What do I do with a horse I can't ride?

just a little something to make you think a girl on yard bought a 4 yr old cob type 22years ago weeks after buying him told you will never ride him due to bone problems - that horse as been loved and beautifully cared for for 22 yrs- she adores him he wants for nothing - vet care feed love and attention. tonight she said he is going donwn hill and i have to make decsision i just hugged her what could i say she as cared for and loved brecken for 22 years and never sat on his back her words" hes simply the best" so when they become unrideable do we just throw away - hayley as shown no you can still get so much from them - shes a star god love her x
 
flamehead said:
I believe that the horse has kissing spines and therefore cannot be ridden. But heyho, you better sell her on OP because putting her to sleep is horrific. Sell her on and hope someone else doesnt think "oh how bad can she be? I'll just get on." Btw, thanks button pushers!
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Sorry, must have missed that part (kissing spines) in the original post, it was stated as being an ex racehorse which had never been retrained. Surely anyone would have had the horse checked over by a vet if it was presenting with this behaviour? OP - has the vet recommended anything? (I also know a lot of horses that would be awful to ride having had 4 weeks off)

It's really hard when you don't know all the details, but I think people would be far more sympathetic/realistic if the horse had a diagnosed problem preventing it working. We don't know if this is the case or not.

I wish people would realise that 21 is not old for a lot of horses now; horses are living for far longer. My friend had his 36year old put down last year; up until a month or so before this she was still being ridden. I ride a friend's 20 year old ex racehorse who, while not being the easiest ride is very fit and healthy.
 
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Dizzyblonde99 said:
I might be wrong and maybe noone has sugested this for a reason?? But why don't you advertise for help riding her? There are lots of people out there willing to help ride horses, she would be having more exersise that may well calm her down as you seem to have limited time to exersise her. And if you've lost your confidence with her a little somebody that is full of confidence may be able to help (: Teenagers are well know for having no fear!!!

As a teenager myself that untill recently helped out with a 16yr ex racer I love this idea! The horse I had I feel really improved, and was working in a soft outline and jumping well, after a couple of years (:
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I think this is a great option and one the OP should consider
 
Originally Posted by Berkeley
I have just given the ok for the hunt to shoot her. Luckily the bullet was free so at least she hasn't cost me anything else.

Your attitude truly disgusts me. The only thing wrong with this mare is that you are not good enough to have her. Please DO put her out of her misery, if only to get the poor mare away from you.
 
I think there have been some very good points made here, and some people have missed the point somewhat. Personally I would keep my horses till the end (and always have) but I am very fortunate and wouldn't judge anyone who responsibly PTS their horse if they couldnt care for it properly/afford it. I do think the OP could perhaps have phrased herself a little better; equally, perhaps the catty comments made aren't really required either!

Where have you gone Berkeley? What are you going to do? I think the games idea/reschooling could still be an option? Or...

... put an ad up asking for someone to ride your horse for free and reschool her. Might sound daft but as a teenager I was pretty competent and used to go around schooling naughty horses. I got a horsey fix for free and the owners got their horses schooled. Its a really nice thing to do. I let a local girl ride one of my horses thats a bit mad. She is very good but can't afford her own. Just a thought...
 
Berkeley said:
She is too much for me, always has been - but I am a sucker for a sad case and sometimes I need to consider my options. Its my prerogative. If I decide to PTS, I will.
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I'm glad that you realise that. Please, please, do not get an ex-racehorse as your next mount.
 
joeanne said:
elsazzo the whole point of recommending a pts is the mare is getting on in years.
It is unfair to expect someone else to take the headache of a potentially unridable animal at that age. A youngster you could give a bit of time to come right. This one does not have that kind of time. The OP is unwilling to keep her, therefore if she is not PTS, she will end up in a god awful shyte sale of the likes we have up the road.
I wouldnt wish that on any animal.
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Thanks for the reply Joanne,

I am in no way inscinuating that the OP should sell this horse on, the way the horse is would mean a cheap sale of free to 'good' home which inevitably would mean the horse ending up god knows where with god knows who and yes, having the mare PTS would be the kinder & more responsible option. The owner is 'unwilling' to keep her sfter 4 years? why so long? it doesnt take that long to find out you arent a match! There may be people locally who love to ride but cant afford/dont have time for there own horse but would love to help out. There is a woman at my yard who has a horse similar to this, no one would go near him and the owner just left him in the field without any care at all as she had bought a big handful of a horse and had no experience/want to care for him - terrible, she advertised for a rider to help out and he has come on leaps and bounds! all he needed was someone who wasnt scared of him. He is schooling really well and going out for hacks which is great! the girl who comes to help out absolutely adores him now and its so great to see him getting the attention he deserves......oh, and he is 19 so no spring chicken either!
 
the_sophies said:
Originally Posted by Berkeley
I have just given the ok for the hunt to shoot her. Luckily the bullet was free so at least she hasn't cost me anything else.

