I am trying to get my head around the world of older horses or those with medical problems.
I have returned to riding relatively recently (part loan an horse at a livery yard) and am feeling incredibly sad that my favourite horse there is going to be PTS next week.
He is 16, has suspected ulcers (but no scoping has been done) and has fallen over a couple of times recently, once with a rider on him. I have heard the phrase ‘wobblers’ about him.
He is still his usual bright self, very affectionate, although he has lost weight over winter.
Is this just what happens? Or is it possible for this kind of horse to recover, or retire in a field somewhere?
I know I’m probably being naive, but am interested in what experienced horse owners generally do.
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How PTS decisions are made
Heartbrokenrider · 17/02/2024 13:11
Heartbrokenrider · 17/02/2024 13:25
What proportion of horses manage to live until old age eg 25 years or more?
I wish I could pay for some investigations and treatment and ‘save’ him but he isn’t my horse, and perhaps this kind of situation is more common than I thought?
He still has a great appetite.
People mention it being kinder if they are in pain (I 109% agree of course) but how easy is it to tell if a horse is actually in pain? This particular horse acts just the same as he used to as far as I can tell- Or is it something that makes us humans feel better about PTS so we convince ourselves they are suffering.
Heartbrokenrider · 17/02/2024 13:25
What proportion of horses manage to live until old age eg 25 years or more?
I wish I could pay for some investigations and treatment and ‘save’ him but he isn’t my horse, and perhaps this kind of situation is more common than I thought?
He still has a great appetite.
People mention it being kinder if they are in pain (I 109% agree of course) but how easy is it to tell if a horse is actually in pain? This particular horse acts just the same as he used to as far as I can tell- Or is it something that makes us humans feel better about PTS so we convince ourselves they are suffering.
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