Sticky Stifles and Loan

[porkypops]

I have a 6 year old Dartmoor hill pony on permanent loan, we didn't buy her because of her locking stifles. Her owner has been away on holiday the last few weeks, and I've been sick for a month, so she has been fed by a friend at the yard. I went to see her on evening and she appeared to be fine, I've never had much of a problem in over a yera with her stifles, but the evening after, I got a worried call from my friend, asking if we have any pain relief for her stifles, because they were terrible! Unfortunatley, she hasn't got anything for her stifles (And never has) so I went to check on her last night, and she was in agony. She couldn't walk properly because of them, but the owner was back that night. My friend and the owner have been talking, and my dad has advised me, for now, to stay back, because in the loan agreement, we are not responsible for her stifles. I'm very concerned about the way the owner is looking after the horses health, and I'm not enjoying the horses anymore, because I'm worrying too much. I'm in debate as to what to do about my loan, whether I find my own horse, and continue with that, or wait for the owner to sort herself out? Does anyone have any similar experiences with loans and poor horse husbandry? THANKYOU!

 

[serenityjane]

Sticky or locking stifles get much worse if the horse is stressed, or confined (ie stabled). Horses need to have plenty of movement, full time turnout if possible, hillwork when ridden is good, as is going over poles (ridden, lunged or free schooled) as it encourages the horse to lift it's legs and prevents them sticking.

 

[Shay]

If the horse is your responsiblity then you have a legal obligation to obtain veterinary care. I can sympathise with your father's view as you don't want to end up taking on full responsiblity for a horse which is going to be quite expensive and of limited insurability. But you can't leave her in pain just because you can't contact her owner. Sorry.

In the long term you are probably better off returning her as she is likely to present challenges in terms of care and insurance for quite some time - bearing in mind she is only 6. Emotionally it is a tough decsion I know - but you do need to be practical about it.