How much debt would you get in to keep your horse?

[Freewomble]

Finding this so tough. Dhorse has lots of veterinary needs and needs careful/special management. I've already exhausted what I felt was quite a substantial emergency/rainy day fund.

He's only 8 but with long term/manageable conditions so looking at many years ahead of this. Keep going overdrawn/using credit card for the next round of vet treatment. Would never rehome as not fair on either dhorse or new owner. I just don't know where to draw the line.

Sorry if I dip in and out of thread, working bonkers hours to try to keep as much income coming in to stay afloat. Some days it feels worth it and others I am completely drained and demoralised

Could you look at getting him a second sharer? With financial contribution rather than chores.

Or possibly have him on working livery at a school? That would reduce livery costs and get him exercised every day. Plus he would be in for part of the day between lessons so would restrict his grazing by being out less.

No suggestions but whatever you decide don't feel guilty. You have loved him and given him the best life up to now. It's not your fault he's ill. Maybe keep him over the summer, give him the best summer with lots of love but if he won't cope with cold maybe PTS in autumn so he doesn't have to face a hard cold winter. 💔

It’s so hard, but you have to do what’s best for you.

I would personally not stop at anything for my boy, but I am very lucky to be in a position where I could comfortably replenish financially over time. (No kids, corporate job).

If you cannot do the same, it doesn’t mean you love yours any less. It has to work for you all.

For context, If you would have asked me the same with my previous horse 5/10 years ago - the answer would have been very different - I would have had a very clear “stop” point due to finances.

sending you huge hugs, these animals break our hearts x