noblesteed
Well-Known Member
Hi all,
I am currently awaiting an operation for my 16yo gelding on his tendon sheath/annular ligament. He's on box rest currently though has a mooch in a tiny taped off corner of the field so as not to get too bored and to keep him moving a little (he has spavin in both hocks). He's due to go into horsepital next week and the vet seems to think the op should work, so I am feeling optimistic about things.
What I am wondering though is, hypothetically, what you do with a horse that isn't sound even when out of work? He is able to walk comfortably but is unsound in trot and is unable to canter - I know this because he attempted to do a little 'flourish' in the field and just sort of went 'ow' and remembered he couldn't!!! It's 4 months since his injury so vet doubts he will get much better without the op. Added to this his spavin doesn't help matters at all.
If I was unable to finance the operation I would be stuck with a real problem - would he be sound enough to retire? He's healthy/happy in himself but would he be classed as 'field sound' if he's unable to canter? Would it be fair to turn him away with other horses if he was unable to run about or get away from field bullies? Or would it be kinder to let him go while he is in good health?
What do people do in this situation?
I am currently awaiting an operation for my 16yo gelding on his tendon sheath/annular ligament. He's on box rest currently though has a mooch in a tiny taped off corner of the field so as not to get too bored and to keep him moving a little (he has spavin in both hocks). He's due to go into horsepital next week and the vet seems to think the op should work, so I am feeling optimistic about things.
What I am wondering though is, hypothetically, what you do with a horse that isn't sound even when out of work? He is able to walk comfortably but is unsound in trot and is unable to canter - I know this because he attempted to do a little 'flourish' in the field and just sort of went 'ow' and remembered he couldn't!!! It's 4 months since his injury so vet doubts he will get much better without the op. Added to this his spavin doesn't help matters at all.
If I was unable to finance the operation I would be stuck with a real problem - would he be sound enough to retire? He's healthy/happy in himself but would he be classed as 'field sound' if he's unable to canter? Would it be fair to turn him away with other horses if he was unable to run about or get away from field bullies? Or would it be kinder to let him go while he is in good health?
What do people do in this situation?