Would I be able to put him out on loan? Advice please...

[icj00495]

As a newby I am helping some of you might be able to help and give a bit of advice/encouragement.

I have had my horse for about a year and he has spent most of this time lame with an issue in his hind fetlock. What this issue is we do not know, but it swells up and causes him to go lame. We have tried resting it, working through it, Bute, field rest, light hacking, xrays, steroid injections. Three vets are completely stumped by what is causing it, and although steroid injections help, they last only around 4 weeks. He is 5/6 years old and about 17hh, although very sane, bombproof etc, but it seems he will struggle to do anything other than have an easy hacking life. If he was older, we would continue with steroid injections, but have been advised this is not really a solution for him. Vet thinks I now have two options, either a very expensive investigative operation, or a long period of box rest. The box rest would probably mean he would need sedating daily, as he does not cope well with a week, let alone half a year. Vet has already told me that it is unlikely the op would highlight anything that can be repaired, as xrays or the steroids should have highlighted/sorted it by now.

I feel like it is not fair on him to stay with me if this remains the case, as hacking is really not my thing. But, due to his age and size I really do not see how he would appeal to many people as a happy hacker. I will never sell him, but I just want what is best for him. It has become increasingly obvious over time that we may not be able to find a solution which leaves him able to go out and be an all rounder, so if you have any suggestions or kind words or experiences loaning out in a similar situation then please let me know...and sorry for rambling!

 

[JingleTingle]

But if you are saying it is only an operation OR long box rest, how can you be considering putting him out on loan anyway? Do you mean after the box rest? Or are you hoping someone else might do the box resting for you in the hope they might eventually get a little light hacking out of him?

That sounds highly unlikely anyone would volunteer for that IMO.

 

[Tickles]

There are plenty of larger people around these days who could do with a larger horse. And I for one am happy riding things bigger than 'necessary'.

If yours can remain sound (most of the time) lightly hacking no reason he couldn't be loaned. If not consistently enough sound what about a sharer? Not all my shares have been consistently sound but that is less of an issue with that kind of arrangement.

Why don't you hack?

Does he?

 

[connieconvert]

Is he good to handle on the ground and pleasant to have around in general?

If so, how about letting him go as a companion?

 

[icj00495]

Sorry I didnt make that bit very clear! Vet is happy that he could be very happy as a light hack, but anything over that will mean the issue needs to be found and treated in one way or another. The lameness occurs when he is in proper work, otherwise it is just swollen. For example, if I hack him out twice a week (which I did for a month to ensure he could go to someone as a happy hack without any issues) he is fine, but when schooled 5 times a week he comes lame. Loaner would not in any way shape or form be expected to pay for any extensive treatment. Hence the basis of the question is...does anyone want a 17hh 5/6 year old as a happy hack? The only thing I could think of was if someone has an OH who maybe wants to start joining them hacking? He is completely bombproof, and a real gent. I am very short myself and his height is no issue, he is not strong or silly and wouldnt know how to buck or rear I dont think!

 

[icj00495]

Is he good to handle on the ground and pleasant to have around in general?

If so, how about letting him go as a companion?

Perfect to handle and loved by everyone on the yard, but without substantial hard feed and hay throughout winter he really drops weight, and I would have thought someone looking for a companion would want a good doer?

 

[icj00495]

There are plenty of larger people around these days who could do with a larger horse. And I for one am happy riding things bigger than 'necessary'.

If yours can remain sound (most of the time) lightly hacking no reason he couldn't be loaned. If not consistently enough sound what about a sharer? Not all my shares have been consistently sound but that is less of an issue with that kind of arrangement.

Why don't you hack?

Does he?

I dont hack because I am very strange and prefer stressage and schooling I have a friend who hacks for me once a week to break things up a bit (when he was in full work!). He hacks like an absolute dream, bombproof, first or last etc. I would go for a sharer, but with the risk of sounding incredibly selfish this would not give me enough income to be able to afford another (he is my only horse). I will never sell him, as I want to ensure he has a stable future, but I think I need to be realistic and accept the fact that funding the majority of his bills whilst rarely riding him myself and not being able to compete/train/school etc is not going to work. Please dont jump down my throat, only being honest!

 

[connieconvert]

Perfect to handle and loved by everyone on the yard, but without substantial hard feed and hay throughout winter he really drops weight, and I would have thought someone looking for a companion would want a good doer?

Don't give up on the idea as there must be other people (apart from me) who like the stable management and husbandry side of horsemanship as much as riding.

Good Luck

 

[icj00495]

Don't give up on the idea as there must be other people (apart from me) who like the stable management and husbandry side of horsemanship as much as riding.

