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The tack room

Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

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Original poster

What to do with horse I can't afford

77 replies

Blackfellpony · 25/02/2017 10:56

I have owned horse for 11 years. He has been on loan for the past 6 as I can't ride him for various reasons.

Loan home (riding centre) now can't keep him as they are closing down. He has been kept there for years as a companion to another pony and was used on the odd ride but hasn't done much. They kept him as he is a sweety and everyone loves him more than him being of any use.

I have found a retirement field for him near me but it's £100/pcm and I really really can't afford it. I can't find anywhere cheaper. I didn't know he would be coming back as he was on permenant loan and not meant to come back. I haven't even seen him for around a year other than a quick drive buy to say hello as he was so content.

He is 20 years old. He won't hack alone, hates schooling, won't travel in a horsebox or trailer without full sedation and is very hard to ride. He is very sharp, jumps like a stag and is highly unpredicatable. He spins and has bolted on more than one occasion and I would be scared to get on his back.
He is no good for showing,hunting, dressage or anything really if I'm honest.
He also runs along fence lines and ruins fields.

Loaning him is an option but am I likely to find someone again that would want a horse like this?

What are my other options. Euthanasia even though he is healthy and happy grazing with his friends?
Selling him but then he could end up anywhere?

Please be kind I didn't realise 11 years ago things would have changed so much financially

OP posts:

QuestionableMouse · 25/02/2017 22:54

I wouldn't pass a horse like this on. He's the type that would end up as a welfare case in a short time and its not fair. Better a week too soon than a day too late.

Ihatethedailymail1 · 25/02/2017 22:55

Thus amazes me! There is another thread going on right now about a horrible cat who wees everywhere, won't be stroked and the owner doesn't like him anymore as her house stinks, and if one person suggests putting it to sleep another 20 say, how unfair, it's not his fault, how cruel! Rehome him, perverse with him, you bought him so it's your responsibility!
Yet for a horse it's the total opposite!! Isn't it your responsibility too! You knew when you took him on what a responsibility a horse is, but now you don't want him anymore, everyone says put him to sleep!

The mind boggles!

Gabilan · 25/02/2017 23:06

Horses aren't cats. The OP can't afford to keep the horse and they are very expensive to keep. That leaves the option of rehoming him one way or the other.

The trouble is horses are open to abuse in a way that cats generally are not. Yes, I know people can be cruel to cats. They don't tend to work them into the ground though, or beat them into submission if they can't ride them for one reason or another.

I think the decision to euthanize any animal should never be taken lightly. However, you do tend to reach that decision with horses sooner than you might another animal. The OP will be having a difficult enough time as it is, without anyone guilt tripping her. If the horse is rehomed it could well end up suffering dreadfully. Horse charities cannot cope with the numbers that cat charities can again because of economics. So offering the cat to CPL is more realistic than offering a horse to one of the equine charities, who will already be overrun.

nagsandovalballs · 25/02/2017 23:36

Everything Gabilan says is spot on.

JamDonutsRule · 25/02/2017 23:49

If you read my previous post, I was pointing out that the OP revealed later on that she could afford the horse but it would not be sensible as she can't ride him!! That's pretty different from a can't afford to feed the kids if I keep the horse type of situation!!

Yes, putting him on loan isn't perfect, but it does mean she can take him back if there are any issues and may be able to keep an eye on him.

Leggit · 26/02/2017 00:20

everyone says put him to sleep! The mind boggles!

Not really. We are not suggesting the OP have her horse out to sleep because she no longer wants him, but rather becausenin circumstances where she can't afford him, it is much much kinder to PTS given his age.

EverythingEverywhere1234 · 26/02/2017 00:29

Quite, Gabilan.

5OBalesofHay · 26/02/2017 00:37

He's not old. Have him back and hack or retire him. He's your responsibility. Look after him, pay what it costs.

abbey44 · 26/02/2017 00:38

I understand totally the dilemma you're in, having been through very similar myself, and I have to agree with those posters who have advocated PTS, however unpalatable it may seem. My own mare was 15, healthy but unsound, so unrideable, and wasn't a great companion as she stressed if left alone. She did have a lovely nature and was very easy to do, but was essentially a rather expensive field and stable ornament.

