Unsound elderly horse...PTS, or field ornament?

I do believe that each case is different. If the horse has plenty of turnout, is not in pain and is generally well in himself then let him be happy doing what he wants. It is when they start to look miserable, drop weight and seem generally disinterested that one should consider doing the right thing. As owners, we are responsible for the quality of life our horses lead, In this case we only know what we have been told. Only the owner can decide what is best for her horse.
 
Saw a phrase recently, can't remember where but it was "better a month too early than a day too late". When our aged cat was in decline earlier this year we definitely went a day too late & I really regret that. We knew we were in the last few days & had already decided to make the appointment. When we woke up in the morning he had lost the use of his back legs & he vomited all the way to the vets. Maybe we would have been better at making the decision if we had not ahd to have a horse pts a few days before he fell ill, don't know, but he suffered that because we wanted to give him as long as possible and we were wrong.
I have a 26 yo arthritic field ornament & I dread having to make the decision I have set myself "key signs" to help me - if he struggles get up after rolling, if he doesn't keep weight on in the summer, if he stops trotting over when I have a carrot (at the moment it's still race the others, so ok there). From what you say it sounds like your friend feels that her horse has hit the 3rd of my key signs.
 
IMHO it seems down to the Horses comfort zone. If his happy being a Pet, then fair enough; If his upset the PTS.

I kept my old pony after she was retired as apet. she was 36
 
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