Good Luck

Thankyou I appreciate that I just always got the impression that a companion was a little pony who could inhale air and put on weight, not a lanky 17hh beast who needs special food in the winter to keep him from being a skinny rake! He adores fuss and attention, if he was about 5 hands smaller I wouldnt even have to think about it! Particularly as he is so good with little ones, hes had many young children on his back, often bareback, and he loves it

 

[rockysmum]

If I wanted another one I would take him. My 36 year old coped with what I want to do until I retired him last summer.

He would be fine for my horsey lifestyle. Except perhaps for the height, I would need a ladder unless he is very good at standing next to walls, gates etc

Unfortunately I still have my oldie plus two that my daughter has got fed up of, shame.

 

[icj00495]

If I wanted another one I would take him. My 36 year old coped with what I want to do until I retired him last summer.

He would be fine for my horsey lifestyle. Except perhaps for the height, I would need a ladder unless he is very good at standing next to walls, gates etc

Unfortunately I still have my oldie plus two that my daughter has got fed up of, shame.

Ah a glimmer of hope! Yes he is rather lanky I have to admit, but he is a gentle giant who knows his job, you dont notice the height once your up there! I am just so worried that if I did decide to put him out on full loan, that it would all go pear shaped, the loaner wont manage his leg properly, he will get given the wrong feed, end up a bag of bones and I will be left to pick up the pieces. I would find it hard to let him go off the yard to be honest, but I doubt that will be an option as there would not be a DIY option, meaning it can be pricey!

 

[L&M]

However lovely he is, I wouldn't want a horse that size as a companion, neither would I want to 'light' hack a horse with an un-diagnosed/intermittent lamness issue.

Also you would have to be very trusting with the loanee - what happens if they over did it and made him unrideable?

If this was my horse I would either go the whole hog and try and get the lamness resolved, or pts.

Sorry if I sound harsh and good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Tonibird83]

Don't despair.Why don't you advertise him on a few websites, being brutally honest and you could always state you prefer loaners from your area so he stays local? Whereabouts are you?
I've just had another baby so aren't in a position just yet to get another horse - I had to sell my crazy TB when I was pregnant but would certainly consider loaning a horse that could only hack about a couple of times a week so there's bound to be others that want that too.
As for the care issue, you could make it clear in the loan agreement what standard of care you expect and so breach would enable you to get him back anyway.
Loaning is a bit of a minefield. I loaned my horse to a "friend" who to cut a long story short is now no longer a friend

 

[icj00495]

However lovely he is, I wouldn't want a horse that size as a companion, neither would I want to 'light' hack a horse with an un-diagnosed/intermittent lamness issue....

Good luck with whatever you decide.

That was my suspicion, RE his size as a companion. As for the other issue, I spent a month, and would do the same again, light hacking him to ensure he is happy doing this and it does not cause any further issues/lameness, so I know what he is capable of.

Don't despair.Why don't you advertise him on a few websites, being brutally honest and you could always state you prefer loaners from your area so he stays local? Whereabouts are you?
I've just had another baby so aren't in a position just yet to get another horse - I had to sell my crazy TB when I was pregnant but would certainly consider loaning a horse that could only hack about a couple of times a week so there's bound to be others that want that too.
As for the care issue, you could make it clear in the loan agreement what standard of care you expect and so breach would enable you to get him back anyway.
Loaning is a bit of a minefield. I loaned my horse to a "friend" who to cut a long story short is now no longer a friend

Thankyou, another glimmer of hope! Yes I have to say I would give a very strict loan agreement, simply because there are so many things with him which need to be taken into consideration with him. To be honest, the more I think about it, it seems to get more complicated. Feel like I am going round in circles! Wondering who would be brave enough to take on a young, giant, sometimes lame, special dietary requirement, not very good doer horse who can only light hack...Any experienced and understanding horsey people out there with an OH who wants to learn to ride?!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

If he is a laidback, sensible chap, you might find a RDA group who would be prepared to loan him. Many disabled riders are large adults whose balance isn't too good,so need a large, calm horse. They often don't work very hard/many times in the week. The group I'm involved with has a couple like this.

 

[Tickles]

I know several owners who share/loan their horse(s) out due to size/temperament/inclination etc and ride others better suited that they share/loan. That way everyone is doing what they enjoy and can afford. Works well when all on same yard but I know some who are just nearby too.

Just because you can't afford two doesn't mean you have to get rid if you care about ensuring long term future for your horse.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

You need to find someone who just wants to potter about at the weekend (maybe someone who is tall and works full time?).

Hopefully you will find the perfect loan home for him, but please look at the missinghorsesonloan website for tips about keeping loan horses safe. Freezemark his shoulder and notify the passport agency that he is on loan.

Good luck.

