Eira
Well-Known Member
Ok , just wondering after something that was to me about So l tonight , when do you think that a horses quality of life is compromised ?
Sorry if I'm being too vague ..
Sorry if I'm being too vague ..
When do YOU think quality of life is compromised ?
- Thread starter Eira
- Start date
MrsMozartletoe
Just passing through...
I think it depends on the horse.
Little Lad would become a field ornament tomorrow, no problems. He would hate to be stabled full-time though.
The Dizzy one would not survive as she wants to be out and about and doing. She is getting better in the stable than she was, but her feet would give up as she's such a mucky mare
What's brought this on hunny?
Little Lad would become a field ornament tomorrow, no problems. He would hate to be stabled full-time though.
The Dizzy one would not survive as she wants to be out and about and doing. She is getting better in the stable than she was, but her feet would give up as she's such a mucky mare
What's brought this on hunny?
Damnation
Well-Known Member
I think it is when they can't go out and be horses if you get me?
When they can't go out and they are off their food, loosing weight, look depressed.
I mean if your horse can eat and play in the field quite happily and looks happy then I think they still have a quality of life because they can still "be a horse" even though they are not in work..
ETS: I think that if the horse is constantly in pain and the pain can no longer be controlled its the end of the line..
It also depends on the mentality of the horse as Mrs Mozart has said. My mare couldn't be a field ornament, she is too highly strung and needs to be out and working. Other horses can cope with it though.
When they can't go out and they are off their food, loosing weight, look depressed.
I mean if your horse can eat and play in the field quite happily and looks happy then I think they still have a quality of life because they can still "be a horse" even though they are not in work..
ETS: I think that if the horse is constantly in pain and the pain can no longer be controlled its the end of the line..
It also depends on the mentality of the horse as Mrs Mozart has said. My mare couldn't be a field ornament, she is too highly strung and needs to be out and working. Other horses can cope with it though.
Eira
Well-Known Member
Just something was mentioned at the yard on how I can't offer Sol any proper quality of life anymore (Seeing as she's a highly strung sports horse that is looking poor
)
Just made me think really ... (which yes , IS dangerous ! )
Just made me think really ... (which yes , IS dangerous ! )
soph21
Well-Known Member
I think it depends on the horse and money situation, if you have a horse that has to be stabled 24/7 but is happy and used to being stabled 24/7 then thats fine.
Im sure you'll do whats right by your girlie, it must be so tough.
xx
Im sure you'll do whats right by your girlie, it must be so tough.
xx
TicTac
Well-Known Member
when it no longer has a purpose in life. Some horses are happy to be companions and or field ornaments. My own personal feeling is that if the horse requires a high dose of medication on a regular basis to keep it comfortable and alive, then that's no life for it.
You know your horse better than anybody so don't let anybody bully you into doing something that maybe you and your horse aren't ready for yet. Your horse will let you know when she has had enough but then it is also upto you to do the right thing by her.
Chin up. I know so well how you are feeling xx
You know your horse better than anybody so don't let anybody bully you into doing something that maybe you and your horse aren't ready for yet. Your horse will let you know when she has had enough but then it is also upto you to do the right thing by her.
Chin up. I know so well how you are feeling xx
dsophiea
Well-Known Member
When the animal is in pain
and there's no way it can be controlled or cured
as above, if an animal can be an *animal*i believe that it still has a quality of life.
as above, if an animal can be an *animal*i believe that it still has a quality of life.
Ellies_mum2
Well-Known Member
Well my take on it is you know Sol better than anyone else. Does she seem depressed, off her feed, and generally not happy? If none of the above apply then ignore what people say
(And does she know she is a sports horse?
)
(And does she know she is a sports horse?
MrsMozartletoe
Just passing through...
