This has made me so sad...

S

sue_ellen

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I'll try to keep this shortish but apologies in advance if it turns into a bit of a rant.

A friend is looking for a small, quiet, safe plod, she only likes to walk around the farm a couple of times a week, she is a very nervous rider, but loves looking after and pampering her ned. She likes the idea of something in its twilight years and hasnt a lot of money to spend.

Yesterday we went to look at a 20 yr old mare who is still being ridden, she is for sale for £750. When we got there I was horrified.

Her condition was very poor, her hips were sticking out and her spine was very prominent, her muscle tone was almost non existent. She walked very stiffly, and when I looked at her teeth, although I'm no expert, I would put her at more like 25. She was very safe and quiet to ride, but that's hardly surprising considering the condition she was in.

But she was a lovely girl, and my friend phoned the lady and said she would offer £300 for the horse with rugs, considering the condition she was in, forgot to say she had a nasty cough too. The lady texted back and said she would take £400!

Now I cant understand how anyone can do this. This poor horse is in a bad state, and probably would benefit from being retired, and in my opinion needs the vet, and some serious feeding up, if she is not suffering too much.

My friend was willing to take her on out of the goodness of her heart, knowing that her heart was definitely ruling her head, but just wanted to give the lovely old girl a chance of a nice life in her twilight years, but her owner just wanted another £100!

Just really upset about this, dont know that I can really do anything, just wanted to share it really.

Hot choccie if you get this far!!
 
the poor mare. some people really are despicable. i don't know what to say. at least they haven't just stuck her in a sale though, as many people do with old horses which have been great servants to them...
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she may ring back in a week or so since i doubt she'll get better offers...
 
Aww bless her, is your friend going to take her then? maybe if she had the proper care, attention and food and a bit of pampering she would go on for good while longer and happily be ridden around. i know were i used to work we had a few in their late 20's who were still ridden lightly but fairly regularly. I hope she finds a nice home its such a shame that she is being sold on when she is so old and not doing so good some people really dont care. x
 
I've got a 5'9 turnout rug.....secondhand but ok nick, no holes about 200gms i reckon.
I'd pay the £400 meself and give the dear horse a nice life...........don't reckon its about the money in this case if she likes her.........
 
You are all so kind. I dont think she will have her as she is so worried about the long term outlook.

She has just had to have her old boy put down, and couldnt face having to make that decision again too soon.
 
I saw an advert similar to what you have described on horsemart, a 20 yr old piebald, maybe its the same mare? It really upset me, i wish i had the money and the space for another.
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What a poor horse. I would buy her if i could but my mare is ill and i have a never ending vet bill at the mo. I just can't understand why people sell horses of that age
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. The owners obviously don't care about her or they wouldn't argue over £100 for a horse that old they would want it to go to a good home and your friend sounds perfect.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Offer £300 without rugs. What size is she - I am sure some of us would help on here. I have a couple you can have but are 6'9.

If anyone else wants to contribute, I will give you a tenner - only another 9 people needed.

xxx

[/ QUOTE ]

I've lots of rugs at the mo, too.... I am sure we'd help.

Poor old girl
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I would be very doubtful if this poor old horse was still being ridden. It doesn't matter what the owners tell you. The lack of muscle tone and stiffness rather give it away. She is very likely a great deal older than you were told too. If she is that thin, she is likely to have dental problems and possibly even liver problems. Your friend would likely be paying out money hand over fist if she bought her. TBH, I'd ring one of the equine charities and tell them that the horse is in a very bad way and up for sale, and ask them to go and take a look for a potential cruelty case. If your friend is most interested in just caring for an equine, why not apply to take on a HAPPA pony?
 
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