Rehoming an old boy (yes they shoot horses, but I'd rather not)

Spudlet said:
I don't think people say PTS for the sake of it, or because they like to think of horses being killed, or because they don't believe in retiring horses or anything like that - well, I don't anyway. It's because they are aware of what can happen when more vulnerable horses are passed on.

Let's face it - why are horses kept well? Two reasons - they're financially valuable, or because someone loves them.

An older horse than can no longer be ridden has little financial value, so if it's well cared for it's because someone loves it. If you then pass that horse on to strangers, it loses that protection too.

How many horses that end up being sold at the low-end sales were loved by someone once? How many of them are loved at the sales? How many end up in a bad state? Horses that end up neglected don't just spring from the ground - they all come from somewhere. So often, someone loved them too once.

OP, I feel terrible for you and I really hope you can find someone to take your old boy - I would say, someone you know, someone local, and you have got to make the commitment to keep checking him regularly, both announced and unannounced.

But if you can't find anyone, then please don't send him out into the world alone without you to watch his back.
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That is very nicely put Spudlet. Well done.
 
OP, I feel terrible for you and I really hope you can find someone to take your old boy - I would say, someone you know, someone local, and you have got to make the commitment to keep checking him regularly, both announced and unannounced.

'100% agree!!' x
 
You just need to wait for the right person to come along. I say this as someone who took on (along with family) a 19yo ex racer who was going to be pts that week as his owner couldn't find a home for him. He's now 27 and has a home to see out his days, he is now pretty much fully retired, we did hack him for a few year (v lightly though!) but now all he does is eat, sleep and try to teach the young horse some manners!

So while yes, pts can be an option, there are good loan homes out there, ours is not cheap to feed but he's still here. We have loaned out horses, and taken them on loan, and have been fortunate never have had any problems. :)
 
Spudlet said:
I don't think people say PTS for the sake of it, or because they like to think of horses being killed, or because they don't believe in retiring horses or anything like that - well, I don't anyway. It's because they are aware of what can happen when more vulnerable horses are passed on.

Let's face it - why are horses kept well? Two reasons - they're financially valuable, or because someone loves them.

An older horse than can no longer be ridden has little financial value, so if it's well cared for it's because someone loves it. If you then pass that horse on to strangers, it loses that protection too.

How many horses that end up being sold at the low-end sales were loved by someone once? How many of them are loved at the sales? How many end up in a bad state? Horses that end up neglected don't just spring from the ground - they all come from somewhere. So often, someone loved them too once.

OP, I feel terrible for you and I really hope you can find someone to take your old boy - I would say, someone you know, someone local, and you have got to make the commitment to keep checking him regularly, both announced and unannounced.

But if you can't find anyone, then please don't send him out into the world alone without you to watch his back.
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very well put:)
 
Spudlet said:
I don't think people say PTS for the sake of it, or because they like to think of horses being killed, or because they don't believe in retiring horses or anything like that - well, I don't anyway. It's because they are aware of what can happen when more vulnerable horses are passed on.

Let's face it - why are horses kept well? Two reasons - they're financially valuable, or because someone loves them.

An older horse than can no longer be ridden has little financial value, so if it's well cared for it's because someone loves it. If you then pass that horse on to strangers, it loses that protection too.

How many horses that end up being sold at the low-end sales were loved by someone once? How many of them are loved at the sales? How many end up in a bad state? Horses that end up neglected don't just spring from the ground - they all come from somewhere. So often, someone loved them too once.

OP, I feel terrible for you and I really hope you can find someone to take your old boy - I would say, someone you know, someone local, and you have got to make the commitment to keep checking him regularly, both announced and unannounced.

But if you can't find anyone, then please don't send him out into the world alone without you to watch his back.
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^^ put absolutely perfectly
 
rhino said:
Have you read any of the (many, many) 'loan gone wrong' stories on here or elsewhere... It is not a secure future in any way.

