Returning Loan pony

[Carlosmum]

Just want to use you helpful people as a sounding board. I want to return the cob i have on loan to his Mum. He's been with me for nearly 2 years as a companion/hack, but in those 2 years we have never really got him going as I would have liked, ie fit enough to do a gentle 2 hr hack etc. He has COPD which we manage quite well but it is a limiting factor in how much he is capable of. I love him to bits but have now been offered a more suitable pony so it is time for him to go home. The reason for my post is really that I am feeling rather responsible for his future, his Mum's circumstances have changed since he came to me, I am not even sure where she lives now, but we are still in touch. My gut feeling is if she cant take him then I should suggest he is PTS, whist I am the first to advise other people to do this, the prospect of doing it myself is quite different! I don't think he would be happy turned out on his own, which I think might be one of his futures, and I dont want him to be moved to a home which would abuse him in any way. Should I just tell his Mum she has to have him back and let her make all the decisions and just not worry or is there an alternative? I would keep him here if I could but OH says 2 are enough and realistically I haven't got the space for 3. Sorry for the ramble, I really need to contact his Mum but I have been putting it off for several weeks now, feeling really guilty.

 

[be positive]

He may well find another loan home as a companion, light hack, you need to let his owner know you want to return him and maybe offer to help find another home if it will make her life easier, less moving for him and if you are involved it will put your mind at rest that you have done your best for him, don't overthink it just get the conversation started and see where it leads.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Could you offer to keep him with you until she finds him another suitable home. I think I would suggest that in the first conversation, if possible. Tbh it is her decision to make and unless she suggests pts, I wouldn't mention the idea.

 

[Leo Walker]

Could you offer to keep him with you until she finds him another suitable home. I think I would suggest that in the first conversation, if possible. Tbh it is her decision to make and unless she suggests pts, I wouldn't mention the idea.

I would. It might be at the back of her mind but she might not mention it in case it upsets you. My boy lives with my friend. Hes radiantly happy and so are they, but if for any reason he couldnt stay then he would be PTS rather than move him and upset him.

 

[Wizpop]

It’s such a difficult thing in that it can be so hard to keep our equines as pets- and of course we feel guilty considering the PTS option. I have a mare who can’t be ridden who lives as part of a very small herd, in very reasonably priced livery ( I have her in addition to my riding horse so two lots of livery). She has all the basic care, a stable if needed and is checked every day. If I didn’t have this arrangement I really would have some tough decisions to make although I love her to bits..........ultimately, it’s quality of life.

 

[cundlegreen]

He's not your horse, so any decisions regarding his future is not up to you, but his owner. Hopefully they will make the right decision.

 

[little_critter]

You say he’s not up to a 2 hour hack. Would he be up to, say, a 1 hour gentle hack? I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who don’t want to do anything more that plod round the block. If he could be capable of that then he could be someone’s perfect horse.
How is he as a companion? He could have a job just being company for someone’s horse and not worked at all.

 

[Summit]

You say he’s not up to a 2 hour hack. Would he be up to, say, a 1 hour gentle hack? I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who don’t want to do anything more that plod round the block. If he could be capable of that then he could be someone’s perfect horse.
How is he as a companion? He could have a job just being company for someone’s horse and not worked at all.

Would suit me down to the ground.....lots of people who just want an easy hack. It’s the owner’s decision for his future and I wouldn’t take too kindly if someone suggested PTS for my horse!

 

[oldie48]

If he is well mannered and easy then he could well find another home as a companion/light hack. I'd give his owner as much notice as you can and offer to help find him another home if it makes you feel less guilty. I wouldn't mention PTS but if the owner mentions it, you can be supportive and non judgemental.

 

[Ambers Echo]

As far as I can work out your PTS suggestion is not based on poor quality of life currently but worries about future quality of life. Unless you have reasons to be concerned which you haven't shared I am not sure why you assume you would be more responsible and make better decisions than the owner? In my view it is not your call to make, or even to suggest.

 

[Ambers Echo]

ETA that was meant to be reassuring so I hope it did not read as critical! Ie stop over-thinking it and return the pony with plenty of notice and a willingness to be helpful re finding a suitable new home. Then you will know you have done all you can to secure his future. x

 

[Theocat]

Owners loan rather than sell exactly so that they retain the right to make these decisions for their horses.

End the loan in line with the contract, and the next steps are up to the owner x

 

[Carlosmum]

Thank you all, I am not planning to make the decisions myself that is of course up to the owner. The guilt comes form needing to return him in the first place, I had thought he would be with me for ever unless his Mum wanted him home, (He is 19). He would probably be ok as a companion but I cannot leave him in the field on his own as he charges about shouting..... not good for his health. He doesn't trot when ridden so we literally walk everywhere my pony & I are forever waiting for him to catch up, not much fun on the road. However he is solid in all kinds of traffic so may be ok for someone escorting a little person. I shall have to 'woman' up and send the message I have been putting off. I have never 'sold' or moved a pony on to a new home before, I'm dreading it!!