The lows of breeding

Z

zoeshiloh

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www.stowmarketanddistrictridingclub.com
Having experienced mainly highs since I started breeding, recently I have experienced the other side of breeding... When a horse you bred and cared for falls into the wrong hands
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A few years ago I bred a horse that seemed a lovely type. However, as she grew up, we realised she had a problem with her off hind, which the vet confirmed. This was some sort of fault in her pelvis, which meant she had a funny action (almost lame) and would result in her never being more than a light hack. At the same time because of this fault in her pelvis, she should never be bred from, not only because the fault could be inherited, but because it would cause severe discomfort.

Anyway, a friend wanted the horse as a companion/light hack so I signed over the passport - no money changed hands. Perhaps in hindsight I should have just loaned her. I found out about a month ago that this "friend" has now given her to someone else, totally inexperienced with horses, let alone youngsters, who has grand plans of riding her and showing her next year. I then found out today that the horse has now ended up damaging the ligaments in her knee, and is being fed silage but still allowed to run in ragwort-infested fields. It's depressing as this horse was so sweet and would have been a lovely natured companion/light hack but has now been totally ruined. Perhaps I should have had her PTS but I thought why do that when she was not in pain and could have a good life just taking it easy.
 
Yep, I have to say I think as breeders, anything that is damaged should not be passed on, because of the very situation you describe.

Very sad.
 
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I've certainly learnt my lesson
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I thought the person I 'passed her onto' was honest and kind, but obviously they were not interested in the horse's welfare. I thought I was doing what was best for the horse at the time, but it seems that I failed her.

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I think that's the problem. Sadly it would appear that very few people are as honest or as trustworthy as we would (naively?) expect.


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I know what you mean.
The foal I bred this year has terrible problems with his legs. I have invested a lot of time and money trying to get him right but it looks like he will never be a riding horse.
When this is confimed by the vet I will be having him PTS.
It will break my heart but he could live for 30 years + and I don't want him to ever end up in the wrong hands.

Could you perhaps offer to buy yours back ??
 
Poor you and poor horse
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(((((((hugs))))))))

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but try not to beat yourself up about, it's an unfortunate painful lesson learnt
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Reading this, and other peoples experiences, I woulnd't give/loan/sell any of my horses to any of my friends. xx
 
I thought I was doing what was right for the horse - who are we to say if an animal should live or die depending on whether it can be used for riding or not. I guess if I could have kept her that would have been fine, but because of circumstances at the time, and the offer from my friend, it seemed the best scenario for the horse.
 
What a horrible experience for you - however I completely understand why you didn't have the horse PTS.
I am currently busy with a young family but when my youngest starts school I will be looking for another horse and though I am very experienced I am realistic enough to realise I wont have time to compete or even keep something fit enough to compete. However I still appreciate a nice horse so something like your mare would probably be ideal for me.
Please don't let this one bad experience put you off -you thought you were giving your mare the best chance of a happy life and there are good experienced homes out there for horses not up to doing a serious job.
 
I've posted about a very similar scenario but from a different angle on the breeding forum. It's very difficult when we make decisions for our beloved babies with the best possible intentions... some trusted individuals severely let us down...

I can sympathise..
 
Very sad. I think your idea about only loaning light hacks in future is a good one.

Unfortunately it isn't just the horses with poor conformation etc that can end up in the wrong hands. Any horse you sell can. :-(

Tough one.
 
I thought that a token amount of money ie £1 HAD to change hands for new ownership to be seen as legal in the eyes of the law...
 
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