OP, will keep my fingers crossed for you that you can find a outcome you are happy with. If I had my own land I would love to take on another oldie to keep my retiree company but can't afford 2 at livery.

:)
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Ah yes but that's because people don't post about a loan that's going/gone brilliantly do they! Doesn't make such interesting reading after. However, from being on here a long time I believe that many of these forum members have a horse/horses on loan and they seem to be doing fine - no 'horror stories' there! As my sister said, we took on an old TB after 2 failed loan homes (they deemed him to looney to ride) and his owner essentially having nowhere to put him. 8 years later and he's still a very happy chappie. Also, my 25 yo pony I have had for 17 years is stll going strong (just won and in hand veteran class at the weekend!) and he is ridden most weeks - would be ridden more but we have others who actually work for their living - we gave up trying to compete him as he was a bit crackers! Lol. He was loaned out twice though years back and both loans went very well.

OP - don't give up. I don't see the need to put a healthy horse to sleep unless you're really in dire straits. If the horse is rideable then maybe you could look for a share or just a loan but keeping him where he is so you can keep an eye on him. Just because he's not been ridden for a while doesn't mean he can't start again - I think out TB would go back to hacking tomorrow if we wanted to hack him.

Good luck!
 
ladyt25 said:
Ah yes but that's because people don't post about a loan that's going/gone brilliantly do they!
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Granted, but if it was your beloved horse who ended up being neglected/sold/buted and ridden/sent to slaughter on loan I don't think it would be much consolation to know that other loans go well.... It is rare but a real danger :(
 
Bedlam said:
I think most people have missed the fact that OP is suffering from depression. I certainly would not advocate anybody with depression pts their beloved horse.

I would seriously recommend that you seek some help in finding him a temporary loan home until you are feeling better and that you don't make any decisions regarding his permanent future right now. You may well find that you regret any permanent decision that you make whilst you are ill.

Whereabouts in the country are you? Someone on here may be able to offer you some short term help with your horse while you concentrate on getting yourself well.......xxx
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I agree. Putting a much lioved horse to sleep is not a good solution for someone with depression.:( It would cause a massive downwards spiral for the OP.

OP I hope you manage to find a home for your boy. It is not easy. Please also make sure that you visit regularly to make sure that he really does have the home you think he has.
 
littlescallywag said:
Havnt read all the replies, but there is a lady looking for a companion horse on here, needs one fast by all accounts.
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Yes, I posted a link to that thread for the OP a little way back - and also pasted this on Tasteofchaos thread so they can see this little horse is looking for a home.

You never know.......... :)
 
scarymare said:
I'm not going to pretend to have any sympathy for your depression (or anyone else's for that matter) but I am sorry for your situation. Trouble is that there are alot of surplus horses out there. I did loan out a companion 5 years ago but in common with many, along with the good times of high disposable incomes, warm wet winters etc have increased in horse numbers. Now I have enough oldies to babysit/buddy my foals and youngstock for many years to come. I know many others like this too. I do hope you find someone but would not hestitate to PTS 3 of mine if I were in the same boat.
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That top line was bang out of order. Sure your welcome to your ignorant attitude and opinion but you don't need to inflict it on someone who is asking for help.
 
I think (unless I have missed something) that with careful introduction he could be brought back into work couldn't he? I know he has been at grass for 4 years, but if still sound and willing no reason he couldn't be brought back into work - a home as a hack/companion would be easier to find I think depending on how he is to be ridden. Along those lines, would he be suitable to hack/work on a lead rein for something like RDA? Just a thought :)

I think those that start to age quickly, can do sometimes because they are not in work and lose muscle, making them look worse than they are if that makes sense? There are many happy horses near me that are older than 22 still out hacking happily and doing the odd rc comp. The only thing is to rehome him somewhere you can keep check on him.

