Desperate for help

[stevienickstophat]

I have no idea where else to turn, so at the risk of outing myself, I'm begging for help.

I have two Shetland ponies that believe it or not, came with my house. They were originally rescue ponies from the RSPCA.

For the last ten years I've given them a loving home, had one broken in, nursed one through laminitis twice, and really learned the ropes, being a first time horse owner.

Sadly, my marriage broke up and I'm now having to sell the house and buy something smaller. I've kept this place going for two years, but I just can't do it any more.

Unfortunately, my buyer is not willing to offer my boys a home, and I'm at a loss what to do with them.

They're sixteen, one has liver damage (caused before he was rescued by eating ragwort, we think) the other has laminitis, they're as awkward as Shetlands often are - basically nobody is going to want them.

The RSPCA are being very unhelpful. Livery is going to be mega expensive. I'd do it if I could, but I just don't think I can afford it.

I'm worried sick. Does anyone have any idea of what I could do with my poor boys?

TIA

Thanks, MoodyKat, that means a lot.

I promise I'll be back on the other thread soon - I've been really quite unwell and have had a totally mad time of it lately.

Love to all tuna-grabbers, and hugs back atcha

No upset caused, it's totally understandable that you're upset and feeling desperate. I really feel for you :(

It's a shitty situation to be in and I'm sorry for everything that's happened .

Definitely try the local Facebook horse groups. I've put horses on there before that needed urgent rescuing and people were very kind and helpful

I forget if you said they are rideable and/or good temperament? Could you loan them out?

Can I ask where you are in the country? If you're near me I can see if I can help

She's in North Yorks, as she says up-thread, LaLa.

Apologies phone is being crap and not loading early posts.

Damn I'm other end of country.

Do try Facebook groups

You poor thing, what a sad situation you're in. . As people have said, it would probably be kinder to have them PTS quietly in their own home than send them off into the unknown. You've done such a great job of managing them by the sounds of it, but their health issues and the potential costs make them difficult to re home.

If you were in my area I would gladly lend/rent you a corner of a field and let you continue caring for them yourself. So ask on local Facebook pages, there may be someone like me in your area..

Good luck. Whatever you have to do, don't think that you've let them down. You haven't. You were the best thing that happened to them and gave them ten years of happiness. If it has to end for them in a place where they've been happy with someone who loves them it would be so much better than them going somewhere else and slowly going downhill and not being cared for so well..

Hello Stevie. I've was wondering how you are getting on.