Think im going to retire my horse

P

poiuytrewq

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 April 2008
Messages
22,040
Location
Cotswolds
Visit site
Been thinking lots since the diagnosis of mild ks and that at some point he has smashed up his wither.
Yes I can cortisone the KS but this wont help his wither area, and although for the first time in years I was really enjoying him and had kind of got to grips with him and his difficultness tbh I know keeping him in proper work would have been very hard as I keep my horses on a private field/yard so have no one to ride with (he's hard work and not very nice to ride alone)

Ive not decided 100% yet and keep finding myself doing things like washing his numnah and putting a clean one in my car.....

I always said id not keep a retired/unrideable horse because of my lack of grazing, the fact its a mud bath (we are on an old river bed apparently). Id told myself it wouldn't be kind to keep a horse 24/7 in a smallish paddock with no interest.
What do other people think about this? He seems happy enough mooching round but Is seen weaving by the gate on occasion to come in- He still comes in at night and will continue to for now especially as he's clipped.
He's only 10- am I being unfair?
 
I have just retired a 9 year old. Had his hocks injected and Tildren be he still wasn't "right". He seemed so uncomfortable when worked that decided to turn him out. He's happy as larry now! Got myself a new one to ride, but equally enjoy looking after the retired one.
 
He does yes- He personally "owns" a Shetland pony as he hates being alone but there is also my other older horse and daughters pony. They get ridden but the his shettie is always there
 
If you can afford to, then I would keep him. I think it is perfectly fair to keep a horse in a smallish paddock. Thousands of horses are living with mud right now. So long as he has hay put out.

I have decided to retire my 10 year old TB who has KS. He had the op but has not come right. He is perfectly happy in the summer living out 24/7 but is not so content in the winter as I can only give him 3 hours turnout in the sand menage. He is already getting to be a right handful. Comes out of his stable like a train and bounces all the way to the turnout like an overgrown puppy. I may decide to send him to the blood bank in the spring if he does not settle to our winter routine here, as I know 100% it is a lifestyle he would absolutely love. He is also really good with vets and needles. But it all depends on how bad he gets this winter. If he settles, then I will retire him here. He is such a character, and I love him to bits.
 
Then I don't think it's unfair at all. I don't think being ridden is vital for the majority of horses' happiness. As long as he has company, food, shelter and turnout to stretch his legs he'll most likely be more than happy. Even if you don't have masses of grass :)
 
I'm very lucky my friend has 3 fields of about 20 acres which are rested and rotated. He has a field shelter, 3 others for company and friend is always fussing over him and checking on him. Since living out he is moving so much better. After keeping on livery yards for years, I've never seen him looking so content and well as he does now. He gave me a fab 4 years and I did things on him I never thought I'd have the bottle to do, so if he lives to be 30 and spends 20 years as a pet, I will be happy to keep him. I owe him more than he could ever owe me.
 
Wagtail- I'd half thought of this myself. Mines too small but do they not have to be huge bigger built types? Mine would cope with your routine as long as every other horse on the yard did the exact same! (Perhaps we should swap!) . Well I'm glad opinion is he will be fine. I intend to try and do bits of something- groundwork or take him out in hand now and then if I can. Am going too see my back lady today as she is better informed on all this sort of stuff so can help with the decision making. Thanks all xx
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top