 

[smudge99]

He sounds exactly why I will be looking for when I move to my new yard in April, I am lookin for something for my hubby to ride out with me hacking, my lad is 18.1 so big horses don't bother me. I am in Shropshire so if he is still available in 8 wks and you are still thinking about it let me know.

 

[katherine1975]

I think that you would be able to loan him. My mum has some older horsey friends who both own houses with land and have ridden for years. They go out for hacks together once or twice a week and enjoy a steadier pace of life with their horses.

 

[icj00495]

If he is a laidback, sensible chap, you might find a RDA group who would be prepared to loan him.

What a brilliant idea, this didnt even cross my mind! Thanks

Just because you can't afford two doesn't mean you have to get rid if you care about ensuring long term future for your horse.

Believe me I do not want to get rid, if I did I would have sold him or had him put down a while ago as everyone told me I should. But I sit somewhere in the middle of the "horses are just animals" and "horses should be forever pets in forever homes" debates, but thats for another post!

You need to find someone who just wants to potter about at the weekend (maybe someone who is tall and works full time?). Hopefully you will find the perfect loan home for him, but please look at the missinghorsesonloan website for tips about keeping loan horses safe. Freezemark his shoulder and notify the passport agency that he is on loan

Yes I think that could be another possible type of person! To be honest, Im only 5ft, so maybe not tall just someone without vertigo

He sounds exactly why I will be looking for when I move to my new yard in April, I am lookin for something for my hubby to ride out with me hacking, my lad is 18.1 so big horses don't bother me. I am in Shropshire so if he is still available in 8 wks and you are still thinking about it let me know.

To be honest, if I did it, I would want him nearby, and you are definitely not near by! However, I will absolutely bear you in mind Nothing is certain yet though!

I think that you would be able to loan him. My mum has some older horsey friends who both own houses with land and have ridden for years. They go out for hacks together once or twice a week and enjoy a steadier pace of life with their horses.

This is EXACTLY the sort of place I would want him to go to if he couldnt stay at my yard!


Thank you for all your input and kind words. Will have to be considered I think. I am going to give him one more treatment and then after that make a decision, but the more I think the less I like the idea but then the more I realise it might be for the best!

 

[Clodagh]

Another suggestion, which may not be feasible but what about just turning him away for a year? Or more? Not knocking you but we all want instant answers/fixes nowadays, not so long ago he would have been chucked in a field and left to get on with it. at 5/6 he is only an undeveloped baby at his height, maybe just growing into his strength would help? Where abouts in the country are you? (Apart from not near Shropshire!)

 

[icj00495]

This was something I wanted to try, and vet said if I wanted to then go ahead but she wasnt convinced it would do him a huge amount of good as a month off on grass only seemed to make it worse, it seems gentle exercise keeps him ticking over nicely and stops him stiffening up (another reason why prolonged box rest to me just is not an option), not to mention that he is top of the pack so regularly running round playing, but when by himself just hares around until you give him a play mate!

 

[pipsqueek]

My mare went hopping lame with eventually diagnosed 'navicular' at 5, I gave her over a year off, she is still with me at nearly 21 and hunting, her younger sister did her hind suspensory which took approx 18months field rest to come hacking sound (and loaned her out to hacking home) Whatever you do, please don't loan out via an ad, have heard lots of horror stories, find a home 'word of mouth'...my OH still shoes my loaned out semi-retired mare so I can still keep tabs on her. Rest, for as long as possible is the best thing you can do for your horse if you hope him to recover from lameness

 

[icj00495]

My mare went hopping lame with eventually diagnosed 'navicular' at 5, I gave her over a year off, she is still with me at nearly 21 and hunting, her younger sister did her hind suspensory which took approx 18months field rest to come hacking sound (and loaned her out to hacking home) Whatever you do, please don't loan out via an ad, have heard lots of horror stories, find a home 'word of mouth'...my OH still shoes my loaned out semi-retired mare so I can still keep tabs on her. Rest, for as long as possible is the best thing you can do for your horse if you hope him to recover from lameness

Luckily for you, you had the benefit of knowing what was wrong with yours. This is a complete mystery and as I just said a period of rest made him stiffen up, where as the odd gentle hack kept him ticking over nicely and happy. To rest him in the stable would be to sedate him every day, which I personally dont particularly agree with, and in the field he is a complete loon if he is not doing any work...its a bit of a lose lose situation. If I was to loan, it would absolutely be through word of mouth or local adverts, not online

 

[honetpot]

There are loads of people looking for quite large horses. I sold one (17.2 x shire) the year of foot and mouth, I had more phone calls for anything I've ever sold. Sold to first viewer, falled the vet, hock, still had him.Was a pet for a round short lady who just wanted to hack.