I went through all the options, desperate to avoid having to make the final decision, but the reality is that for a horse that hasn't a clear role to fulfil, there aren't really any other options but euthanasia. As I was told time and again, and has been said here, it really is the kindest thing to do for your horse and it was with a really heavy heart that I let my girl go (at home) yesterday. It breaks my heart that this was the outcome, and I wish it could have been otherwise, but I know I did the right thing for her.

Best wishes to you for whatever you decide to do.

5OBalesofHay · 26/02/2017 00:46

Unless the horse is in intractable pain why would you pts? You just have to fond the money and time.

abbey44 · 26/02/2017 00:58

Circumstances change. If the money isn't there, it isn't there.

It's difficult to sell or loan a horse that can't be ridden - there are thousands out there looking for homes and given the cost of keeping them, why would anyone choose one that can't be? Giving it away would be hugely irresponsible as you have no idea what its fate would be (though it doesn't take much imagination to fill in the blanks), and charities are so overwhelmed that they will only take the most urgent of welfare cases.

It's all very well to take the moral high ground, but unless and until you've been in this awful situation it's a bit glib to make judgements.

5OBalesofHay · 26/02/2017 01:08

Not glib. One 26 old and stiff but happy. Retired. Was fab.we owe him. One had cancer. Costs a fortune but she's ours. We love her. Spend a fortune ride seldom. Look after our horses bcause it's the right thing to do. Because we made thay commitment. Will pts if the right thing to do but not to get out of the commitment

Original poster

Blackfellpony · 26/02/2017 07:25

Thanks to everyone who has replied- plenty to think about.

I can find the money, however it would mean selling my car and probably going back to work more hours and putting baby DS in childcare for that time. It would also mean not a spare penny left at all at the end of the month. I could scrape the £200 together but it would take away our buffer completely. This is why I no longer have horses as I can't afford one and don't have time for one. I said if I was to go back to it, hypothetically, I wouldn't want a horse I'm scared of. At the end of the day it's a lot of money to spend to watch a horse eat grass.

When I took him on (11 years ago!) I had no children, a full time job and plenty of disposable income. As I said he hasn't been mine for 6 years other than on paper.

Cats don't cost a minimum of £200 per month, require a 10-15mins drive to the farm twice daily or need mucking out, bringing in and all of that sort of thing do they though. It's hardly similar in any way. I pretty much feed my cat and let him do whatever he wants, horses require time and money neither of which I have.

Anyway I never said I wasn't exploring options, I asked for advice on what those options were. If I was heartless and wanted him gone without a second thought he would be dead by now wouldn't he

How do you just find the money though 50 that's the problem. It's not like it's an extra tenner here and there it's a lot

OP posts:

user1471452804 · 26/02/2017 07:34

I agree with the majority here you need to have him put down. It is what I would do. Have you not seen all the stories of poor, neglected horses? Some idiot could get hold of him and he might get the crap beaten out of him, abandoned etc. There are plenty of horses of all ages out there who are unwanted an older, difficult horses stands no chance.

BarchesterFlowers · 26/02/2017 07:42

I think it is very difficult Black, our lives and income levels do change in the 20 or 30 years you own a horse for. But you need to do the right thing for the horse.

You might find the right loan home if you have a time/money buffer but you need to think about what you would do if something went wrong with both the home and the horse. In an inexperienced home you could end up with a vets bill for something minor.

I have got two retired horses who cost me about £4,000 a year, they are likely to go on for another ten years - it is a lot of money.

I would probably PTS in your position.

merrymouse · 26/02/2017 07:44

Anybody can post on a public forum, but the people on this thread demonstrating that they have experience of owning and rehoming horses seem to be in agreement about what you should do.

Original poster

Blackfellpony · 26/02/2017 07:53

I seem to have talent for picking difficult horses, I had a similar wobble a few years back with a fell pony that was dangerous but luckily he was a lot younger and this made the difference as someone wanted to rehab him. He is now in a fabulous showing home!

