Should I have my horse euthanised for his behaviour?

[Megangreenly]

Firstly can I ask that everyone be considerate, as this is tearing me apart and it is the last thing I want to do.
since I bought my horse just under 2 years ago now, his behaviour has gotten progressively worse. He has been treated for ulcers & had numerous clinical examinations, X-rays the whole lot. All have come back perfect, he is completely sound on the lunge and his saddle has been checked and checked again. He is dangerous to ride. He bucks, rears, bolts and leaps to the point where I can no longer bring myself to get on him (I have never given up on a horse in my life & have dealt with a lot of ‘tricky’ ones) . I know he has to be retired, as one of us is going to get seriously hurt soon. But I think that having him pts may be the best way forward. He unfortunately doesn’t get on well with other horses when turned out and has been known to kick out, but at the same time he has severe attachment issues & gets extremely stressed when he can’t see another horse. I’m just at a loss and I can’t see another way forward. Please if anyone has any advice/ alternative things to try I am more than willing to listen. Or does everyone think it is the only way? Thank you

 

[The Jokers Girl]

There is nothing shameful in admitting defeat and if you can hand on heart say you have tried everything and its reached the point of no return then it's something you should give serious consideration to. The horse will not know any different and it's better than passing him on to either seriously injure someone or be abused himself.

 

[HeyMich]

Yes, in my opinion. Sounds like he is in pain to me, but if you have had x-rays, scopes etc done, and he isn't happy turned out for retirement, then yes, PTS is the only kind option left.

 

[CMcC]

With situation you describe PTS seems to be a kind option. The horse is obviously suffering mentally and possibly physically. You have done what you can to identify/resolve problems so don’t beat yourself up over this. I know that is easier to say than do!

 

[meleeka]

If you have him pts You won’t have to try and work on his non ridden issues and he won’t be stressed and unhappy. It’s as simple as that (although I appreciate not easy). Everyone has their point when enough is enough, and the only people that are wrong are those that let the animal suffer too long because they aren’t brave enough.
If your gut is telling you it’s time, then listen and do what you need to do for the benefit of the horse.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

There is obviously an underlying problem which no-one has been able to find, so you don't have many options. If you decided to pts, based on his quality of life, I would support you.

However, I had a mare who became unrideable and so retired aged about 7, who over the years also became almost unhandleable, certainly very dangerous to lead, noise reactive, unpredictable and was on the verge of being pts after many vet visits, from different vets. For what we thought were unrelated reasons (she had a cough) we cut out all feed except hay and her behaviour changed overnight. She became even worse in some ways for about 3 days, including cowering in the back of the stable! But within a week was back to her previously normal affectionate, easy self. I never did really ride her again because I could never guarantee that no-one else had fed her. She was extremely sensitive to all cereals and refined sugar and we believe that she had had a headache for years poor girl!

 

[ycbm]

I would support PTS after an exclusion diet.

.

 

[Shay]

Its a very brave thing to think about - and to do. But it is an absolutely essential part of good horsemanship. You only have to look at some of the threads on this board where people give horses to re-homing centers only to find them sold on through dodgy dealers etc. If you care about the horse - and you very clearly do - this is a brave and entirely appropriate thing.

It is really hard - there will always be "what ifs.." - what if I had tried harder, this thing or that thing. As best you can you need to put those aside and act only out of care for the horse. He sounds miserrable, stressed and quite possibly in pain.

I do normally hate it when folk respond to these types of posts with "but what if you tried this..." but on this occasion I actually have to echo Pearlsinger. I came to the point of PTS with a massively talented but very dangerous BS 148 JA. Fine in the ring - but a terror everywhere else and as a under 16 competition pony he needed to be a bit more safe. He was never easy - but his behaviour improved significantly when we switched to a cereal free feed. If you haven't tried and exclusion diet - perhaps do that as one last gasp. But otherwise - you are doing and thinking absolutely the right thing.

 

[hobo]

Tough but doing right by him is what will bring you and him peace. I had to do it with a 6 year old homebred which was heart breaking but totally the right thing to do. You have tried everything and your safety and anyone that has to handle him if you are unable to if is the most important thing. There are far worst fates than being kindly PTS.

 

[paddi22]

I would support PTS after an exclusion diet.

.

yeah we get ones that this in and the first thing we do after a vet check is to turf them out on cheap grass livery 24/7 with no feed at all and see if anything changes. most horses new to a herd will kick out but they settle amongst themselves. the attachments also usually goes away when they re in a herd 24/7. I'd do that if you felt like you had to rule out everything so you don't feel guilt when you PTS. but if your situation doesn't allow that then PTS does sound the most reasonable option, you sound like you've tried everything you can.

 

[TPO]

It's very kind of you to put your horse first.

Based on what you have posted it seems like the simple answer; but simple doesnt mean easy.

There are a lot worse fates for a horse than to be pts peacefully at home.

You have to consider your safety, and the safety of those that have to be around or handle him, as well as your mental health. If you do make that decision it will only be after that you feel the relief* that you are no longer worrying and stressing about him constantly.

*this doesn't mean that you are glad or happy that he is gone. Just that functioning with the stress and worry will have become your new normal and you won't realise the full impact its had on you until it's no longer there. Also appreciate that you would take a lifetime of stress if it would fix him.

I think that you are being very selfless and brave

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

No shame in admitting that you cannot find or fix this boy. Sometimes they all cannot be fixed and PTS would be the responsible and most caring thing you could do for him. Many would pass him on.

