PTS because you can't afford horse any more

[SpottyBumPony]

If you haven't owned horses please don't comment. This is not like a house pet, they cost hundreds of pounds every month and need hours of time committed to them.

I have had a terrible change in circumstances, a bereavement, and am facing a big reduction in my household income. I don't think I will be able to afford my beautiful horse.

I've owned him for 20 year, he's 24 ish years old. Ridden and happily hacking but definitely a veteran now. I love him to pieces.

I always said I was committed to him for life, I would never have passed him on. Now I'm faced with not being able to afford him and my head tells me the responsible thing is to PTS. He's not desirable for somebody to loan, companions can be passed from home to home.

If you've been in a similar situation I'd appreciate hearing from you.

I am also very sorry that you are in these circumstances and think PTS is the kind and brave thing to do. The horse will have known love and kindness their whole life and any moving them on would be distressing. I have not been in this exact circumstance but I have PTS a horse that was injured but could possibly have been ekked out on pain relief for another few years and looked really well. Some people thought it was too early in late teens but I think we need to recognise that PTS is a brave, strong and kind thing to do. IMO it only comes into your mind when you know it is the right thing to do, its not a casual idea. Look after yourself in this, it tool me quite some time to forgive myself even though I don't think the decision was wrong. I wouldn't try to hard to get liveries around you, vets etc to understand just look after yourself and your horse Xx

We had a 25 year old pony on loan last year.

He was soooo skinny when we got him that even though I wasn't sure he was right for my daughter I couldn't leave him in that state.

He basically has no wearing surface left on his teeth and his previous loaner had clipped him out turned him out in a 100gm rug with hay and nothing else. Poor little thing. 😢

He can't eat hay because of his teeth and I spent literally £hundreds putting weight and condition on him.

I love and care for any horse I look after but sadly lots of people aren't like that.

I was so worried about what would become of him once my daughter was too heavy for him but my friend now has him on loan (at our yard) for her daughter and she has kept up his feeding regime. She also worries about him once her daughter can no longer ride and we both agree that PTS will probably be the right option or if the owner won't agree we'll probably suck up the cost and pay for his retirement ourselves.

I think for your own peace of mind PTS is the best option and it stops anything happening to your beloved horse. Also he won't know that his last day is his last

it will be very hard for you but definitely the kindest for your horse to PTS. Try not to feel bad, you’re doing the best for him with the circumstances that you’re facing. So many poor horses just left uncared for when people can no longer afford them or lose interest.

How difficult., I feel so sad for you. Just wanted to say that you obviously love him very much. I probably would PTS . It’s the best for him but not for you. You have given him a life full of love. I would find it hard to think of an older horse adapting to a new home and the risk of further sales. Good luck.

It’s the bravest thing to do, you see so many on find my horse type pages on fb who have gifted an oldie that has been sold on as a 12 yo 5 mins after the trailer pulled off. It’s exactly what I’d do in your position and remember they don’t know what’s happening, get recommendations of a good one (we have a man who came and spent an hour fussing, feeding and settling a pony so he went with dignity and no knowledge at all) thinking of you 💔

Going against the grain here but there are nice horsey people out there who don't sell on their horses and might take on an oldie. We just sold our older pony to a home where she is absolutely adored, in very light work and I know she won't be sold on (as the family never sell any of their horses and have several). Maybe you can find someone like that? Or a cheap retirement field?

If he is hacking out happily I would look for a sharer/loaner to contribute to his costs while you oversee his care in his current home. People will share/part loan older horses just make sure you retain control and see him regularly (at least weekly). Don't full loan him.

Retirement livery might be another option. Many horses adapt to life living out with a herd better than expected but again make sure you visit regularly and keep an eye on him.

However if PTS is the best option then you should do it rather than risk an uncertain future.

Where abouts are you Op? I work on a farm that offers day care for adults with LD. We have lots of older animals that people send to us-we look after them and the owners sometimes contribute a bit towards feed costs. The animals are well looked after and loved. It’s a lovely set up. We are just north of London if that helps. If not might there be something like that near you?

Bumping and hoping it’s not too late for the horse

Oh stop it @LtdEdition01 , did you miss the very first bit of the OP where it says 'If you haven't owned horses please don't comment. This is not like a house pet, they cost hundreds of pounds every month and need hours of time committed to them.'

Idiot.

If you truly had the horses welfare in the forefront of your mind you would not have made this comment

If you are unable to afford him now PTS would be the kindest thing, he’s in his twilight years and there are worse things than death like being passed from seller to seller. At least you’d know that he wasn’t suffering or being sold along.
it’s a pity more equestrian owners don’t do the decent thing when they’ve a veteran they can no longer keep.

I stupidly put a horse on an informal loan. He was abused and I had to fight (including going to court to get him back and keep him). He ended up being PTS due to health issues 18 months later. I wish I'd been brave and PTS originally.

If you absolutely have no option to keep him, you know deep down what the best solution for him is. You don't have to rush. Take care x

We have an older pony who’s nearly 20. He’s my daughter’s pony and he’s had a very good life with us. His needs have always been met and a life full or variety. His mobility has declined and we have said that if any way he suffers we will call it a day. It’s a very hard decision but it’s one you will look back on and know you loved him to the very end. Please update as I see this post is quite a few weeks old now x