"Worried about daghters horse" Update!

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reecebailey

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I posted asking about my daughters horse and I had a lot of responses so thought I would update everyone, (if anyone wants an update anyway
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http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/5106564/page/0/fpart/1/vc/1

Well my daughter has a new horse!
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He is the same height but is an Irish Sports Horse and he seems like an angel in comparison. He is 7 years old at the moment and we have had him about a week now but it's been too icey to ride much. We weren't planning on getting him, she was getting him fit, ready to sell, for someone on the yard who is a bit scared of him due to falling off. So I was so happy when she said she might want to buy him as she was so sure she would never sell Boomer.

We still have the old horse Boomer and a little unsure what to do with him. My daughter has still been riding him aswell as a trainer, however the trainer thinks we should put him to sleep and he has far to many problems. I also was planning to sell him but I am considering putting him to sleep due to his psychological problems and I would hate for him to have an uncertain future. However, I really want to see him improve and I would hate him to be killed, just because we have a new horse! I am carrying on his training for as long as I can afford to, but if he doesn't improve in the next few weeks it might be the only option.
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Im so glad you found a safe horse for her
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I think I would agree PTS as he does have a lot of hang ups and it wouldn't be fair on him to sell him, he would be passed from pillar to post
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Thats good that she has found another one, but suprised the trainer thinks PTS is the best option for your other horse! Could you not find him a companion home or a nutter that would take him on (i know a few that probs would)! But can understand that you dont want to sell him to someone else and potentially injure them/be passed around. You could always put him on sales livery or something (or a rehab yard if you can afford it) at a yard though and get him shifted if you do sell, not saying thats the best option, but having a sound horse PTS seems like such a waste
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! Not that i am a softie or anything :P!
 
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Thats good that she has found another one, but suprised the trainer thinks PTS is the best option for your other horse! Could you not find him a companion home or a nutter that would take him on (i know a few that probs would)! But can understand that you dont want to sell him to someone else and potentially injure them/be passed around. You could always put him on sales livery or something (or a rehab yard if you can afford it) at a yard though and get him shifted if you do sell, not saying thats the best option, but having a sound horse PTS seems like such a waste
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! Not that i am a softie or anything :P!

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Yeah I also hate the idea of him being PTS, that's why I'm still paying for the trainer, I just can't afford to keep paying now we have a new horse and my wage isn't covering it. I think the trainer said we should PTS as I was looking to sell him and it wasn't good for his future. I could look for a companion home I suppose, but even on the ground he can kick and turn on you.
 
Just do what you feel best. And if you do choose to have him PTS, dont feel guilty.

You have gave him a nice home and have given him a chance. im in a simular situation with Kenellen. They sound as if they could be brothers....lol

At the minute I can afford Kenellen but if I ever need to let him go, without a doubt I would have him PTS because of the way he is. It will also give me peace of mind knowing that he isnt at the sales being passed around or ending up with the meat man.
 
Fair enough, its hard, taking it as you have had back, teeth, tack etc checked so you know hes not in pain and does actually have issues in his head not physical ones. Finding a companion home for a horse that kicks/goes for you probs wont happen then, its such a shame
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. What does your daughter think? Good luck with him anyway, whatever you decide to eventually do. Would say loan out but then there is still comeback on you, hope it all gets sorted and glad your daugher is enjoying riding a slightly safer horse!
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Ooh well done getting a more suitable horse. I hope your daughter has loads of fun with him.
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Regarding the old one, if you've had a professional opinion that the horse has lots of problems, you aren't doing the horse any favors by selling him. He'll just end up doing the rounds of dodgy dealers, hurting people and causing them misery along the way. If you don't want to keep him as a pet (which is absolutely fair enough IMHO) it would be sensible to just pts.
 
