Well behaved schoolmaster >>>>>>>

Steeleydan

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Just seen an ad on right hand side of screen, clicked on, to see someone selling a 21 yo horse, why on earth would some one want to pass a horse on thats been a faithful servant for all those years? And once more who would give £1000 for the pleasure. I dread to think where that poor old horse will end up. What ever their University commitments are why not do right by the horse.
 
The same person appears to be selling both schoolmasters. I agree it seems sad, esp the older one that they have had for 15 years. To be fair though you never know the real reasons or what is going on behind the scenes. So many people are having to sell their loved horses as job/money/house problems etc are sadly getting more common.
Lovely looking horses though I think!
 
Owned for 15 years - just about to start needing a little more understanding and tlc... pity they dont put him out on loan - or pts - but hey ho - out of sight and with a few quid in your pocket whats 15 years and a 21 year olds welfare worth?
 
What should someone do then?

Put it out on loan to someone? You really think that's better for the horses welfare than being sold, for what is a relatively small amount? At least the new owner is just that, rather than someone looking for a free horse to use and abuse (or disappear!)

You don't know this persons financial circumstances and frankly the comments on here are quite offensive (typical for the NL though)
 
Really? Even if fit and well and could happily go on until 25 or older?

I wouldn't PTS a horse at 16 either.

I had a 19 year old polo pony that had hard life (shipped from NZ), she went on until 25 being fit, sound and well, age was accurate as they brand it.
 
What makes putting pts the decent thing to do???? Had I come across this horse when I was looking then I would most certainly of considered it.
There is someone out there who this horse is perfect for its just a case of the current owner finding them. If its a quick sale they need then of course this may not happen but none of us know the circumstances.
 
He is 16.3hh, he is 21 years old, he has been at the same home for the past 15 years - come on - up for a grand with a bit of tack - is it really worth the risk of him ending up in a poor home, we can all tell a good tale if we want - i am sure the bit about "being close" is a heart tugger - but fgs i would go through hell and back to not have to sell my old horse and if its only "uni" commitements then a full livery yard for a couple of years wont hurt will it?
 
I know what you are trying to say, but nothing is ever "that" black and white

Plus old horses are like old people, if they stop they often go downhill. So is is better to mothball in livery with no one to look after them specifically or offer them for a notional price in a reputable magazine and find them someone that will hopefully love them?

If selling for <£400 (near meat money) as can no longer do a job, then yes PTS absolutely as they is something that didn't ought to be for sale and will be picked up by dealer scum.
 
I bought a horse when he was 18 and had 6 happy years with him. Lot's of people like older horses that have been there, done that and got the T shirt. An older, quiet horse is ideal for a lot of people who want a quieter life and can give them a good home. I know it's more of a risk selling them when they're older but it's not a heinous crime! 16 isn't really old for a horse these days, some top event horses are still competing who are older than that.

I personally wouldn't sell my horse when it was in it's 20's but I can't judge people who do because I don't know what their circumstances are.

I think both the horses look lovely and I hope they find good homes for them.
 
Yeah you don't know, owner could have died leaving horses with non-horsey relatives etc. Don't be too quick to judge, they look loved and certainly kept well enough.
 
There's nothing wrong with selling an older horse, if you no longer have the time to look after the horse appropriately then the KINDEST thing to do would be to find it a new home where it can be cared for correctly. And many people do like to buy older horses, for beginners, nervous riders or someone that wants a calmer ride. I have a 2 £30+ horses, 1 out on loan and the other at home, the 1 out on loan is happy and still doing pony club etc, and the horse at home is ridden 3 times a week by a lovely lady. A horses life doesn't stop at 20.
 
He is 16.3hh, he is 21 years old, he has been at the same home for the past 15 years - come on - up for a grand with a bit of tack - is it really worth the risk of him ending up in a poor home, we can all tell a good tale if we want - i am sure the bit about "being close" is a heart tugger - but fgs i would go through hell and back to not have to sell my old horse and if its only "uni" commitements then a full livery yard for a couple of years wont hurt will it?

In an ideal world people would not sell on older horses, but its not an ideal world. You can't know everyone's circumstances. As for saying "put it on livery" while you finish uni - I for one could no way have afforded a horse while I was at college or uni. I only just managed to pay for myself! I suspect 90% of those that do have horses on here whilst at uni are helped out massively by Bank of Mum and Dad. They're very lucky.
 
It is rather bizzare that both horses are for sale from the same owner after owning them for so long. Makes you wonder what is going on behind the scenes and whether it's just a case of personal circumstance. Mind you, if I'd had my horses 15 years, I would do everything in gods will to prevent sale.
 
I bought my first horse this year for a token payment and he is 25! The previous owners had him for 10 years but didn't have the time to keep him in the work he needs and wanted to do the right thing for him. He's in a lovely livery stables with 24/7 professional care, regular gentle hacks and lots of cuddles.

Should they have had him PTS instead? :confused:
 
I bought my first horse this year for a token payment and he is 25! The previous owners had him for 10 years but didn't have the time to keep him in the work he needs and wanted to do the right thing for him. He's in a lovely livery stables with 24/7 professional care, regular gentle hacks and lots of cuddles.

Should they have had him PTS instead? :confused:

Good for you for taking on a golden oldie, it sounds like he's landed on his feet with you! They have so much to offer, you can't write them off just because they're getting on in years.
 
i think they are both lovely horses and well worth every penny there asking.
if i was able to have another horse id def go and see the smaller of the 2.
not the bigger one though but thats purely because im only 5ft lol.
 
Wow seriously?
You'd pts a perfectly healthy horse just for the sake of it being 21?
Bet if it was a 5 year old no one would be complaining!
But then again, passing on a young horse from pillar to post is far better than selling on a sane older horse to one other home eh? :rolleyes:
 
21 is not that old and could give many more years of pleasure- saying that my mare is 22 and I would never sell her because of her age and the fact she would have to be cheap. I would worry she wouls end up in dubious hands. Its a shame because she isnt realy the most ideal horse for me (the joys of your teenagers hand me downs!)
 
Personally I have no problem with the younger horse being sold - with luck he still has a fair few working and value filled years left to 'earn' his retirement with a new owner.

However, a 21 year old horse of that size, going by the usual statistics has only a year or two of work before retirement will be needed. I know there are exceptions to that but they aren't the norm. Rehoming is all very good but IMHO a loan would be a much better option just so his owners of the past 15 years could ensure his future, whatever that may be. After all, they've had the best part of his working life so in my book, they owe him now.

I have to say that if they can't do the above PTS could be in his best interests.:(
 
Exactly.

Theres nothing to say that they're going to sell him to the first person that comes along! I would think that they are gutted that he is going after 15 years. If they don't find him a good home, perhaps they will have him PTS, but at least they're trying!
 
Sorry but a 21 year old 16.3hh horse probably only has another 4 or 5 years tops in them, and the latter two or three probably just pottering around its familiar field and herd.

I would object to a pony being sold on at this age, but they have a darn sight more chance of becoming or having a useful 5 or 6 years - what loyaltiy will the new owner show to a horse such as this if he is only sound for a year or 18 months?

And tbh what type of a schoolmater is he? good at hacking, jumping, cross country, hunting or just classed as a schoolmaster cos the poor chap is 21?

poor poor lad wish i could give him a secure future
 
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