If you have ruled out all dietary and medical issue then I think you would be doing the best thing for him *hugs*

 

[Tihamandturkey]

Echo the above replies - what an awful decision to have to make -sending very best wishes x

 

[MiniMilton]

My first instinct would be perhaps its kissing spines, but x rays would have spotted this. There is something going on that you can't find, despite trying. Even if you did find what it was, it might not be fixable. So being left with an rideable, bad field companion... There would be people who would try to keep going, but you certainly shouldn't feel in any way guilty if you decide to PTS. It's a brave decision that many can't make.

Other possibility is give him away as a companion, probably passed through a few more hands, possibly end up with a dishonest dealer who sells him as a riding horse then god only knows what happens to the new rider.

 

[Red-1]

I would never argue with an owner who has decided that PTS is the option, but you ask if this is the only way, and I would try a very professional training livery first. Just because some horses and some riders feed off each other.

Like Paddi has said, a training yard will be used to dealing with these issues and will systematically look at feed etc, then put the horse to work with a rider who will not be shaken. I have known a number of horses be reminded of what life is about then become happy and secure.

That is what I would do in the same situation. I could even recommend a yard that is firm, fair, will give an honest assessment and train beautifully. If they said the horse was not right I would then PTS without a worry.

 

[tiahatti]

You have tried to solve the issues and it doesn't sound as though he would be happy as a companion. I think PTS is the kindest act you can do for him.

 

[Nari]

What was he like when you bought him, how was he managed and what job did he do? How soon did he start to change? How old is he and what type?

You clearly didn't buy him like this so what has changed?

I'm another who would suggest sending him to a good pro after a full and honest disclosure of his behaviour. See what they think and ask them to be honest with you. It may be he can be retrained but will never be the right horse for you, but at least that way he could have a future with someone else. And if a good pro also can't sort it then you have your answer.

 

[Megangreenly]

What was he like when you bought him, how was he managed and what job did he do? How soon did he start to change? How old is he and what type?

You clearly didn't buy him like this so what has changed?

I'm another who would suggest sending him to a good pro after a full and honest disclosure of his behaviour. See what they think and ask them to be honest with you. It may be he can be retrained but will never be the right horse for you, but at least that way he could have a future with someone else. And if a good pro also can't sort it then you have your answer.

we assume he was doped when we bought him as he has completely changed both ridden & non ridden. But I can assure you he has been given the absolute best of everything. We’ve tried every feed under the sun, we’ve tried no feed at all. We’ve tried calmers & supplements, he’s been on gastroguard for his ulcers (which got rid of the ulcers, but no change in behaviour). He has been ridden by pros to try and help him & there has been a couple of days of change then back to how he is. We beat one issue and he develops another... his recent one is rearing and spinning (he’s even gone over backwards). He has had 11 years of being passed from dealer to dealer (we were not aware of this upon buying). So therefore I just can’t bring myself to sell him on as I know that it would just be an endless cycle. I hate to feel as though I’m giving up on him as he means everything to me. But emotionally and financially I just have nothing left to give to him .

 

[TPO]

You are NOT giving up! You have done everything that you can to give your horse every opportunity.

It's the hardest and bravest decision to make but definitely not "the easy way out".

Thinking of you

 

[IrishMilo]

I know it sounds obvious but does he get enough exercise? My horse is a complete pain in the arse without exercise every day or 24/7 turnout.

 

[SpottyTB]

Having read your latest post OP, I would 100% pts. From what you have posted, it sounds like you have tried everything and that he is getting worse. In a minute there is going to be an accident, whether that is you/him or someone else getting hurt. It is not worth your life.

Hard decision to make, but i think you can make it in the knowledge that you've given him a heck of a chance.

hugs xx

 

[paddi22]

yeah if you've ruled out feed and suff I'd 100% PTS.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

So very sorry you are in this position; my gut reaction screams "pain somewhere" but you've tried to find out what's going on and have honestly exhausted all possiblities. You've done your very best and can do no more - and sadly you feel that this is the only option open to you.

A less scrupulous and humane person would merely fob off this problem horse onto someone else; and the poor creature would then commence the awful journey from dealer to market to meat man.

But you are being considerate, kind and not wanting that to happen, and are now facing a very tough choice.

All I can say is that I admire you and would stand with you if you decide that PTS is the only option.

 

[ycbm]

we assume he was doped when we bought him as he has completely changed both ridden & non ridden. But I can assure you he has been given the absolute best of everything. We’ve tried every feed under the sun, we’ve tried no feed at all. We’ve tried calmers & supplements, he’s been on gastroguard for his ulcers (which got rid of the ulcers, but no change in behaviour). He has been ridden by pros to try and help him & there has been a couple of days of change then back to how he is. We beat one issue and he develops another... his recent one is rearing and spinning (he’s even gone over backwards). He has had 11 years of being passed from dealer to dealer (we were not aware of this upon buying). So therefore I just can’t bring myself to sell him on as I know that it would just be an endless cycle. I hate to feel as though I’m giving up on him as he means everything to me. But emotionally and financially I just have nothing left to give to him .

Put him to sleep, his last breath will be one of relief and to thank you. This is a no brainer for me now you have explained this.

.

 

[Nari]

The full explanation makes things clearer and now pts doesn't seem an unreasonable action.

 

[Megangreenly]

I know it sounds obvious but does he get enough exercise? My horse is a complete pain in the arse without exercise every day or 24/7 turnout.

Yes, we are a competitive showjumping yard so when he was in work he was ridden 6 days per week and has ample turnout everyday.