What to do with a retired horse??

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Leono

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I have a 24 year old horse who has been retired now following vets advice. He has a couple of leg/foot problems but is basically sound on 1 sachet of danilon a day. He's been the most fantastic horse for the past 20 years and I want him to really enjoy his last years.

I still keep him on the same livery yard as when I was riding and pay for the facilities which I will now not use, arena, jumps, nice hacking etc. But I have friends at the yard, so does my horse and I don't know of any retirement livery places in the area (Leeds).

I keep wondering what other people do with their retired horses?

I am considering offering him as a companion horse, maybe for someone who keeps their horse at home. He is still very playful and socialable, doesn't look his age at all so he would be really good for this. But, he would need to be kept local to me as I would still want to take some care of him. Has anyone done this with their horse and has it worked out?
 
I think it would be harder with one who is on danilion as means having to feed daily which obviously costs more money than a lot of horses loaned as a companion. Will he live out 24/7 365 days a year, can he be left barefoot, how tall is he? :)
 
I would still pay for him though wanting to avoid the livery charges I am currently paying, but feed, vets, farrier etc I would expect to pay.

He could live out in all but the worst weather though I would prefer a field shelter. He's never lived out except in Summer, but he is irish draught x and quite hardy and a good doer.
 
i have the same situation, my 18 year old idxtb is retired and i keep him on grass livery with our pony, not many people want a 16.2hh companion, doesnt help my lads not a good doer though.
 
Just retired my old friend and took his shoes off (which makes me feel really sad for some reason)?? Out in a field although he lived out 24/7 anyway. The only thing is he is a good doer and now not working I am keeping a beady eye on his waist line. I would only companion him if I could visit him daily if need be, pay for his feet trim and cant get him insured anyway, ie if I can still have a peep at him to make sure he is ok. I would be reluctant to rehome him away in case he ends up in the wrong hands. I would want good solid references if I was asked if he could companion. Heard stories of horses ending up being sold on etc when they should be retired, that worries me.

I have BHS gold membership more for public liability insurance as i do bring him along the road for the farrier(just about to renew £59 per year). If he got ill I would just have to pay the vet out of my pocket anyway.

Would it be easier to rent a field or do a DIY grass livery with field shelter etc, even if you have to put a shelter up. I wouldnt want to pay for arenas etc, perhaps you can speak to the livery yard and ask for a reduction if you really just want to keep him ticking over?
 
If he has friends at the current yard it would be nicer for him to stay especially as he's known you for so long, could you not speak to the yard owner and come to an arrangement for livery as you will no longer be using most of the facilities (especially if you're likely to get a competition/ridden horse to move onto, hence 2 horse livery = bargaining power!!!)
 
Contact local BHS committee, pony clubs, riding clubs, instructors, etc and just ask around. If you are willing to pay some bills I expect someone will offer him a home. If it is local you will be able to visit and keep an eye on him.

I know someone who has a shire X and a 16 hh welsh cob as companions, so there are people around to take bigger horses, as at least you don't have to worry about laminitis the whole time like the very little ponies.
 
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