should I put him down (sorry its long)

[DancingJester]

It's so sad, after everything you have done for him and how much he trusts you, that you can't keep him. I thought about the blood bank before reading how needle shy he is. So I think yes, under the circumstances putting him to sleep would not be the wrong thing to do. Better IMO than giving him away to an unknown future.

Yeah, it really sucks. I feel as if I've put soo much into him and this is the out come. I wish I could keep him, but its just not possible, I want another one temporarily to back and sell, but after that I will be going into racing, with no hope of having the time to look after a horse or the money to have it on full livery.
I must say this is not the first time having him pts has crossed my mind, so it is a relief having others agree.

 

[DancingJester]

Being a responsible owner is one of the hardest things we do, and making the decision to PTS is THE hardest. In this situation, I would do exactly that. You have thought of nothing but his welfare for the last three years, and by making the decision to ease his pain and protect his future you are continuing in that vein. I agree with giving him a lovely summer and then letting him go.

As for what other people think - it is no one's business but yours.

I don't know what area you are in, but do some research locally with farmers and owners as to who they recommend for the job. Our local huntsman is superb - kind and sensitive to both owner and horse. If you are in the South West, I don't think there is better than Andrew Goatman.

You have my sympathy, but also my admiration - I wish more owners could be as caring and thoughtful as you.

Thank you. I'm in west midlands but thanks for the advice anyway. I know someone who had her mare pts and the knackerman she used was very calm and understanding. I've also talked to my lecturer (I'm an equine student) who I truest immensely, and she has said the same. So I think I will give him a nice summer, then when he takes a turn.

 

[AmyMay]

He has a chronic condition that you can't treat, and you can no longer keep him. Really you don't have any other option other than to put him down.