responsibility and at 20 with an injury there is not much future therefore not much chance of the right home. Ignore what anyone else says, you don't even have to tell them. I'd phone your vet and explain the situation. They should support your decision.

How old is your daughter, why can't you take her with you?
 
I have a 23 and a 28 year old they owe me nothing and I have looked after them since they were young ponies but I would not think twice about having them PTS.
I lost one at Christmas and I had an oldie PTS last year. Yes you are sad but no one mentions the relief that you do not have to worry about them anymore. They had a wonderful stress free life with friends and food and were PTS in the comfort of familier surrounding. Lets hope we all have such a streesfree death.
 
If the main issue is the childcare aspect why not just take your daughter with you? Or if yard has a non negotiable no kids rule, move to a yard that allows supervised kids/babies.
 
A few years ago, I tried the Veteran Horse Society as I needed a home for an elderly pony as I was going to live abroad.

The best they could do was offer an extremely expensive livery package - more than I was paying at a beautiful professional yard with excellent riding facilities just outside London.

Considering it was a field livery, I was rather shocked at what I considered was an extortionate charge!!

I also offered a substantial lump sum, but they wern't interested.

I also tried another one, which only seems to take retired police horses and famous equines. They had just built a huge lab for vets etc. I no longer contribute towards the home of rest for horses, needless to say!!! Sorry, I thought I contributed towards a rest home for equines - the funds should have been used to purchase more land etc. to take in more animals!!

I am sure I will be shot down in flames for these views!!!
 
Thanks everyone I am taking on board what you are saying. I just don't know if I'd forgive myself if I PTS rather than carrying on.

Fran I can't have a sharer, I'm not permitted to take anyone else to the farm it was a condition of me going there. It's not a livery yard its a private house and the elderly owners are very particular about their privacy. Its peanuts to keep her there (and I'm still struggling at that), its on my doorstep and my 2 friends are there so we have a rota in place so I don't have to go twice a day. I couldn't get it any easier or cheaper hence I can't move yards.

If my parents could wait until the summer my daughter (who is 2) could come with to the field while I check on them. But they want to go before then. The holiday is less of an issue as I'm sure my friends who I'm on the yard with would cover my shifts for a week whilst I was looking after my daughter. It's more the ongoing care week in week out that I'm struggling with now I know that they are wanting their own space and time to do stuff which is fair enough.

Just feel I'm dammed if I do and dammed if I don't.
 
I think its the BHS who have set up a group to support people in yr situation, they advise on PTS issues and even (I think) can send someone to be with u to support if required. I completely unstand your situation. My child is two and comes with to do my horses, it canbe a right pain but we manage even if things take longer! BUT if time and money is a struggle then yr child comes first. Sounds like you have tried all other avenues and just nees to take that final step? You will feel guilty and miss your horse very much but equally you will know that you made a very brave decision, you arent wondering if she is starving in field or being beaten or abused or worked til she is crippled.
 
tye_bo said:
Thanks everyone I am taking on board what you are saying. I just don't know if I'd forgive myself if I PTS rather than carrying on.

Fran I can't have a sharer, I'm not permitted to take anyone else to the farm it was a condition of me going there. It's not a livery yard its a private house and the elderly owners are very particular about their privacy. Its peanuts to keep her there (and I'm still struggling at that), its on my doorstep and my 2 friends are there so we have a rota in place so I don't have to go twice a day. I couldn't get it any easier or cheaper hence I can't move yards.

If my parents could wait until the summer my daughter (who is 2) could come with to the field while I check on them. But they want to go before then. The holiday is less of an issue as I'm sure my friends who I'm on the yard with would cover my shifts for a week whilst I was looking after my daughter. It's more the ongoing care week in week out that I'm struggling with now I know that they are wanting their own space and time to do stuff which is fair enough.

Just feel I'm dammed if I do and dammed if I don't.
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Just be kind to yourself, you are considering everyone else except what you want to do, try to give yourself some space and really think what is best for you and your daughter. Just because you have a good place to keep your horse and it does not cost a lot does not mean you have to struggle.

Having seen many things in a long lifetime I would always pts whatever the age any horse or pony I own if they were no longer able to lead a full life and I could not manage them any more, because I would not trust what would happen if they left my yard.

Give her the summer and then review the situation when you get to next winter, but do remember children cost more and more as they get older, and if you are already feeling guilty about what you ask your parents to do, it will not get easier.

Pts does not mean you do love and care about your horse when it is no longer able to lead a full active life, it means you are responsible and caring and putting the horse first.

Hugs and hope you feel better soon.
 
Thanks 12Feb. If her injury meant she was in pain then I'd have her PTS but because she's fit and well I feel so bad.
 
I am in a very simular situation i have a 15 year old mare who did her tendon last year & i have had the winter from hell with 3 kids under 4 years old....it's been bloody tough!! It was agreed with the vet to give her 18 months off & if she doesnt improve then she will have one last summer out grazing & then will be pts in the autumn.Currentley it;s not looking good for her & although it will break my heart to do it but i will have her pts in september as i will know exactly where she is & will never have to wonder where she is etc.
I know it may sound harsh to some but it's going to happen as some stage for them all so why pre-long it.there are alot of horses out there currentley suffering due to the economic & over breeding situation.
If you feel you cant do it by yourself speak to the BHS as i believe they now have a buddy system set up where someone will come & be with your horse if you feel you cant do it.
Also speak to your vet i cannot believe any vet is going to refuse to PTS a 20year old with a tendon injury & if they do ....phone another vet who is looking out for the wlefare of the horse.Good luck .xxx
 
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