Your attitude truly disgusts me. The only thing wrong with this mare is that you are not good enough to have her. Please DO put her out of her misery, if only to get the poor mare away from you.
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Dull
 
What does she actually do that is crazy? How does she behave? Sorry if this has been answered but not read all the posts so may have missed something?

I have a horse slightly similar, used to point to point and when taken round fields can be a little crazy - solution - give him a good gallop, have a great time and keep him happy doing the job he knows best.

What is the mare like if taken for a good run? The OP mentioned hadn't ridden for 4 weeks, why so long?
 
roo2012 said:
I wish people would realise that 21 is not old for a lot of horses now; horses are living for far longer. My friend had his 36year old put down last year; up until a month or so before this she was still being ridden. I ride a friend's 20 year old ex racehorse who, while not being the easiest ride is very fit and healthy.
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But 21 IS old for an ex racing TB..... They have a hard life from the word go, most are out racing by the age of two, only stopping when they break down or slow down...
Not half as many retire to stud as go for meat.
 
Sorry I actually think the ks was another poster earlier....god Im getting confused. Ignore me unless you hear about ks from berkley!
 
OP - idea why you originally posted on here - did you expect people to agree with you?? and your subsequent posts fill me with disgust. Poor mare. Perhaps you should consider your own capabilities before getting another horse
 
JVB said:
I have a horse slightly similar, used to point to point and when taken round fields can be a little crazy - solution - give him a good gallop, have a great time and keep him happy doing the job he knows best.
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Me too, same solution, and we have a great time doing it!
 
I've seen the other post by Berkeley thats going on. Her mare looks fab and very much loved and ridden! Not sure of the point of this thread now? Whats going on??!! Am new to HHO and am confused!!!:confused:
 
I'm sorry but if there's one thing I've learned while dealing with veterans (and I've delt with a lot) it's that age has nothing to do with a horses capability.
Yes, problems can come with age, but an injury sustained by 20 year old can easily effect a 3 year old in the same circumstances eg; developing arthritis.
If she's healthy and perfectly able to be re-schooled, and you think she's worth the time/finances, then please do it.

This mare really is one of thousands at the moment. If she were 5 there'd be people wanting her as a project. But people are more than a little bit skeptical when it comes to veterans who have little to no education.
You could sell her as a companion, but she could then be seen as "fit to ride"..someone jumps on her and thinks a good gallop all the time is fun and who knows what could happen to her.
A mare was sold from our yard because she was an absolute nutjob to jump. Fine one minute, then just blind bolted the next. Scary and thoroughly dangerous. The YO sold said mare on the basis she'd never be jumped and have a forever home as a Dressage/Happy Hacker which she was fine to do and above all happy to do.
Now, after 3 years the woman who owns her and made said agreement has her in a Myler combination with a young girl show jumping her, the same Myler combination that made her go mad with our previous rider. She's now back up for sale AS A SHOW JUMPER.
The horse hasn't changed one bit, still petrified of jumping but is a willing little girl till her brains blow and from then who knows, maybe they'll understand why the YO said no jumping.

But that's just one of many stories I know about buyers promising things they have no intention of keeping.

Regarding her age, as my RI says:
"An old horse can do everything it did in it's day, just better."
Meaning a horse can only learn, it's never too late and if you have faith in your mare she could come good from a bit of re-schooling :)
Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
PercyMum said:
I've seen the other post by Berkeley thats going on. Her mare looks fab and very much loved and ridden! Not sure of the point of this thread now? Whats going on??!! Am new to HHO and am confused!!!:confused:
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Really? I was under the impression that riding her was a problem.
 
