Thinking of semi retiring

china

china

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Hi guys,
well for those of you who dont know my 13 year old tb who i have owned for 5 years was diagnosed with navicular, kissing spines and bone spavins in both hocks last august. Since then he has been in very little work as the decision was made to take his shoes off, i tried bringing him back into work a few weeks ago and he was intermitantly sound, his injections in his spine and hocks will have worn off by now and i cannot decide wether to get him re injected as it just slows the process and im not sure if i have enough left on my insurance claim tbh. Anyhow, i brought him in from the field yesterday as he trotted over lame and looks as though he has been kicked on his front left. There are no cuts just swelling and he is tender in some areas. (vet is aware and has suggested leaving 24 hours with inhand walking and cold hosing and see how it is then otherwise he will swing by)
Anyhoo, as he just doesnt seem to be able to stay sound, i was considering giving him untill next year off and see if he comes back sound next spring. This is a long time to be off work but its so hit and miss at the mo that im tempted just to leave him be and chill out, he has served me well the last 5 years so he deserves the best.
What have you guys done with your broken horses?
 
I think turning him away for a year is a good idea. I have seen it make a difference to a number of horses on our yard for a variety of reasons. One was a highland pony that had undiagnosed lameness - his owner was at her wits end so she turned him away and now he is back in work with no problems! Its an odd thing. At this stage, I don't see what you have to lose. Have a chat with your vet first. Good luck!
 
I'd turn him away too. I gave my 12yr TB a year off last year after years of dealing with intermittant lameness in front and being prescribed a life time of low level amounts of bute. I took his shoes off and took him off the bute and let him rest. He came back into work late last year and although I have no big plans other than to happy hack, he has been sound since. It has also done his feet a massive favour - they have improved massively. He is also currently bute free. :)
I think if he is happy enough in himself and looks to be enjoying life, then give him that chance to rest and heal. You can then reconsider your options this time next year.
 
If you can give him the option of turning away for a year, then I would. But think you need to be prepared that he might not come back sound.
 
JennBags said:
If you can give him the option of turning away for a year, then I would. But think you need to be prepared that he might not come back sound.
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Im preparing myself for that but im not prepared to write him off just yet as others i have spoken to have suggested. I will have a chat with my vet and see if he is happy to.
I have another horse, an 8yr old mare,a project, so im not completely redundant. :-)

Thanks guys
 
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