This horse has never been mine, I took him on as he had nowhere else to go as a stop gap for him and found him his current home. I only retained ownership so I could control what happened to him which is why I am where I am right now. It's not like I have used and abused him and now want rid

OP posts:

Blodplod · 26/02/2017 07:56

See... whilst I applaud 50balesofhay sentiments, my worry would be that the horse would suffer in the long run because you can't afford to look after him if things go wrong (childcare, job etc) or he needs medical attention. Even a vet visit for a basic foot abscess for example could run into over £100.....

Things do change for people, their lives and financial commitments change through a horse's very long life span. How many of us when buying a horse in our 20's or 30's could predict the future regards our situation 10-15 years down the line?

I normally do not advocate putting to sleep a healthy horse. I have never sold on a horse as I believe they come to me 'for life'. My current mare, I got her when she was abandoned. I bought her for a £1.00.. and throughout the 12 years I've had her she's cost me £££££££'s. I have made a commitment to her that she leaves me when she dies so I know she's safe for the rest of her life.

As I've got older I've seen horrendous cruelty due to people not being able to afford basic medical care or a horse in the wrong hands. Just two weeks ago someone in my DIY yard left a horse for a week with a foot abscess due to lack of funds. The horse was in agony and it took me threatening the rspca and to pay for the horse myself for them to deal with it.

Please Op, don't be caught up in guilt. One of the best things we can do for our pets is to make this decision. We have horse's generally in the UK for riding rather than just an oversized pet/field ornament due to the expense of keeping them. Unless you have your own land and he can potter at home with you, great, but if not then think very very carefully..

You are still considering options, no need to make a decision today. Maybe a miracle will happen.

BarchesterFlowers · 26/02/2017 07:57

It needs to be safe, useful and enjoyable unless you are a) very rich; b) have lots of land.

He is yours Black, by whatever means, and you need to deal with it.

Spudlet · 26/02/2017 07:58

Op, the BHS and World Horse Welfare both provide support for horse owners facing the decision to pts. If you feel you need it, I know that either charity have people who will talk to you about this decision without judging you, if you give them a call.

OnePlanOnHouzz · 26/02/2017 08:03

Have you checked that no one who uses the yard would like him ? As my daughter was heartbroken when the yard she went to 'sold' (read actually put to sleep) her fav older, slightly grumpy pony ... the stable girl didn't take seriously our offer to take him … it's worth being persistent before taking that final step - if you have to.
I Feel for you.

Gabilan · 26/02/2017 09:11

Thanks, Nags and Everything.

What would worry me about this horse is that he has to be sedated to travel. Vets will check a horse's heart is strong enough for sedation because of the strain it puts on a horse and in a stressful situation many horses will fight a sedative. Some barely respond to them. Travelling a sedated horse is dangerous in itself since they can't balance properly and need to be able to (think about standing in a tube train with nothing to hold onto whilst sedated, that's what your asking this horse to do). So he could have a serious accident before he even makes it to his new home. And then he paces and wrecks fields. What if the farmer then says he doesn't want the horse in his fields and he has to be moved again.

Yes, as owners we need to think through all the possibilities. But euthanasia isn't shirking your responsibility. Sometimes it's the most responsible thing to do, even though it breaks your heart to do it.

greenfolder · 26/02/2017 09:29

Pts really is the fairest option i reckon. You did a good thing by taking him on when no one else would and his current home have given him a life perfect for him. You just cant replicate that and would nevet forgive yourself if he ended up miserable

Original poster

Blackfellpony · 26/02/2017 09:43

Thank you all.

He has created a trench in his current field where he has fence walked repeatedly to get in for tea. It filled with water and gave him bad mud fever and it means he has to be brought in as soon as he starts otherwise his legs get worse. My yard would take him and he has lived there before but he would need bringing in before he starts being silly as I work 8am-8pm.
He is not the sort of horse that can be left in a field to get on with it even though he isn't ridden.

He hasn't been sat on for 6 months at least so would need restarting. I would have to pay someone to do this in order to loan him. I would be willing to do so if I was sure I could find someone to loan him afterwards.

He gets very stressed with change and takes a long time to settle. He is also very prone to being bullied in fields and it's taken him years to make a friend!

I am going to visit him today so hopefully I can get more of a feel for what's best when I get there and chat to his current loaner.

OP posts:

EverythingEverywhere1234 · 26/02/2017 12:17

The more you say, the more I truly believe pts is the only fair and kind option for him.

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