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Fair enough, its hard, taking it as you have had back, teeth, tack etc checked so you know hes not in pain and does actually have issues in his head not physical ones. Finding a companion home for a horse that kicks/goes for you probs wont happen then, its such a shame
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. What does your daughter think? Good luck with him anyway, whatever you decide to eventually do. Would say loan out but then there is still comeback on you, hope it all gets sorted and glad your daugher is enjoying riding a slightly safer horse!
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Well, when we bought the new horse she agreed that if Boomer doesn't improve that he will have to be put to sleep. She almost didn't get the new horse becuase of this, but she wants to improve her riding now, not just worrying about when the horse will turn on her! She also wouldn't want him to be passed around and knows we can't afford to pay for him. She isn't as attatched to him now though due to the new one so I hope she won't object to much if it has to happen!
 
sorry, but I cant believe that you think thats a solution for your horse, you took on the responsibiliy of him, and just because you want a new one, thats a real sad day for your old horse.. (dont you have any feelings?)
 
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sorry, but I cant believe that you think thats a solution for your horse, you took on the responsibiliy of him, and just because you want a new one, thats a real sad day for your old horse.. (dont you have any feelings?)

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Yes, and if you would read my last few posts you will see I don't want to PTS. I can't afford to keep 2 horses and would you really want him to be sold with a very uncertain future. I also didn't just decide I "want a new one" he was dangerous, my daughter was 16 and I'm glad she has a new one to be honest! Also, I value my daughters life over the horses life, so sorry if it upsets you I am considering this!
 
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sorry, but I cant believe that you think thats a solution for your horse, you took on the responsibiliy of him, and just because you want a new one, thats a real sad day for your old horse.. (dont you have any feelings?)

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So what would you suggest doing then? Bearing in mind money isnt endless in supplies and the horse has psychological problems?
 
Fair enough at least your daughter agrees (did follow your original post about this hence asking about your daughter as i know you said she was really attached to him!). Hope that he improves in the next few weeks though, if you do ever sell him/give him away theres a sucker on our yard for broken/mental horses so i could put a word in for you. She has 3 at the moment and her mum helps her out. Shes an adult btw with a degree and is working so it wouldnt be passing onto a child! She will never sell them and loves the ones that rodeo, says they have character (shes a nutcase as well as her horses and an amazing rider!).

Good luck with whatever decision you make, though, i am not judging you at all as was in a similar situation with my second horse he was a nutcase ended up breaking my back by going over on me.... so i know how it feels (i was 16 at the time). Took him to the horse sales and never looked back, but nearly PTS after he went over (wasnt the first time, also rodeoed, spun, bolted etc). Unfortunatley because of passports though the new owners got in touch, but touch wood they love the nutter and are out novice eventing him haha!
 
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sorry, but I cant believe that you think thats a solution for your horse, you took on the responsibiliy of him, and just because you want a new one, thats a real sad day for your old horse.. (dont you have any feelings?)

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There is always one!!
What the OP is doing is very responsible in my opinion,she is giving old horse every opportunity to improve and is even considering companion options etc,so with regards to the "dont you have any feelings" think you are way off the mark!
 
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sorry, but I cant believe that you think thats a solution for your horse, you took on the responsibiliy of him, and just because you want a new one, thats a real sad day for your old horse.. (dont you have any feelings?)

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So what would you do then?? I think the op is making a tough decision with a very open mind. I would like to think i would be brave enough to make the same choice with a horse like the op's I would as the op said hate to think he had an uncertain future passed from pillar to post through dealers and sales etc.
 
I am horrified that Boomer's previous owner passed on a horse with so many issues to novice owners. If he truly is so severely damaged he can't be rehabilitated they ought to have done the responsible and humane thing on his behalf.
 
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sorry, but I cant believe that you think thats a solution for your horse, you took on the responsibiliy of him, and just because you want a new one, thats a real sad day for your old horse.. (dont you have any feelings?)

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You won't have that attitude when in a few months/ years time he'd be sold for meat
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Im sorry if I sound heartless OP, I dont mean to
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But this decision is hard enough for you without tree huggers making you feel bad
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You do what you feels right hun.