I don't know why people are so anti loaning, sure, bad things can, and have happened to horses in the past - but what happens when you sell them, just because you can afford the lump sum to buy a horse, doesn't necessarily mean you are going to treat them better, or not sell them on in 6 months.
 
lastchancer said:
That top line was bang out of order. Sure your welcome to your ignorant attitude and opinion but you don't need to inflict it on someone who is asking for help.
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It's OK. I wouldn't expect people's sympathy. I put a lot of pressure on myself at work and hammered myself to the ground. Depression or no depression (emotional that is) - our country is in recession:( That's obviously a problem.
 
noodle_ said:
charities are for needy horses - cruely cases etc - they are full to overflowing anyhow


sorry to be blunt but find a (nice..??) loan home or pts

personally id pts as id want to secure my horses future.


yes im full prepared to be shot down....
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I understand all the PTS stuff and the reasons why but don't quite understand the securing its future bit by putting to sleep, surely that's just The End.

Anyway its good to ask for support advise etc you never know someone may have the perfect answer. I know that if one of my horses (I have two) were to pass away I would be looking for a companion for the other as I am in my later years too so a kind of natural fade out to horse ownership if that makes sense, and I am sure there are lots of owners like me. Good Luck with your personal stuff and horses.
 
Thanks. When my father died exactly 10 years ago, I found an old farmer who gave me £100 for my 22 year old as a token of good will. (I never asked for a penny- he insisted). I'd just turned 19 and finished A levels- couldn't afford the horse. Weird to be in the same boat 10 years on

The farmer kept him as a companion for his horse and loved going to check on him- look after him. So there are happy stories out there. It's just unlikely in this climate.

Even if I can hang on to him for a while (it's feasible short term, not desirable), then I'd still always look for someone who may want him.
 
If you would be prepared to allow him out of Yorkshire I may well know someone who would take him, a 5* fantastic forever home, but it is a long way from you and that may not be what you are looking for, if you are interested pm and i'll give you a phone number, good luck whatever you decide, with your health and re-homing your old boy.
 
The following was written by the late Anne Bullen in the 1960's, a professional illustrator of horse and ponies and a co owner of catherston Stud.

Saying Farewell

My life and health I give to your safe keeping
And when I am old and have served you well
Pray, oh my master, do not sell me to slavery and a to a cruel end.
But send me to my rest with tenderness and kindness and my gratitude will be your reward.

I said good bye to an old friend three weeks ago, I was with the pony at the end. It was very calm and she went happy
 
I am sorry but I'd rather have my oldie PTS than sell it on or loan it out. It maes me so cross to see horses in their 20s being passed on. If you've had a horse for years surely it's best to PTS knowing where it ends it's days than ending up in a field somewhere with arthritis or worse going through the sale ring and ending up being bought by the meat man.
 
LEW1982, I think you're being very sensible by taking evasive action before you/your horse end up in a potentially dreadful situation. I hope you gets things sorted, and for what it's worth I agree with Amymay, putting your old boy to sleep is the only way to 100% safeguard his future, but I really hope you get a happier outcome than that. Sounds like you both deserve it.
 
scarymare said:
I'm not going to pretend to have any sympathy for your depression (or anyone else's for that matter) but I am sorry for your situation. Trouble is that there are alot of surplus horses out there. I did loan out a companion 5 years ago but in common with many, along with the good times of high disposable incomes, warm wet winters etc have increased in horse numbers. Now I have enough oldies to babysit/buddy my foals and youngstock for many years to come. I know many others like this too. I do hope you find someone but would not hestitate to PTS 3 of mine if I were in the same boat.
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WOW :confused::rolleyes: THE CLAWS ARE OUT.

your comment is very cruel depression is an illness like any other to say that is not only cruel its uncalled for. She obviously loves her horse and wants a better future to say she should end it would only make her feel worst and not help her illness

As I have said before my horse have a permanent home here and if I die before them WHW have accepted them

I have known people with depression she didn't ask for your sympathy no 1 with depression does, what they need is understanding, And help to find her horse a safe retirement home .