M_G said:
I dont mean all charities I mean the few backyard ones that are only too happy to take in any and every horse whether its in the horses best interest or not
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*Snorts with laughter* I can think of a couple of those......

Just make sure your horse doesn't end up in a place like that, starving, full of worms, and rehomed as a safe hack, or better still a competition horse. Then when you ask for it back get charged "livery" for the poor creature's care :eek:
 
Berkeley said:
Its insightful to see so many members exposing their souls in this extremely sensitive post. I had no idea so many of you would respond, good and bad (and ugly in some cases).

I concede to the fact that the 'pah!' comment and calling the hunt was reckless. There was no conviction in my words. Honestly. Looking back, I was frustrated with the unfortunate approach some of you took to slash me - its so easy to wind those people up. I am not used to dealing with tunnel vision. Maybe that's why some of you will always be climbing a ladder with no rungs.

The post has been construed as me being insensitive, uncaring, fickle and insufferable towards my horse. Perhaps my construction of sentances was too assertive and the tone was too slap dash. I can assure you (although with some of you it may just bounce off or give you something else to bite at) that I am 100% committed to her best interests whether it be to pass her on as a companion, loan her to someone she can trust more, keep her or to take the dark plunge to PTS. Either way it will be a choice carefully constructed and executed with a conscience mind. It makes no difference whether I am wealthy or not, whether I am buying a 4x4 or a Gucci bag - I will make a decision based on my circumstances without third party pressure. Not that I feel pressued, even after swimming against the tide of some of your comments.

For the purpose of clarification only, and mainly for those of you who believed I would pts tonight on a whim (although I must admit I am disappointed in how easy it was for you to bite) I have not done so, nor will I - it was a simple pose. Nothing more. My initial point was to open suggestions to the floor - it is a shame people have become embedded in the idea of PTS. I did not assert this as the only option. Perhaps its an education for some of you to really look at the words which have been written.

I have just returned from being with her tonight, as I always do, ensuring she is tucked up in her freshly washed Rambo fleece, 2 nets of hay and lots of kisses.

She is too much for me, always has been - but I am a sucker for a sad case and sometimes I need to consider my options. Its my prerogative. If I decide to PTS, I will.

Don't judge me folks. Chill out. And don't have a go at eachother.
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You have come across as arogant and uncaring.

You asked for opinions - you were given a number of suggestions; pts being the one that gained most backing as you seemed unwilling to keep spending money on her. The emphasis that you have made on how much you spend did not go unnoticed, hence more replies against you.

I realise that this is of no worth nor thought to you, but I am disappointed. You came here, asking what has been asked numerous times before, but you asked and you were answered. Leaving the brawling aside, there were well thought out and considered responses. You chose to wind up the readers with your comments about the bullet and then complain when they took the bait. Given your earlier comments regarding the money angle, what were people to think?

For the record: I have had one put to sleep due to illness - she went sooner rather than later; I have retired two, which I still have; and I have one that may or may not end up down either of those two routes. I have stated that if I cannot afford to keep any of the three of them for whatever reason, they will be put to sleep - the oldest is dangerous to ride, though sweet at all other times; the cob is broken and may never come right; the DWB has a pelvis issue that may result in the end of her ridden career or it may not.

I would suggest that instead of putting down those that have tried to help you, you re-read your own words and see then through the eyes of others.

I won't be back on this thread. I have learnt a lesson tonight regarding my ability to judge a character.
 
Dizzyblonde99 said:
I might be wrong and maybe noone has sugested this for a reason?? But why don't you advertise for help riding her? There are lots of people out there willing to help ride horses, she would be having more exersise that may well calm her down as you seem to have limited time to exersise her. And if you've lost your confidence with her a little somebody that is full of confidence may be able to help (: Teenagers are well know for having no fear!!!

As a teenager myself that untill recently helped out with a 16yr ex racer I love this idea! The horse I had I feel really improved, and was working in a soft outline and jumping well, after a couple of years (:
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OP: if you were to consider action such as the above, I would suggest asking someone much older/more experienced to ride her first, and actually "assess" her. Her behaviour when ridden may just be down to your lack of confidence which of course she picks up on. A far more experienced and braver rider may be able to advise whether she is actually beyond redemption, or not. I would worry about inviting a young rider/braver, but possibly not that experienced, teenager to test drive a mare that could conceivably seriously injure someone. Also, get recommendations on the candidate's abilities/experience from someone who is themselves experienced, and whose judgement you respect. I have seen too many keen young riders saying they can do XYZ and then when they get on the horse, it is patently obvious they have no idea. With a "normal" and completely sane horse that is bad enough - with something that has issues, it could be disastrous.
 
