Should i retire him or have him put down.

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Torlundy

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I live in Highlands of Scotland with my 11 year old ex race horse which i got a few years ago from the thoroughbred rehabilitation centre. He has had lots of problems with his back and is now about 50% lame on a bad day. I’ve been advised to put him down but i just can’t do it. He is so happy and well in him self just lame. I’ve been trying to find a retirement home in Scotland or Cumbria but with no look so far he means the world to me so it has to be the right home. If he was in pain or suffering i would not hesitate in having him put down but he is not infect the sun has came out and he is caring on like a two year old. This horse is a true sweet art totally safe, kind and so willing to please which is why i feel he deserves a five star home for the rest of his life. I think if his back had regular attention he could be ridden lightly the problem i have is getting anyone to come regularly to the Highlands is almost impossible. I wish i could turn back the years with him and start again he would never of been a raced horse why do they run them so young its crazy what should i do with him.
 
"Just lame" - lame is pain, so he is in pain.

What does the vet say. I can't see anyone taking him on if he has to have regular treatments and can't be ridden. It is a shame if you have tried hard to get him right.
 
Is he on loan from the rehabilitation centre, Would they be able to take him back, it would be worth giving them a ring and explaining the situation as they may have some suggestions if they can not help.

What ever you decide, good luck

Pilib X
 
Difficult to comment without knowing what the lameness is. However, i am of the opinion generally that, if a horse is happy in itself then I wouldn't have them put down. Still, we have the advantage of having acres of our own land where they can live out their days. Don't know if you have a similar situation but maybe I would think differently if i couldn't afford to be paying for a horse's livery fees if that horse was not actually able to do anything?
 
My Irish TB is 13 and has had a problem with his pelvis which his previous owner knew nothing about. He also has arthritis and was struggling to stay sound in the summer.
The physio recommended that he was only lightly ridden by no-one heavier than 10 stone and for 45 mins max twice a week. This lifestyle did not suit him at all and he got more and more unpredictable so now he is fully retired. He seems to be really enjoying his new life of luxury, not much has changed apart from he has no back shoes on and he doesn't get ridden which is fine by him
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I honestly didn't think he would like not having a job to do but he is quite happy keeping my friends yearling in line
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You know your horse the best and you know what he'd be happy with, why not try having him as a light hack then if that doesn't work see how he goes being retired
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Last year my 15 year old thoroughbred injured his suspensory ligament - he didnt make any progress with it, and was seriously lame on it for months with no improvement. He wouldnt even move out of a walk.

He was a very lively character, and despite being 15, he had the brain of a 2 year old! We decided that the best thing was to put him to sleep as he was in a lot of pain at the end and would not have enjoyed life anymore.

I know I made the right decision for the horse.
 
Without knowing the cause of his lameness, it is difficult to comment. Who was it that advised you to have the horse PTS? If it was your vet, then they do not give that advice lightly. As he is lamer on a "bad day", it would suggest that his lameness is pain-related, rather than mechanical. I have two oldies - one cannot be ridden at all and the other has a potter out now and then. They are not lame and are both happily enjoying their retirement - but I do have my own land and stables. I am not sure from your post whether you are trying to find him a retirement livery or are trying to rehome him as a companion/possible light hack. Please think carefully about the latter - he could end up somewhere like those poor horses at Amersham.
 
No idea whether he should be put down or not; totally depends on what is actually wrong with him.

If you are looking for a 5 star home and you love him so much, then why don't you keep him yourself?
 
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He is so happy and well in him self just lame. I’ve been trying to find a retirement home in Scotland or Cumbria but with no look so far he means the world to me so it has to be the right home. If he was in pain or suffering i would not

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Lame is pain - and sorry, 50% lame is significantly lame. As for a retirement home - it's your responsibility and you should not pass the horse on imo.

Having said that the horse is actually the property of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation centre, so it's not for you to make the decision on whether to put him down or pass him on.

I would get in touch the the TR centre sooner rather than later. They will then be able to make an objective decision on the best course of action for the horse.
 
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He is so happy and well in him self just lame. I’ve been trying to find a retirement home in Scotland or Cumbria but with no look so far he means the world to me so it has to be the right home. If he was in pain or suffering i would not

[/ QUOTE ]

Lame is pain - and sorry, 50% lame is significantly lame. As for a retirement home - it's your responsibility and you should not pass the horse on imo.

Having said that the horse is actually the property of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation centre, so it's not for you to make the decision on whether to put him down or pass him on.

I would get in touch the the TR centre sooner rather than later. They will then be able to make an objective decision on the best course of action for the horse.

[/ QUOTE ]

took the words right out of my mouth.
 
hello
where abouts in the highlands are you? and are you looking for a retirement livery or a loan home? i am in the highlands also and know of a lovely private yard who may take another retirement livery on. also know of a good back specialist who visits the highlands every 2 weeks, he helped my ex racer a lot. PM me if you would like any info
 
To be honest if you are willing to offer that 5* home and he is going to have a good standard of life then keep him........

If he is lame (50%) and not able to get comfortable then PTS.

And if you are just trying to get someone to take him off of your hands, so you dont have anything to do with him (not meant to sound so harsh) then definately PTS.... you may not know where he would end up.
 
I have the same as you but mine is doing fine living on bute, he is now nearly 20 and is doing fine. He has kissing spines. I found out when he was 6 , i bought him at 5.
 
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He is so happy and well in him self just lame. I’ve been trying to find a retirement home in Scotland or Cumbria but with no look so far he means the world to me so it has to be the right home. If he was in pain or suffering i would not

[/ QUOTE ]

Lame is pain - and sorry, 50% lame is significantly lame. As for a retirement home - it's your responsibility and you should not pass the horse on imo.

Having said that the horse is actually the property of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation centre, so it's not for you to make the decision on whether to put him down or pass him on.

I would get in touch the the TR centre sooner rather than later. They will then be able to make an objective decision on the best course of action for the horse.

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Agree with this too.
 
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