The oldies - Am I right?

[RuthnMeg]

Some of you know that I have 3 oldies now!
Juno - 24 years
Candy - 22 years
Biggles - 28 years

Firstly, Biggles is looking better, he has been out on good grass and is a joy to have around. His legs are not so filled now and he has been enjoying having a snooze with the sun on his back.
Candy is a little diva, she is the sort who can look after herself with the added bonus of 'cheek'!

Now the problem is old Juno, who to some isn't OLD but as we know her history she has done 'many miles', and has managed to age very quickly which actually has put about another 8 years on to her. We have had 'this is it' frights, and have planned with the vets and all the rest, only for her to perk up.
She isn't looking great at the mo, a bit moth-eaten and still a bit hippy, although she is round and is eating happily. Her hind legs are now quite stiff, she doesn't like picking them up too high (she has arthritis in her hocks).
However, I have been thinking, as long as she can roll and get up ok, eat grass, hay and her feed without problems and on the odd occassion can have a little spin around her field, then shes happy - right?
I know this has been said many times before, better a day too early than a day too late, but when is early too early? She is a true star. Owes us nothing, done us proud and her story of her life would bring anyone to tears. Don't want her to go before her time, so until she can't roll (her biggest love!) we will continue her care - Right???

 

[AmyMay]

However, I have been thinking, as long as she can roll and get up ok, eat grass, hay and her feed without problems and on the odd occassion can have a little spin around her field, then shes happy - right?

I agree with you.

 

[amycov]

I'd say that sounds about right to me. She may suprise you and outlive them all! I hope they all continue to be happy and healthy.

 

[SmartieBean09]

My 26 year old mare has also aged fast and suffered many problems in the last year (at one point we gave her a few hours to turn around or we would have her PTS, and thankfully she recovered right at the last minute!). I am now wondering the same thing as you. Although she is fine at the moment, I am taking everyday as it comes and I know the clock is ticking now. I plan to enjoy her and take things steady from now on, letting her know that I love her and thank her for all of our happy times. In my mind, she will go when she can no longer be a horse. Whether than be when she can not graze because of her teeth or she cant roll because of her arthritis. Either way. When a horse can no longer be a horse, then is when it will be her time.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Sounds about right to me. I had a WHW pony who was very arthritic but lived a happy life pottering round the field, with the occasional bout of high spirits, until she was 34. The decision was made to pts when she started struggling to get up after rolling.

 

[MontyandZoom]

It is the biggest cliche in the world.....but they do let you know when they've had enough. Monty was VERY stiff behind and was a very poor doer with no teeth. However, he loved life right up until the end.

With sloppy meals of high calorie feed we kept the weight on and he lived out for his legs. I even hacked him gently three times a week which he loved. I have a sympathetic farrier who was very careful with his hinds as lifting them up high was uncomfortable for him.

He was old and manky but SO happy There was nothing better than coming down on a summers day to find my 28 year old skinny tb lying in the sun with his Zoomy having a snooze The moment he was suffering we said goodbye, I would never see him in pain but as long as they can enjoy their normal routine and are happy and pain-free then keep going as you are.