Why oh why do all the gurus come out and say if you have an illness or lose a job and you have an elderly horse shoot it gets rid of the problem :rolleyes:

I think OP is being very thoughtful and doing the right thing and I hope some one here can help her in her time of need.

Maybe some of the PTS gurus should keep their comments to themselves when she already said she didn't want that for him.
 
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christine48 said:
I am sorry but I'd rather have my oldie PTS than sell it on or loan it out. It maes me so cross to see horses in their 20s being passed on. If you've had a horse for years surely it's best to PTS knowing where it ends it's days than ending up in a field somewhere with arthritis or worse going through the sale ring and ending up being bought by the meat man.
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sorry but i had a 7 yo with COPD who could no longer event so he went out on a very successful loan for 10 years when he came back he could not get along with my horses and the mares bullied him so i gave him away free to a good home he is now 27 living the life of riley taking a teenage girl hunting you cant tar all homes with the same brush:D:D
 
scarymare said:
I'm not going to pretend to have any sympathy for your depression (or anyone else's for that matter) but I am sorry for your situation. Trouble is that there are alot of surplus horses out there. I did loan out a companion 5 years ago but in common with many, along with the good times of high disposable incomes, warm wet winters etc have increased in horse numbers. Now I have enough oldies to babysit/buddy my foals and youngstock for many years to come. I know many others like this too. I do hope you find someone but would not hestitate to PTS 3 of mine if I were in the same boat.
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insensitive? much? i hope kharma bites you on the ass, what a spiteful thing to say. :mad:
 
Leviathan said:
WOW :confused::rolleyes: THE CLAWS ARE OUT.

your comment is very cruel depression is an illness like any other to say that is not only cruel its uncalled for. She obviously loves her horse and wants a better future to say she should end it would only make her feel worst and not help her illness

As I have said before my horse have a permanent home here and if I die before them WHW have accepted them

I have known people with depression she didn't ask for your sympathy no 1 with depression does, what they need is understanding, And help to find her horse a safe retirement home .

Why oh why do all the gurus come out and say if you have an illness or lose a job and you have an elderly horse shoot it gets rid of the problem :rolleyes:

I think OP is being very thoughtful and doing the right thing and I hope some one here can help her in her time of need.

Maybe some of the PTS gurus should keep their comments to themselves when she already said she didn't want that for him.
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^^like^^
 
scarymare said:
I'm not going to pretend to have any sympathy for your depression (or anyone else's for that matter)
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Does that include other serious illnesses like cancer, heart desease etc? Are you just a very unsympathic person around ill health or just prejudiced against mental health issues?

Either way, I think I'd be inclined to keep quiet about my attitudes, if I were you.
 
OP- Im sorry i've not read all the replies to your post.
Firstly i think your being very brave facing this and your illness so well done there.
I do think you may find a home for your horse as long as you are VERY careful. He would have been exactly right for me a few months back- instead i did the opposite and took on another unwanted pony i felt sorry for who has proven to be a nightmare. All i'm trying to say is that homes do exist so dont give up hope.
As many have said already charities are sadly full to bursting but thats not to say they might not be able to help or advise you.
Alternatively is there a way you might cut costs and keep your horse? Field livery might be an option? Animals are fab for morale and he will give you a reason to keep going and fight your depression.
I hope you find an answer and in the mean time i hope you get better very soon xx
 
Bedlam said:
I think most people have missed the fact that OP is suffering from depression. I certainly would not advocate anybody with depression pts their beloved horse.

I would seriously recommend that you seek some help in finding him a temporary loan home until you are feeling better and that you don't make any decisions regarding his permanent future right now. You may well find that you regret any permanent decision that you make whilst you are ill.

Whereabouts in the country are you? Someone on here may be able to offer you some short term help with your horse while you concentrate on getting yourself well.......xxx
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^^ This. You sound like you need a break from your lad, for now - until you feel better. Don't make a rash decision when you're not well - you will feel differently when you're better.
 
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