sell or euthanize? [Archive] - Chronicle Forums

alteragogo

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:12 AM

I am posting under an alter as this is kind of a loaded question. I hope no one will flame me as I feel I am in an impossible situation and I honestly don't know what to do. I want to hear the opinions of COTH.

I have three horses, and I absolutely must get down to two. Hubby has been laid off since last year (he's working but not making nearly enough--barely more than on unemployment) and I've just found out they are cutting our hours at work. The job market is tough and I have been looking for some time for other reasons and have not been able to find anything, so I'm not hopeful about it. We rent a farmette where we are only allowed to keep two, and have been boarding the third out but now we can't afford the board.

One is my riding horse, that I bred and raised myself. He is staying.

I need to figure out what do with the other two. One is semi-retired. He is a rescue who endured some awful abuse in his life, and his brain is fried. He isn't too difficult to handle if you know him, but he can be very dangerous if you don't. I have always known that I would not sell him. Now he also has navicular and arthritis and is only sound for light riding. I really enjoy riding him, he is a dream under saddle for me. He is 19, and I have owned him for 6 years. His health has been declining somewhat but he is still comfortable and happy, and I think (as does my vet) that he probably has another 3-5 good years left in him at least.

The other is 12, sound, but not very well put together (he was abandoned on my property). He is a little spooky but a very reliable trail horse for an intermediate rider. I like riding him, but he's definitely not my "type"--we never really clicked. My husband rides him occasionally, but he is not really a horseman. This horse would probably be relatively easy to sell due to his extensive trail experience.

DH wants me to euthanize the older horse so we can keep the younger one. He wants a horse he can ride, for one thing, but he also sees it in terms of value--why are we paying to feed a useless horse? He will ultimately leave it up to me, however, as I pay for the horses out of my private checking and he really doesn't ride enough to justify keeping one (we're talking 4-5 tims a year).

Of course, I don't see the old guy as useless. I love riding him--he is really well trained and I can focus on my position on him rather than trying to improve him. Sure, he can be flaky but I can feel when it is coming on (I swear he has PTSD) and can divert it. Sure, he has soundness issues, but I have my athlete and don't have the time to keep two in full work anyway. But I also don't know how long he will last--he has had a hard life, and he is aged.

But then I worry about the other guy, too. DH does want to start riding more, and it isn't like I dislike the other horse. I worry about whether I can even sell him in this market, and what kind of home he'll end up in--he is kind of ugly and not the easiest ride, although he's not bad. He has the personality of an endurance horse but I don't know if any endurance riders would be interested because he has very straight shoulders and is pretty severely pigeon-toed--not the best recipe for soundness over so many miles, although he has yet to take a lame step in the years I've known him.

If it were just me, I know what I would do: sell the younger one and keep the old one. I have put so much sweat and tears into that old guy, and we are really closely bonded. But I know from a practical standpoint, it makes more sense to keep the young one.

Any advice? I keep going around and around in my head and not getting anywhere except sad. I definitely need some fresh viewpoints. I just don't know what to do.

PS my internet access is limited, so if I don't check back in regularly don't think I am hiding out/I have abandoned you. I will try to keep up as best I can.

ShotenStar

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:22 AM

Question: can your husband ride your primary riding horse while you ride the old guy for his 4-5 times a year of riding?

If yes, then I would sell the younger horse, keeping the old guy and the primary horse.
Reasoning: 1-Selling a good trail horse to a good home (or as best as you can determine it is a good home ...) will give you some money during a tight stretch. 2-you will always regret putting down the old guy before his time if you select that route. 3-life's too short to ride horses you don't truly like.

*star*

WorthTheWait95

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:35 AM

I would keep the old guy and sell the younger horse.

I really dislike the idea of putting down relatively healthy/happy horses when there is another option. I know alot of people on this board have been forced to in the past and I would never judge them for that but in this case I feel like there IS another option.

Good luck.

snbess

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:39 AM

I had 100% identical reasoning and conclusions as ShotenStar did. I would add, many people say they want to ride more, but most end up doing no more than they are doing now. If hubby can ride your primary horse the 4-5 times a year he wants to ride, I wouldn't think he'll actually end up riding more. If he does, you can cross that bridge when you come to it.

