Without wanting to upset!! ? about PTS!

Goldenstar said:
This why I choose the vet to shoot if I am at worried they may be a little shy I can get them a little sedation.
Vet to shoot hunt to take that's the best way for me.
Also I am more comfortable with them being gone when the hunt van arrives .
Click to expand...

Crumbs, we're all different aren't we? I wouldn't let a vet with a gun in their hand anywhere near my horses :o

I don't like them sedated either. I hate the feeling when I am sedated, that loss of control as you go under, so I don't want the risk that they feel anything like the same way.
 
Looks as though people have already established what the term means;
However, I would like to add that many people use this method as it is said the horse will then live on in the hounds and continue running free, full of adrenaline, across the beautiful countryside.
 
PeckhamSpring said:
Looks as though people have already established what the term means;
However, I would like to add that many people use this method as it is said the horse will then live on in the hounds and continue running free, full of adrenaline, across the beautiful countryside.
Click to expand...

You had too many tonight or is that a real?! Do people believe that?!!! :confused:

As for the rest, as I first thought, the vet did not in any way feel distraught at the pts because of anything distressing that went wrong with the pts. The horse was sedated prior too. OP has said now that the vet only found it distressing because they saw how distressed OP was.

CPT, if you have ever been properly sedated in the true sense of the word, you will realise that you actually have no sense whatsoever of anything, and can't even remember it afterwards either. So there is no feeling of being out of control. There is no feeling of anything or any recollection. I have been highly sedated to the point where I cannot recall having an op done, being helped out of a room, having an entire conversation, being carried to a car, and driven home. I wouldn't have had the foggiest what the hell happened in that time. Admittedly this was a few years back now, but even so, I have seen my horse sedated a few times, and she is completely out of it.
 
I have had the ashes from some animals and not others.

The last time it cost a ridiculous amount and they came back in a ridiculous leather look silk look lined box and in another leather look round tin thing. I actually pulled the vet up over it as I had chosen the scatter box and expected a small cardboard box. I was told this was the scatter box :eek: it annoyed me as the dog was a tough working dog and I felt now he was in a poofy box :o. It has his name on a brass (look!) plate as well and it really wasn't what I had wanted. Once I do scatter the ashes, I don't know what to do with this frankly tacky box.

I got his ashes as he was one of my best ever working dogs and he died very very suddenly and I didn't get to say goodbye.

I'm not sure what I'd do with a horse tbh, I doubt. I could afford to cremate anyway so I expect the knacker would pick up the body.

I couldn't get anything shot tho. I have had sheep shot and I've have sheep injected and the injected ones are so much more peaceful. (I haven't requested either, but my vet seems to prefer to inject despite being a hard as nails country vet who has working gun dogs).

Oh dear. What a depressing subject.
 
Moomince Pie said:
You had too many tonight or is that a real?! Do people believe that?!!! :confused:
Click to expand...

Of course most people don't believe that. What a ridiculous thought. I personally couldn't imagine anything worse than a hunt taking away my horse and feeding him to their dogs, absolutely sickens me, but hey each to their own. I'm against hunting so that probably has a lot to do with it...

For me, when I have to have my horses PTS, they'll be PTS by injection and will be buried on my premises. Would never shoot them, just doesn't sound peaceful at all to me.
 
Last edited:
I don't like thinking of the process the dead body has to go through to be fed to the hounds, but neither do I like to think of the process of the body burning for cremation, or decomposing after burial. All any owner can do is choose the method of pts & disposal which they feel best about. We all have a right to express our different opinions on the subject & our own preferences, however its a subject where I feel its insensitive & unhelpful to criticize or insult the choice of others.
 
My choice has been shot by Vet, taken away by hunt. I would be happy for the hunt to shoot but that means the body would go straight away & that makes the transition from living, breathing horse to nothing just a bit too sudden for me. I find it easier to cope if I have half an hour or so to sit quietly (ok & sob more than just a bit) with the body. I prefer the body to go to the hunt because then it serves a use. My own feeling is that a cremated body creates pollution & the last thing I want for my much loved horse is to be that.
At the end of the day, as long as the job is done efficiently & compassionately, the horse won't care. It's what the human being who has to make the decision & deal with life afterwards can cope with best. We are all different, there are options at each stage, there are going to be many combinations of options & none of them are wrong.
 
MagicMelon said:
Would never shoot them, just doesn't sound peaceful at all to me.
Click to expand...

It doesn't to me either, but I think it may be more peaceful for the horse maybe? I like the idea that the horse is just munching treats, unaware of anything else, and death is instant. Not sure of being able to cope with the trauma myself though. :(

I'm anti hunting and do find the stuff about "living on through the hounds" rather bizarre. I doubt Mollie's ever been near a hunt, so the hunting horn and cry of the hounds wouldn't mean anything to her.