Berkeley said:
Its insightful to see so many members exposing their souls in this extremely sensitive post. I had no idea so many of you would respond, good and bad (and ugly in some cases).

I concede to the fact that the 'pah!' comment and calling the hunt was reckless. There was no conviction in my words. Honestly. Looking back, I was frustrated with the unfortunate approach some of you took to slash me - its so easy to wind those people up. I am not used to dealing with tunnel vision. Maybe that's why some of you will always be climbing a ladder with no rungs.

The post has been construed as me being insensitive, uncaring, fickle and insufferable towards my horse. Perhaps my construction of sentances was too assertive and the tone was too slap dash. I can assure you (although with some of you it may just bounce off or give you something else to bite at) that I am 100% committed to her best interests whether it be to pass her on as a companion, loan her to someone she can trust more, keep her or to take the dark plunge to PTS. Either way it will be a choice carefully constructed and executed with a conscience mind. It makes no difference whether I am wealthy or not, whether I am buying a 4x4 or a Gucci bag - I will make a decision based on my circumstances without third party pressure. Not that I feel pressued, even after swimming against the tide of some of your comments.

For the purpose of clarification only, and mainly for those of you who believed I would pts tonight on a whim (although I must admit I am disappointed in how easy it was for you to bite) I have not done so, nor will I - it was a simple pose. Nothing more. My initial point was to open suggestions to the floor - it is a shame people have become embedded in the idea of PTS. I did not assert this as the only option. Perhaps its an education for some of you to really look at the words which have been written.

I have just returned from being with her tonight, as I always do, ensuring she is tucked up in her freshly washed Rambo fleece, 2 nets of hay and lots of kisses.

She is too much for me, always has been - but I am a sucker for a sad case and sometimes I need to consider my options. Its my prerogative. If I decide to PTS, I will.

Don't judge me folks. Chill out. And don't have a go at eachother.
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omg, what a different tone this post has! perhaps if you had posted in this manner then you would have been spared the wrath of the forum. You came across very cold in your attitude with things like the 'pah' comment. Also the fact that you have had a horse for 4 years that you couldn't ride and did nothing about it. That was hardly giving her the best chance.
I still stand by my comment that free racehorses often end up with numpties, they do, i see it all the time. Had you seen past that and read the rest of my post, you would have seen that I had actually given you a reasonable suggestion and asked some pertinent questions, ie had you put an experienced rider on her to see if she responds better to another sort of rider and to have her assessed to establish what her problems really are.
you asked for opinions and you got them :D Of course putting her to sleep is your perogative, but on a forum of horse lovers, you are obviously going to stir up emotion. I think people did read the words and made their own judgement, I really doubt if you have given us much of an education.

I am not averse to a horse being pts, i think there can be worse things happen to them than that, however, I do believe in them being given the best chance. Fair enough if she is a lost cause and you don't want to pay for her any longer then pts.

Joeanne, most racehorses don't retire at 2, really they don't. Lot's of point to pointers etc last into double figures and then go on to either a useful ridden life outwith racing or some of the other options that we all know about.
Mine is now in her 20's, still fit as a fiddle (wee bit arthritis but that's not uncommon), still ridden daily. This is a horse who was came to me from racing in a terrible mental state. I got help with her for the bits outwith my experience and well within a relatively short space of time I had a brilliant riding horse that I had a tremendous bond with. It all took time and a lot of effort but was totally worth it.
If she has to retire tomorrow then she will be with me til for the rest of her life, whether i ever sit on another horse or not.
 
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OP - just to add one more, hopefully constructive suggestion.

I see you've said that you're on full livery. Is it an option to have the horse exercised for you by a competent jockey? Part of her excitability may be due to lack of ridden work. I've actually yet to come across an ex race horse that is not brilliant to hack (although admitedly many of them become a bit of handful doing fast work in company (understandably)).

Alternatively looking to move her to a DIY yard will cut your costs in half - making retirement a more affordable option.

It's interesting to see that she was initially a bit of a rescue...... She clearly, therefore deserves only the best.
 
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