[ QUOTE ]
Just something was mentioned at the yard on how I can't offer Sol any proper quality of life anymore (Seeing as she's a highly strung sports horse that is looking poor
)
Just made me think really ... (which yes , IS dangerous ! )
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh bollox to whoever 'mentioned' it
. You know your Sol, and you'll know if she's had enough. If it were the Dizzy one, she would be hacked off pretty quickly I think, but I don't know for sure; if it were LL, and he was very well schooled in the past and had an active life, but he's happy to veg in a field.
Horses, as they say, for courses.
Hugs hunny.
Just something was mentioned at the yard on how I can't offer Sol any proper quality of life anymore (Seeing as she's a highly strung sports horse that is looking poor
Just made me think really ... (which yes , IS dangerous ! )
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh bollox to whoever 'mentioned' it
Horses, as they say, for courses.
Hugs hunny.
emma69
Well-Known Member
I strongly believe they tell you - it is different in each horse. Some are happy out 24/7, others hate not being in work, and pine to come in (we had a riding school pony we retired, he hated every second of it, as he was so used to working, being mauled, sorry, groomed by children he hated being without human companions. Some are happy being stabled, some only happy with a friend. There are some physical issues which can cause quality of life issues, teeth and eyes being two that affect some more than others.
Eira
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Well my take on it is you know Sol better than anyone else. Does she seem depressed, off her feed, and generally not happy? If none of the above apply then ignore what people say
(And does she know she is a sports horse?
)
[/ QUOTE ]
She thinks she's a blimmin Cat with her 9 lives I tell ya !
Well my take on it is you know Sol better than anyone else. Does she seem depressed, off her feed, and generally not happy? If none of the above apply then ignore what people say
(And does she know she is a sports horse?
[/ QUOTE ]
She thinks she's a blimmin Cat with her 9 lives I tell ya !
CrazyMare
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I strongly believe they tell you - it is different in each horse. Some are happy out 24/7, others hate not being in work, and pine to come in (we had a riding school pony we retired, he hated every second of it, as he was so used to working, being mauled, sorry, groomed by children he hated being without human companions. Some are happy being stabled, some only happy with a friend. There are some physical issues which can cause quality of life issues, teeth and eyes being two that affect some more than others.
[/ QUOTE ]
Exactly the point I was going to raise.
Its horses for courses - some like going out and being a field ornament. Some hate it.
Pain is a different matter and no animal should be allowed to suffer long term.
I strongly believe they tell you - it is different in each horse. Some are happy out 24/7, others hate not being in work, and pine to come in (we had a riding school pony we retired, he hated every second of it, as he was so used to working, being mauled, sorry, groomed by children he hated being without human companions. Some are happy being stabled, some only happy with a friend. There are some physical issues which can cause quality of life issues, teeth and eyes being two that affect some more than others.
[/ QUOTE ]
Exactly the point I was going to raise.
Its horses for courses - some like going out and being a field ornament. Some hate it.
Pain is a different matter and no animal should be allowed to suffer long term.
dwi
Well-Known Member
Plenty of horses look slightly poor at this time of year if they've been out of work over winter and are inclined to drop weight when stressed. Unless Sol is in lots of pain and looking unhappy in herself I'd say its too soon to be making decisions about her long term future.
Eira
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Just something was mentioned at the yard on how I can't offer Sol any proper quality of life anymore (Seeing as she's a highly strung sports horse that is looking poor
)
Just made me think really ... (which yes , IS dangerous ! )
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh bollox to whoever 'mentioned' it
. You know your Sol, and you'll know if she's had enough. If it were the Dizzy one, she would be hacked off pretty quickly I think, but I don't know for sure; if it were LL, and he was very well schooled in the past and had an active life, but he's happy to veg in a field.
Horses, as they say, for courses.
Hugs hunny.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yup , idiots
( But then if i'm questioning myself do I really know whats best for her anymore? )
I can't find her anywhere to go till May and she's stuck in till then . Shes got to have injectable meds etc and i'm just having another bad day I guess ..
