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Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

Original poster

Need advice about rehoming a horse

16 replies

VivaLeBeaver · 09/02/2015 10:35

Someone I know can no longer afford their horse. She's rung round various rescues and they can't help. The horse is in good health but 17yo so she reckons nobody wants such an old horse. Doesn't seem that old to me!

Anyway she says it's got to be shot! I've rung a rescue near me and they can't help.

Any horsey people on MN want a free big horse. Steady hack, no vices!

OP posts:
couldhavebeenme · 09/02/2015 11:33

I've previously sold 2 horses around that age (16-17) as hacks...they were quick to sell and plenty of people want an older been there got the t shirt type that will pootle round the block a few times a week. Both sold for a reasonable price too.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 09/02/2015 11:49

Thanks. Someone has told me about the homes4horses website which ive told her about.

OP posts:
snowpo · 09/02/2015 14:53

I used h4h to loan mine. They are good for finding a genuine home. 17 is no age. Its difficult to find companion homes but if horse is rideable and sensible they should find a home no problem.

LaLaLaaaa · 12/02/2015 07:48

Rescues are full with dumped/abandoned horses and cruelty cases at the moment. Try preloved, Facebook horse groups, Friday ad. 17 isn't old

muffinino82 · 12/02/2015 13:32

I have to disagree and say that, whilst 17 isn't that old, it is in veteran territory, especially for a big horse. When they get in to their late teens is usually when the wear and tear of their years starts to show. That's not to say that they're useless, not at all; I was out hunting on my 14yo with a friend on her 17yo on Saturday. But you do have to be a little more careful with a horse that is 15+. And of course rescues aren't interested, they're not there to take on healthy horses, they're there to save the neglected and abused.
I can see why she would rather have the horse put down than trying to pass it on and I would be inclined to do the same unless I knew that my horse would not be sold on. It is better to know the end of them and know that they won't be buted up and sold on as younger than they are or sent to the meat man (this has happened to a couple of people I know with horses in their late teens/early twenties).
I would be very wary of trying to sell a horse of that age for the above reasons. Is there any way she could loan the horse to someone trustworthy? It does sound as if the horse would be great for someone to have fun with. Could she put the horse on grass livery so it's a bit cheaper for her? Perhaps get BHS Gold membership so 3rd party and public liability are covered but not have other horse insurance?

daisy5569 · 12/02/2015 18:14

I used to ride a friends big warmblood who was 17h, and he was hacking daily till he was 27 when sadly he collapsed and died while out on a hack.
Up until he died he was hardly ever off work or lame and really enjoyed his hacks out through the forest.
I would probably be wary of selling an older horse on, but agree with others who have suggested Homes4Horses which is worth a try.
Actually to think of it there are a good few horses at the riding school where I ride at the moment who are around the age of 17 and they have plenty of life in them, although they dont work any of the horses that hard and some are just used for hacking.

ADishBestEatenCold · 14/02/2015 19:58

Some years back, we bought a horse about this age and brought into our yard the most honest, hardworking, and ambitious, competition horse that we have ever had. Over a number of years he brought us so much pleasure (and success) and even now, while enjoying a well earned retirement, he does everything he can to show us he is still keen to work.

Oh, and did I mention that he has also been the easiest (and one of the most economical) to keep!

I think what I am saying is that age ... the number ... is such a small part of it and so a poor indicator of what your friends horse's future could and should be. You say he is in good health, is a steady hack and has no vices, so potentially perhaps a hack for an older adult returning to riding? Or a mother and teenage daughter looking for a safe share?

If you hope to persuade your friend to hang on and give him a chance, you have to be very realistic of his capabilities, his ease to keep, and the chances of rehoming him. If I were you I would start by mentally listing his negatives and, from that, consider whether you have a realistic chance of rehoming him.

RinkyTinkTen · 15/02/2015 12:24

I too think that17 is no age, my friends horse died recently and he was 25, he was out hacking until the day before he died. He had colic though and was already susceptible to it Hmm

Has your friend tried to advertise on/in horse and hound? I sold my horse through there when he was 14 and I think you get a more serious type of buyer there.

Booboostoo · 17/02/2015 06:02

At 17yo I would not sell a horse, but I would loan him to a home that I could supervise frequently. Otherwise I think PTS is a better option than an uncertain future for the animal's last few years.

Errrr2012 · 17/02/2015 06:09

Well said boohoo. I think the person who owns this horse is being realistic, many older horses get passed from home to home. He may get lucky and find a good home for life but the opposite is often true.

bimandbam · 17/02/2015 06:35

Personally I think the owner is doing the responsible thing. Things are tough out there for any horse or pony. Especially one who is older and a big un.

If more people did this in her circumstances then there would be less neglect cases. Its not always intentional. Well meaning idiots aquire a free horse without having the resources to care for it. Horse suffers.

In an ideal world there would be homes for all of them but there just isn't sadly.

Pancakeday · 17/02/2015 19:28

How big? I'm actively looking for a happy hacker at the moment and have registered on horses4homes. Not bothered about age.

Lovewearingjeans · 19/02/2015 12:50

Could a riding school use him? Where I ride they have taken on suitable horses that the owner could not keep. Big horses could be needed for bigger riders! Also age would be perfect for people in riding schools.

AuntieDee · 19/02/2015 15:40

Where abouts are you? And is he suitable for a novice? I'm looking for a big horse for my OH to continue his lessons on (mine is too small for him). I'm in Lancashire.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 19/02/2015 15:45

I found a friend of a friend who is interested and passed details on. Not sure if he's taken the horse or not, haven't heard.

OP posts:
RinkyTinkTen · 07/03/2015 17:23

Bloody hell, has she even actually advertised him? There would be plenty of people who would want a nice, steady hack, especially if he has no vices.

I hate that people think 17 is old, it isn't at all and he could have another 10 years in him. She should try horse and hound, I sold my 14 yo on there as I feel they have more serious buyers.

I hope he finds a good home. ??

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