what would you do?

[benson21]

I bought a horse last August, Charlie, a12 year old grey gelding. Immediately it became obvious we were not suited, I was too heavy and novicy for him, and he was not happy. It was thought at the time he had quite a deep rooted back problem by the vet and physio when he started to buck when ridden by experienced riders that are much lighter than me.
But someone wanted to trial him and seemed to get on not too bad. It was felt that he was happiest hacking, but could do a little schooling no more than twice a week. He is very much a stressy sort, weaves, cant hold weight on, etc.
5 weeks ago we were all involved in an accident with a car hitting both Charlie and the horse I was riding. Charlie was hit by the car and knocked to the ground but survived.

He hasnt been ridden since the accident as he was very badly bruised and much more stressed. Each time he is led to the feild he has to cross a road. He is ok with cars coming towards him, but if a vehicle comes from behind he spins and tries to rear.So i am presuming he will never be a hacking horse.

The lady that was trialing him had said she would take him on, but has now decided against it.

He wouldnt be right as a companion horse as he wouldnt cope if he was left in the feild on his own.

I feel I know the way this is going, but I just wanted other peoples views.

 

[Tinypony]

Oh that's sad Benson21, another casualty of your terrible accident.
I think a retirement or companion home might be difficult to find in the current economic climate, but you could try. I think the other thing I'd try is putting an honest ad (I know you'd be honest!) on Project Horses. It may be that someone there would take a chance on him, or might be interested if they don't do roadwork. Worth a try maybe.
Hope you are making a good recovery.

 

[Sunny08]

I think you need to give him a bit mroe time, it really hasn't been long. Turn him away for a few months, let him completely heel, then do you upmost to get to the bottom of the back problem.
Thats what I would do anyway.
Good luck with him - nightmare situation!

 

[soulfull]

there are lots of people who never hack on a road so I too would try project horses especially if you are prepared to almost give him away

hugs

 

[LizScott]

A lot of people wanting a companion already have 2 horses but need another for when one is taken out so you may find a home for him as a companion. But as others have said, he may need more time or just a different way of life - I don't hack mine on roads and I'm sure there are plenty of others who don't. I'm not one for hanging on to a horse that obviously needs to be pts but I think there are other options for your guy xxx

 

[russianhorse]

There are plenty of horse owners that dont hack out on the roads - I keep my lad on a farm, and can do a good 1 1/2 - 2 hours hack around it without touching a road, so there are places Charlie would be suitable

On a different note, I hope you are both recovering well x

 

[Chavhorse]

Firstly sorry to hear about your horrific accident.

I would give Charlie more time, my horse had a casting accident last year no way anywhere near as terrible as charlie has been through and he still has not let it go.

He has a lot of remembered pain and compensates for it so we need the Chiro on a regular basis. Even My very practical down to earth in no way bunny hugging vet says he needs to get the accident out of his head before he can move on.

I would personaly turn him away for the summer let him rest and relax then reassess in the Autumn.

Good luck.

 

[michellev123]

Hope you are recovering well; i'm sorry he is struggling with the memory.

I agree with what has been said give him longer off, also there are many people that dont have to hack on road (unfortunatly im not one of them ) but i think there is someone out there for him, he could also be reintroduced to cars again slowly in a safe enviroment such as an arena etc, there are ways and means . . .

Good luck with him and the recovery x