[ QUOTE ]
Just something was mentioned at the yard on how I can't offer Sol any proper quality of life anymore (Seeing as she's a highly strung sports horse that is looking poor
Just made me think really ... (which yes , IS dangerous ! )
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh bollox to whoever 'mentioned' it
Horses, as they say, for courses.
Hugs hunny.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yup , idiots
I can't find her anywhere to go till May and she's stuck in till then . Shes got to have injectable meds etc and i'm just having another bad day I guess ..
MrsMozartletoe
Just passing through...
[ QUOTE ]
Oh bollox to whoever 'mentioned' it
. You know your Sol, and you'll know if she's had enough. If it were the Dizzy one, she would be hacked off pretty quickly I think, but I don't know for sure; if it were LL, and he was very well schooled in the past and had an active life, but he's happy to veg in a field.
Horses, as they say, for courses.
Hugs hunny.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yup , idiots
( But then if i'm questioning myself do I really know whats best for her anymore? )
I can't find her anywhere to go till May and she's stuck in till then . Shes got to have injectable meds etc and i'm just having another bad day I guess ..
[/ QUOTE ]
You're definately just having a bad day hun. You're questioning the decisions because it is still so new, and the shock and sadness is still fresh. Over time it does get easier, and I speak as one who has been there. May isn't that far away.: it does pass and it does get easier to handle.
Oh bollox to whoever 'mentioned' it
Horses, as they say, for courses.
Hugs hunny.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yup , idiots
I can't find her anywhere to go till May and she's stuck in till then . Shes got to have injectable meds etc and i'm just having another bad day I guess ..
[/ QUOTE ]
You're definately just having a bad day hun. You're questioning the decisions because it is still so new, and the shock and sadness is still fresh. Over time it does get easier, and I speak as one who has been there. May isn't that far away.: it does pass and it does get easier to handle.
SpoiltDora
Well-Known Member
I would agree about the pain thing,but would just also like to add when i bought my old horse i was told you couldn't turn him out etc when i got him i kept him in but all of ours get turned out in the summer so when the ground dried up i fenced him off a little paddock put boots on allround and turned him out next to a sensible horse i started leaving him for 10 mins and slowly increased it. He hadn't been turned out since he was a yearling and he was 7 when i had him at first he didn't have a clue what grass was and yeah he had a gallop about because it was his first time in an open space (old owners wouldn't even ride him on grass!) but he soon learnt and after a few months he was living out in the summer.
So i just think you know your horse best and unless the pain is unmanageable(sp?) (i have known some horses to live on bute) or you know your horse is genuinly unhappy then they no longer have a quality of life.
So i just think you know your horse best and unless the pain is unmanageable(sp?) (i have known some horses to live on bute) or you know your horse is genuinly unhappy then they no longer have a quality of life.
Marchtime
Well-Known Member
When they are in large amounts of pain; when they are no longer happy. Jesper is having this summer. He doesn't have a 'purpose' in life but he seems happy being a field ornament (well actually a part time field, part time stable ornament!) His pain is easily managed by one danilon a day. Come winter his quality of life is likely to decline because he'd been in a lot without exercise, is prone to colic, will stiffen quickly and doesn't do well with hsi weight, hence there will probably be a difficult decision to make but currently he is happy.
In the very short term Sol's quality of life might not be great but you do have to think long term as well. OK so til May it's not great but May isn't that far away and then she'll probably perk up. Give her a chance and she might surprise you.
In the very short term Sol's quality of life might not be great but you do have to think long term as well. OK so til May it's not great but May isn't that far away and then she'll probably perk up. Give her a chance and she might surprise you.
Pearlsacarolsinger
Up in the clouds
When they look miserable for most of the time, when they are in pain that cannot be controlled, (there is nothing wrong with giving medication long term to control pain in consultation with the vet), when the circumstances in which they are kept i.e. stabled/living out/combination/with/without companion, no longer suits them but cannot be changed.