HUGS XXX
 
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Fair enough at least your daughter agrees (did follow your original post about this hence asking about your daughter as i know you said she was really attached to him!). Hope that he improves in the next few weeks though, if you do ever sell him/give him away theres a sucker on our yard for broken/mental horses so i could put a word in for you. She has 3 at the moment and her mum helps her out. Shes an adult btw with a degree and is working so it wouldnt be passing onto a child! She will never sell them and loves the ones that rodeo, says they have character (shes a nutcase as well as her horses and an amazing rider!).

Good luck with whatever decision you make, though, i am not judging you at all as was in a similar situation with my second horse he was a nutcase ended up breaking my back by going over on me.... so i know how it feels (i was 16 at the time). Took him to the horse sales and never looked back, but nearly PTS after he went over (wasnt the first time, also rodeoed, spun, bolted etc). Unfortunatley because of passports though the new owners got in touch, but touch wood they love the nutter and are out novice eventing him haha!

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Thank you and I like the sound of your story about your horse eventing!
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Boomer has a massive jump so he could be really good. I just wonder what has happened to him for him to act like this. Poor lad.
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I was in a very similar position to you late last year.

I had the horse pts
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Some do gooder at the yard tried to find a home for him with the Blue Cross. I did waver for a few days whilst I spoke to them. I knew in my heart of hearts that they would only have him pts because of his attitude and I felt that it was my responsibility, not somebody elses.

So yes, sadly he was put to sleep. I couldn't honestly have it on my conscience that he could kill somebody. How he didn't do me more serious damage, I don't know.

About 6 months later, I met somebody who worked at WHW and also knew my horse. I explained what had happened and she said, yes, we'd have had him put down aswell. I felt vindicated in my decision.

It is very sad but it is the most responsible thing you can do. I can honestly say I do not feel guilty, though I do feel great sadness at the outcome
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congrats on finding a nice new horse that your daughter is getting on with.
if the other horse is really difficult and malicious, then having him pts is the responsible (though heartbreaking) thing to do, better than risking him being passed from pillar to post, going down in the world, etc.
to anyone who thinks that the worst thing that can happen to a horse is for it to be pts - you must have no imagination.
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Ok then what would you do with a dangerous horse? Pass him on to someone else less knowledgeable and sod the consequences? Seriously sometimes you have to make the right decision for a f*cked up animal and that is FAR kinder than letting them be passed from pillar to post, damaging others and itself.

I'm sure the OP has gone through all the different scenarios for this horse and has, not easily, come to the right conclusion. It's called being a RESPONSIBLE owner. Jeez. No it's not easy but it's kinder in the long run or would you rather it ended up with the meat man because it's dangerous. Think about it.

ETS OP big hugs - I really feel for you having to make such a tough decision but if you have to PTS then well done for thinking of the horse and not yourself.
 
PMed you...
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And whatever your decision, you'll do the right thing. It is better for him to be PTS then, as kerelli said, have him passed around, and eventually maybe even going to the meat market.
 
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sorry, but I cant believe that you think thats a solution for your horse, you took on the responsibiliy of him, and just because you want a new one, thats a real sad day for your old horse.. (dont you have any feelings?)

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So what would you do then?? I think the op is making a tough decision with a very open mind. I would like to think i would be brave enough to make the same choice with a horse like the op's I would as the op said hate to think he had an uncertain future passed from pillar to post through dealers and sales etc.

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Totally agree with Hadfos.As far as I see it she is taking total responsibility of him.More than some I know at least is thinking of that option and not passing the problem on which is imo the easy option
 
I know deep down the outcome will probably have him PTS, I think I am just stalling the decision at the min. Thanks Quirky, it's good to hear stories like yours, makes me not feel so bad.

Also thank you everyone! You have made me feel so much better about the whole thing.
 
Its a tough decision you have to make and one I've been in with an 8 year old horse that would never be able to be ridden. I don't think it is selfish to think of your own and your daughters needs as well as the welfare of the horse. The kindest thing you can do is make sure that he never suffers.

Whatever you decide I wish you the best of luck.
 