But if the hunt could provide the most humane and efficient end, I'd consider using their service. Disposal of the body would be a practical consideration I think, not a sentimental one. If feeding to hounds was the most environmentally friendly answer, then I'd go with that.
 
Moomince Pie said:
You had too many tonight or is that a real?! Do people believe that?!!! :confused:
Click to expand...


Wow, arent you just a loving bright little ray of sunshine..???????? :rolleyes:

If thats how people feel then who the hell are you to be so patronising..??:mad: :mad::mad:
People are more than entitled to feel how they like, its an emotional time and its whatever gets them through it.
No-one says who have to agree but why be so damn nasty..?????
 
Moomince Pie said:
You had too many tonight or is that a real?! Do people believe that?!!! :confused:

.
Click to expand...

I find that a bit disrespectful, Moomince Pie. Ultimately, so what if somebody believes that- who are we to mock or dismiss it? If that's what helps somebody deal with their grief, then good, let them get on with it. Other people might completely not like that method, and that's fine too- but we should all respect each others' choices. Ultimately, the fact that somebody makes that decision for their horse is the kindest thing they can do for the animal, once that has happened it's all academic what they do next, IMO, and it's not for anybody else to judge or even pass comment on.
 
I find some of the comments on this thread unbelievably insensetive, to the point of deliberate rudeness. Different people, never mind different animals experience sedation in different ways, paradoxical reactions are not sufficiently uncommon for me to be sanguine about treating every horse the same way. I have seen a 16.3 Clydie have an entire tube of sedalin and it not touch the sides (not for pts). Likewise I have seen a human have IM diazepam, up and fighting.
To discuss PTS is not only necessary, but hopefully helpful to those who have to face the issue for the first time. I do not feel that it should be used as an opportunity to be rude about others spiritual beliefs, financial circumstances or any other view.
 
FestiveG said:
I find some of the comments on this thread unbelievably insensetive, to the point of deliberate rudeness. Different people, never mind different animals experience sedation in different ways, paradoxical reactions are not sufficiently uncommon for me to be sanguine about treating every horse the same way. I have seen a 16.3 Clydie have an entire tube of sedalin and it not touch the sides (not for pts). Likewise I have seen a human have IM diazepam, up and fighting.
To discuss PTS is not only necessary, but hopefully helpful to those who have to face the issue for the first time. I do not feel that it should be used as an opportunity to be rude about others spiritual beliefs, financial circumstances or any other view.
Click to expand...

This ^
 
Omg....thank you for all the replies! Some very informative and thought provoking :-D now I understand the hunt way it could be something I would consider....having only seen one pony destroyed by injection it wasn't pretty,it seemed to take a age and the pony was just fighting and fighting also this was over 20 year ago so things could have changed! My oldie is 26 next and obviously not wanting to put a death wish on her (hoping she has many years left in her!) I would like to think when the time comes I'll be strong enough to do right by her! and can make a decision of information provided! We've had 19 years together so far :-) I have to say personally I find the hunt a way I might go,she loved hunting in her youth (albeit drag) but maybe incinerator after,dont know how I feel in honesty about being fed to the hounds! Thank you for the info on a very emotive subject,and everyone's point of view...which should be just that "there point of view" thanks peeps
 
Moomince Pie said:
CPT, if you have ever been properly sedated in the true sense of the word, you will realise that you actually have no sense whatsoever of anything, and can't even remember it afterwards either. So there is no feeling of being out of control. There is no feeling of anything or any recollection.
Click to expand...

Moomin, of course I have been sedated or I could not have described my feeling of loss of control.

I can tell you that my experience of going under a general anaesthetic bears no relationship to your description. As the sedation takes hold, I fight it like crazy, to the extent that I try to shout out and have to have the mask thingy they have on your face pushed down to shut me up and keep me from leaping off the trolley. I absolutely loathe it. And every time I have had a GA I remember the going under when I wake up.

Don't forget that also at that stage I've already had a pre-med that was supposed to make me mellow :cool:

I would not risk a horse of mine feeling a similar way just before he died.
 
Moomince Pie said:
You had too many tonight or is that a real?! Do people believe that?!!! :confused: .
Click to expand...

I like it, the thought a horse who has thoroughly enjoyed hunting going on to nourish the hounds, somehow makes sense to me. In the same way burying a carcass nourishes the earth. If that makes me crackers, so be it, I'm comfortable being ridiculed for it.

Whatever method someone chooses should be up to them and what's right for them in the circumstances.
 
LaurenBay said:
Before I joined this forum, I was very anti the shooting method. I thought anyone who could have their Horse shot was a very cold hearted person. I was very niave and had no idea what actually happens and it was complete ignorance on my part.

Now thanks to this forum, I have a better understanding about how both the shooting and injection work. I have completly changed my view as my eyes are opened!

If Ruby needed to be PTS I think I would choose the hunt.
Click to expand...