We retired a mare at 12, she was a field ornament/companion for the next 12 years, living in or out with her herd and was perfectly happy, most horses understand being horses and do not dream of competing etc. If Sol is unused to living out, I'm sure it will be possible to get her used to it gradually. I know it is horrible giving daily injections, we once had to do this with a foal. Will it be possible eventually to mix the medication in feed?
My neighbour's horse has had to be retired because of navicular and she thought he would be unhappy being left at home when her other horse goes out. In fact he is quite happy just moseying about talking to ours over the wall.
Don't make any hasty decisions at this stage.
We retired a mare at 12, she was a field ornament/companion for the next 12 years, living in or out with her herd and was perfectly happy, most horses understand being horses and do not dream of competing etc. If Sol is unused to living out, I'm sure it will be possible to get her used to it gradually. I know it is horrible giving daily injections, we once had to do this with a foal. Will it be possible eventually to mix the medication in feed?
My neighbour's horse has had to be retired because of navicular and she thought he would be unhappy being left at home when her other horse goes out. In fact he is quite happy just moseying about talking to ours over the wall.
Don't make any hasty decisions at this stage.
neddynesbitt
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Just something was mentioned at the yard on how I can't offer Sol any proper quality of life anymore (Seeing as she's a highly strung sports horse that is looking poor
)
Just made me think really ... (which yes , IS dangerous ! )
[/ QUOTE ]
I have had exactly the same thing with my lad who has navicular. People at the yard are of the opinion that if he can no longer go out and compete and do the job my daughter wanted him for then we should just shoot him and get another.
There is no way I will do that if he is painfree and happy. As a result of the pressure I was under, I have actually moved him to another yard where they are supportive rather than dismissing him and saying he should be dead!!
Please please do not be pressured by anyone elses opinion. Just trust your own instinct, believe me you will know when the time is right.
I have previous experience of this situation and I pleaded with my vet that she MUST tell me when the time came as I was so desperate to keep my old lad, I was worried I wouldn't be able to see he had had enough.
When the time came, I rang the vet and told her that it was time. I never envisaged that I would see it but I suppose because I knew him better than anyone I recognised that he had had enough just by the look in his eyes.
Stay strong and sod what the other people on the yard think. A few of the horses on our yard are skinny and it is the time of the year.
Good luck
Just something was mentioned at the yard on how I can't offer Sol any proper quality of life anymore (Seeing as she's a highly strung sports horse that is looking poor
Just made me think really ... (which yes , IS dangerous ! )
[/ QUOTE ]
I have had exactly the same thing with my lad who has navicular. People at the yard are of the opinion that if he can no longer go out and compete and do the job my daughter wanted him for then we should just shoot him and get another.
There is no way I will do that if he is painfree and happy. As a result of the pressure I was under, I have actually moved him to another yard where they are supportive rather than dismissing him and saying he should be dead!!
Please please do not be pressured by anyone elses opinion. Just trust your own instinct, believe me you will know when the time is right.
I have previous experience of this situation and I pleaded with my vet that she MUST tell me when the time came as I was so desperate to keep my old lad, I was worried I wouldn't be able to see he had had enough.
When the time came, I rang the vet and told her that it was time. I never envisaged that I would see it but I suppose because I knew him better than anyone I recognised that he had had enough just by the look in his eyes.
Stay strong and sod what the other people on the yard think. A few of the horses on our yard are skinny and it is the time of the year.
Good luck
malibu211211
Well-Known Member
I think it is when they cannot be horses anymore
My boy D had stopped lying down (when before he was a pain to get out of bed in the morning
) and he had stopped running around (he was always causing complete chaos
) He looked so uncomfortable behind and was not maintaining condition anymore that I had to make the decision to let him go
Not what you want to be doing when your horse is only 13
My boy D had stopped lying down (when before he was a pain to get out of bed in the morning