What should I do with it now???

[Ritzyroo]

I have had my 14 year old TB mare for 7 years now and she has been through the wars - namely a stifle desmotomy in Feb 2008, cannon bone fracture in June 2008 and a deep digital flexor tendon injury July 2010, all of which meant several months on box rest after each occasion and she is now protesting about being out in the field by galloping around until she is dripping with sweat and foam - though she was fine living out all summer. 'So what' you may all think - 'leave her in 24 hrs a day'. Okay if I had a constant supply of haylage and shavings free of charge, (she has mild ROAR due to the prolonged spells of box rest) so has to have the latter provisions. I work from 07.30 - 17.00 so her time in the field is what it is. But then I have my other horse who wants to be out but I cannot leave him out on his own. I cant afford to have 2 horses in all day every day. She is not everyones cup of tea as she can be highly strung. I dont know what to do - call it a day (pts) as she is never going to be 100% sound - though she is ridden daily - never to jump again cos of the DDFT injury reoccuring or possibly give her to a riding school - then again I dont think thats fair on her - she is definatley a 1 person horse - i'd be surprised if she tolerated a riding school environment. It does also bring me to the financial element - I can see myself struggling in the new year. I am so so so unsure what to do for the best for her and for me. I cannot go through another winter of her galloping round the field churning up all the grass to mud. Poxy horse - love to hate her sometimes. What would anyone else do?

 

[ISHmad]

Is there any way of her having access to her stables all the time without actually being shut inside? Appreciating that not many livery yards can offer this but not sure of your set up so thought I would mention it. The she may calm down if she knows she can go in or out as she likes.

I'm sorry for your predicament and hope you can find a workable solution.

 

[Ritzyroo]

That would be fantastic - but sadly no - my field is down the other end of the yard - far too far for her to come and go, she'd get out onto the road . I have contemplated a field shelter - but cannot afford one and theres all the planning permission crap.

 

[Elsbells]

How horrble for you. She's not a Pouchka 111 baby by any chance is she?

I've had this too and TBH any change of routine will set her off. However, if I get her in before any other fieldmates/neighbours are brought in she's OK?

Is there anyone at the yard that can do this for you? It might make the difference and be a good compromise as she is just throwing a childish tantrum at not getting her own way.

My girl is better this year. She has a pony of her own, lots of hay in the field and a thicker rug on. Plus, she knows she is coming in before the others.

Good luck.

 

[Ritzyroo]

No relation - grand sire is Strong Gale.
I have to pay someone to bring them in - but even by 3pm(when they get brought in) she's already lost the plot and got in a state. I cannot expect someone to sort her out everyday, yet cannot exept her being put in her stable soaking wet in the soddon sweaty turnout rug until I get to the yard about half 5. She'd get a chill. They only have 7am-3pm turnout.

 

[Elsbells]

No relation - grand sire is Strong Gale.
I have to pay someone to bring them in - but even by 3pm(when they get brought in) she's already lost the plot and got in a state. I cannot expect someone to sort her out everyday, yet cannot exept her being put in her stable soaking wet in the soddon sweaty turnout rug until I get to the yard about half 5. She'd get a chill. They only have 7am-3pm turnout.

Ha ha! OK, just wondered.

Is she coming in first then? If they are in the bottom field, are they being pulled out last? My betting is that they are, in which case she's winding herself up over this before it happens. Horses wear wristatches don't you know and prepare to come in a good 2 hours before they do.

 

[Maesfen]

Sounds like you've gone through your options realistically, she sounds like a nightmare and has already been through so much. I know what I would do in your shoes without a doubt as I just don't see what benefit you are getting from her and that it's doing her any good at all either, in fact it seems like a take take from her all the time. I know others will slate me but some of us do have financial restrictions whether we like it or not and there is a lot worse than humane death for a horse who is not a happy person at the best of times.

 

[milesjess]

Can you get a loaner to help out?

 

[milesjess]

Also a mobile field shelter doesn't need planning permission. Have a look on preloved and eBay got bargain ones

 

[cm2581]

How about looking for a different yard that may be able to offer more useful help? Or what about turning her out later?