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Fair enough, its hard, taking it as you have had back, teeth, tack etc checked so you know hes not in pain and does actually have issues in his head not physical ones. Finding a companion home for a horse that kicks/goes for you probs wont happen then,

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I have only just read your 1st post. I can only sympathise with you, and say that I agree that pts would be a far better option than selling on. I see that you have investigated possible causes for Boomer's behaviour to no avail and wonder if you have considered that his feed could be causing his behaviour. Years ago I had a TBx mare who was very difficult and who was only a few weeks from being pts (we were waiting to get Xmas and then my birthday over) when my sister read an article in Your Horse about a horse who was allergic/sensitive to his feed. We cut all cereals and sugar out of the mare's diet and she was like a different horse within a week. She did go through a withdrawal period which was like a junkie going cold turkey, so if I was doing it again I would reduce the feed gradually. Sorry if you've already considered this but if not it might be worth a try. If you would like any further details please feel free to PM me.
 
I am so pleased you have found a new horse and your daughter can enjoy riding again safely!

On your other chap, I will happily put my hand up and say I have PTS a horse because she was too dangerous. It was an extremely difficult decision, I spent 4 years trying everything (medical and training) with her to no avail and when two professionals suggested PTS, I finally plucked up the courage to do it.

If you can find him a companion home, by all means retire him, but in these difficult times it may not be possible in which case you would be doing the best for the horse by PTS.

Sounds like Tampa though would like to offer him a free home for life seeing as she feels so strongly about it...
 
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Fair enough, its hard, taking it as you have had back, teeth, tack etc checked so you know hes not in pain and does actually have issues in his head not physical ones. Finding a companion home for a horse that kicks/goes for you probs wont happen then,

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I have only just read your 1st post. I can only sympathise with you, and say that I agree that pts would be a far better option than selling on. I see that you have investigated possible causes for Boomer's behaviour to no avail and wonder if you have considered that his feed could be causing his behaviour. Years ago I had a TBx mare who was very difficult and who was only a few weeks from being pts (we were waiting to get Xmas and then my birthday over) when my sister read an article in Your Horse about a horse who was allergic/sensitive to his feed. We cut all cereals and sugar out of the mare's diet and she was like a different horse within a week. She did go through a withdrawal period which was like a junkie going cold turkey, so if I was doing it again I would reduce the feed gradually. Sorry if you've already considered this but if not it might be worth a try. If you would like any further details please feel free to PM me.

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He behaved like this in summer when he was on no feed, so it's probably not due to this.
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Thanks though for the suggestion.
 
When I was 16 I was offered the ride on a very successful M&M show pony. She was stunning and had won lots and I felt really honoured. Shortly after starting to ride her and winning a few shows I had a terrible accident on her. I knew the owner wouldn't ride her but I was told it was because owner had a bad back.

I now know the real reason....!! Whilst mounting the mare she suddenly bolted before I had fully got on. I was thrown onto her backside and she bucked and bucked until I fell off. She then span round and attacked me with her front feet and teeth!! The result was a broken arm and a severed ear, the hat shattered and literally sliced my ear off.

There seemed to be no reason for this behaviour & although my parents insisted to the owner the mare was dangerous, the owner insisted that wasn't the case.

To cut a long story short, the mare then went on to KILL a 15yr old girl so I personally think you would be doing the right thing, I just wish the owner of the mare who hurt me had done the same and that girl would still be alive.

Good luck with your decision and DO NOT feel guilty, if someone decided to take Boomer on and it didn't work out I'm sorry to say that eventually his final journey in life could well be on a boat to France
 
In a similar situation. bought horse for hubby and daughter, had a call from a prev owner to let us know that he had previous history of being dangerous, cut a long story short, this particular horse has periods of being great then freaks and dumps rider. He has been very badly treated apparently. Had everything possible checked out, vet suggest PTS cant sell him as cant guarantee his future and also would never pass the problem as the last owner did ( they knew he had really hurt prev owners)
we have taken the view, because we love him to keep him as a companion and hopefully in time he will come right, I buy my horses for life and sometimes things do not plan out, we think we owe it to him to give him a chance. I know not everone would choose to do this and each person has to do what they think is best for them and their horses.
 
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