Same, Ive had two as good as it can get experiences of my horses being pts by injection but I think id probably almost prefer the hunt next time round. Too many stories of things going wrong with injections or at least being unpleasant.
I would worry about holding them though I must be honest.
 
poiuytrewq said:
Same, Ive had two as good as it can get experiences of my horses being pts by injection but I think id probably almost prefer the hunt next time round. Too many stories of things going wrong with injections or at least being unpleasant.
I would worry about holding them though I must be honest.
Click to expand...

We haven't he;d one of ours for shooting, the last few times. The knackerwoman tells us that it is no longer allowed, for health and safety reasons. She both holds and shoots the horse.
 
I think sending hunters to the hunt is a really good, appropriate way for them to go. I livery at a farm where the farmer is a knacker man so if the time comes he will do the deed and take away. I'll keep a lock of hair. My horses know him and will hopefully as straight forward as possible. Not a cheery thought but I think its important to know what you want to do in case of an emergency.
 
The more I see and learn the more I begin to think the "hunt" might be the best for my horses, but I have never hunted and probably won't and have no hunting friends. Would they still do it? Are they hard to get hold of?
 
skint1 said:
The more I see and learn the more I begin to think the "hunt" might be the best for my horses, but I have never hunted and probably won't and have no hunting friends. Would they still do it? Are they hard to get hold of?
Click to expand...
The hardest part will probably be getting hold of a telephone number, as hunts tend not to publish such things. If you know someone who hunts, they will be able to give you a contact number.

Some hunts do not collect horses - our nearest hunts are foot hunts and do not have a large enough vehicle to collect horses. However the nearest mounted hunt will come out to our area. Fortunately we have an excellent knacker service.

Although I would always have my horses shot if at all possible (after a couple of bad injection experiences), IMO the most important thing is that all horse owners should know which method they prefer, who they want to do the job and make sure that their horse is always in an area (at home) where the vehicle for removal can get to it, or know how the body would be moved if in an inaccessible area. Anyone who might be called upon to make the arrangements in the absence of the owner should also know the owners' preferences.
 
Iv only ever lost 1 mare who broke her leg in the field. I knew something was wrong when she neighed at the top of the field but wouldn't come down.
My vet only pts by injection so that's what I had, it was quick and I had no issues with it. I held her till the end which I don't think I could of done if I had her shot.

Her headcollar is hung in the tack room on display.
 
Moomince. I disagree that there is no realisation of being sedated on a humans side. I was under for an op a few months back where I felt violently ill and like I was absolutely stinking drunk. Came round with the room spinning. That was far worse than the break or op for me.
Similarly I've had sleeping tablets and sedative injections. Both of which I remember the room spinning and me feeling like I was going to hurl and then a cracking headache when I woke up
 
I have only ever seen one horse shot and have a friend who has also seen one (different) horse shot. In both instances the horse 'jumped' into the air for a split second as the shot went off, before falling to the ground. Is this normal?

My only concern (because of that reaction) is that with the gun is there is a split second of either reaction to the sound of the shot, or that they do feel the pain momentarily.
 
minesadouble said:
I have only ever seen one horse shot and have a friend who has also seen one (different) horse shot. In both instances the horse 'jumped' into the air for a split second as the shot went off, before falling to the ground. Is this normal?

My only concern (because of that reaction) is that with the gun is there is a split second of either reaction to the sound of the shot, or that they do feel the pain momentarily.
Click to expand...
We have had several shot, they've all gone with their heads in a bucket - straight down.
 
Moomince Pie said:
It takes that long to 'die', as in the heart to stop. They are not conscious, they know nothing of it.

Then again, it's a lot cheaper to get the local huntsman out so personal preference is the key.

Sorry to hear of your loss.
Click to expand...

Speechless, how can you be so insensitive towards someone who has just had such a miserable time.

People like you really spoil this forum sometimes. :mad:
 
Excellent post festive g.
Skint- when I moved to this area, I didn't know anyone who hunted, & had trouble finding contact details for local secretary. I rang the tourist board nearest, & asked if they had details for the hunt for stuff like country fairs. Tourist board wouldn't give me contact details, but did agree to pass on mine to hunt secretary. Who duly contacted me & I assume realised I wasn't a nutter as she then gave me her number & email.
 
Would your vet be able to give you the local hunts number? or farrier? Given all the problems they sadly have I'm not supprised they are slightly tricky to get hold of for 'strangers' - worth having a number to hand in event of emergancy rather than even wasting 10 mins if is horse is suffering
 
HeavyHorseHugger said:
Wow, arent you just a loving bright little ray of sunshine..???????? :rolleyes:

If thats how people feel then who the hell are you to be so patronising..??:mad: :mad::mad:
People are more than entitled to feel how they like, its an emotional time and its whatever gets them through it.
No-one says who have to agree but why be so damn nasty..?????
Click to expand...

Do you know the meaning of patronising?

Anyway, yes people are more than entitled to feel how they like - and I feel the way I have said on every thread. Get over it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top