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The tack room

Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

Am I doing the right thing PTS

29 replies

BinnyWeasley · 15/01/2026 17:59

Made the decision this evening and he is booked to be PTS tomorrow morning. 23yo TB, poor doer, terrible feet (well one terrible foot that is totally mismatched from the others), arthritis and recurrent abscesses (in the bad foot), previous pelvis fracture too. For the last 5 or so summers I would say it was going to be his last and then never got round to organising. I went up this evening, horribly lame again from yet another abscess. He is kept in a 6 acre field with automatic waterer but no other running water, electric or hardstanding, loads of mud and he's a horrible patient. 9/10 times I have to go up with 10mo baby in tow - i just can't be dealing with poulticing a difficult horse with no end in sight for abscesses. I feel totally horrible and yet also sort of relieved. It has been a huge struggle for all of us, I'm on mat leave and SMP only so husband is having to cover all costs. Am I making the right decision? It is really based on logistics and finances but I've had him from a 6yo and I know it's going to feel so strange not seeing his goofy face everyday.

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ForLoveNotMoney · 15/01/2026 18:05

It’s completely the right thing to do. Have a hug and know you are setting him free from pain. As heartbreaking as it is, you may even find some relief when it’s done, then hopefully peace x

Larrythemonkey · 15/01/2026 18:07

That is completely the right thing to do. You are ending his pain and that is never wrong. Arthritis and that foot. He doesn’t want to do through another abscess and more than you do.

it’s the right thing.

countrygirl99 · 15/01/2026 18:07

He's in recurring/constant pain that will only get harder to manage. You are doing the right thing.

Wolfiefan · 15/01/2026 18:11

It’s not based on logistics or finances though is it? He has recurrent painful abscesses. He is clearly suffering. You may well be able to get him past this one but it sounds like he has a lot of other issues as well. He’s suffering. (Being difficult could be further evidence of that suffering.) I think you’re being brave to make the hard decision.

BinnyWeasley · 15/01/2026 19:17

Thank you all so much, one evening/night of feeling dreadful and then it'll be over.

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YodasHairyButt · 15/01/2026 19:19

Absolutely the right thing. The hardest and most important decision we have to make is when to let them go. It’s time.

DramaAlpaca · 15/01/2026 19:21

I'm really sorry, but it sounds like he's in pain and it won't get any better. It's time Flowers

countrygirl99 · 15/01/2026 19:41

Get dad to look after the baby and take yourself to your bedroom with a box of tissues and chocolate and/or wine and bawl your eyes out in private looking through photos, old rosettes etc. It helps to let it out.

myheadsjustmush · 15/01/2026 20:04

Yes, you have absolutely 100% made the right decision.

Sending you <<Hugs>>

Tronkmanton · 15/01/2026 20:07

Absolutely the right decision, however hard it feels. Take care of yourself as it takes some getting over x

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 15/01/2026 20:15

An old TB who isn’t field sound and is hard to manage? Absolutely the right thing to do. Be kind to yourself

YourWinter · 15/01/2026 20:22

Yes, you’re absolutely right to let him go and put an end to his relentless pain. Abscesses are excruciatingly painful and he’s not going to just magically stop getting them as he gets older and weaker. You’ve had him a long time and you know him and love him enough to make the awful decision.

Grief is the price we pay for love.

MajorBoobage · 15/01/2026 20:41

You are 100% doing the right thing. He’s likely miserable standing in a muddy cold field with arthritis and abscess’s, he’s a good age but it’s time. Please don’t feel guilty

JaffavsCookie · 15/01/2026 20:52

Sending hugs, you have made the right decision

Serencwtch · 15/01/2026 21:07

It's the most important & bravest decision you can make Flowers

FuzzyFetlocks · 16/01/2026 15:18

I hope you are OK BinnyWeasley. 💐

BinnyWeasley · 16/01/2026 18:12

FuzzyFetlocks · 16/01/2026 15:18

I hope you are OK BinnyWeasley. 💐

Thank you, feeling a bit numb and teary but it went as well as could be expected. Been looking at old photos and reminding myself of times when he was happy & healthy.

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Littlebitpsycho · 16/01/2026 18:22

Thinking of you @BinnyWeasleywhen you feel stronger would you like to show us a photo of him? We'd all love to see I'm sure.

Here's a photo of my boy I lost nearly 3 years ago to colic - they've probably met up on the other side to cause some havoc 🥰🥰

Am I doing the right thing PTS
Squeaktoyoulater · 16/01/2026 18:57

Best wishes to you xx you absolutely did the right thing xxx

HangryBrickShark · 16/01/2026 19:02

BinnyWeasley · 16/01/2026 18:12

Thank you, feeling a bit numb and teary but it went as well as could be expected. Been looking at old photos and reminding myself of times when he was happy & healthy.

So sorry , I lost my darling gelding in October. Its horrible. Thinking of you. X

Wolfiefan · 16/01/2026 19:10

I hope those photos bring back some happy memories in time. Thinking of you today.

BinnyWeasley · 16/01/2026 19:11

Here he is in his younger days (was a serial self-injurer even back then!), this was just before he kicked me if I remember correctly!

Am I doing the right thing PTS
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BinnyWeasley · 16/01/2026 19:12

Littlebitpsycho · 16/01/2026 18:22

Thinking of you @BinnyWeasleywhen you feel stronger would you like to show us a photo of him? We'd all love to see I'm sure.

Here's a photo of my boy I lost nearly 3 years ago to colic - they've probably met up on the other side to cause some havoc 🥰🥰

What a handsome chap, I can well imagine them causing havoc together ❤️

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FuzzyFetlocks · 16/01/2026 19:18

What a handsome chap.

SouthBeachDreams · 16/01/2026 19:20

What a beautiful boy. He’ll always be yours.

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