Sandra

vbunny

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:42 AM

Totally agree with ShotenStar. Great advice. Only thing I have to add to it is that I really feel your pain. What a hard position to be in. Wishing you strength.

Woodland

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:43 AM

If the 19year old is borderline psycho you are justified in putting him down.

farmgirl88

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:44 AM

but then again is it really worth keeping a horse around just so someone can ride it 4-5 times a year? ''I understand that there is a very tight situation here.

I would sell the younger trail horse. advertise in a lot of local horse mag's and post flyers or something at your feed store. Make it known that this horse needs an urgent home due to your situation with your jobs- but also let it be known that you know what the horse is worth and what he's good for- so stick to a good price.

The 12 yr old has a great chance at finding a nice home. Im sure someone who is experienced enough can help bring him along...he isnt that old.

You will regret putting the old one down. If hes good for light riding...why cant your husband ride him when he wants to ride every once in awhile?

If all else fails---donate to a rescue. You have other options here other than euthanasia. I understand when people go that route when they have no other options- but you have options here.

Maybe i just dont see why someone would really euthanize a horse just to keep a younger one around so someone could ride it every once in awhile. I wouldnt say that your old man is useless like your husband says. If hes good for light riding...hes not useless and it think he'd be fine for an occasional putzing around on here and there.

If the younger one isnt a good match for you...then find someone who will be a good match for him. The key is to advertise NOW. Start the earliest you can...screen your buyers and know where the horse is going. My horse sold to a wonderful home to the first person who looked at her. I am more than positive that someone will give your 12 yr old a wonderful home...for the sake of the old guy

fivehorses

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:56 AM

Can you get a part time job to help make up for lost hours at your current job?

Also, what about leasing the younger guy? It wouldn't be permanent, you could keep an eye on him, etc

MandyVA

Feb. 22, 2009, 11:52 AM

Are you located in an area where leasing is a good option? If you could free lease the younger horse that's the option I would pick. Otherwise, I would put down the older horse.

ptownevt

Feb. 22, 2009, 11:54 AM

I can only share that you might regret forever putting down an animal that you love and that isn't ready. We put my dog down because he was becoming increasingly small animal aggressive and he had bad hips. It is a long story, but, I cannot justify it in my own head and heart. I could have gotten rid of my chickens and the one cat he didn't like. And he probably had at least another year before his hips were bad enough to justify. I know that many of you will think he needed to be put down. I wish I could get there. I just don't really believe in my heart that it was time and I will regret that decision for a very long time. Euthanasia is permanent. Make sure it is the right thing for you and your animal before you do it.
Pam

greysandbays

Feb. 22, 2009, 11:56 AM

The most common sense solution (given the job and financial situation) would be to euthanize the old one AND sell the young one. If hubby thinks he wants to ride, there's likely to be an inexpensive (if not free) one down the line that will serve just as well that you might like more -- and it will buy you some time for either or both of you to line new/more work or get a handle on making your reduced income work more efficiently.

Angela Freda

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:08 PM

This horse would probably be relatively easy to sell due to his extensive trail experience. Then advertise him and see.

DH... why are we paying to feed a useless horse?
So we have hubbys ok to off him when he proves 'useless'?

DH does want to start riding more, but will he?
It's really not fair to the horses if he, in the end, won't ride more.

Angela Freda

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:12 PM

If all else fails---donate to a rescue
Yes donate $$ to a rescue and ask if they know anyone looking for a nice horse free from you and if the rescue will adopt it out under their contract.
To add your horse to a rescues burden is just an answer for you and yours, not for the horse and certainly not for the rescue.

Nezzy

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:17 PM

if you cannot rehome the older horse, it may be kinder to euthanize him than to worry if he'll ever be in a GOOD home situation. GOOD horses are going for almost free around here, and i cannot see anyone choosing a horse with issues over a healthy and sane horse. Sorry to say it, but there is nothing wrong with humane euthanization if that is what is has come down to. Good luck deciding.

ArtilleryHill

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:29 PM

I, too, cast a vote for ShotenStar's advice. I think, based on what you've written here, that you would always regret putting down the old fella.

SMF11

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:32 PM

Go with your heart.

In case you don't/can't sell the younger horse, just ask if you could have three at home. No harm in asking, if the answer is no you are no worse off and if it is yes you have another option.

Good luck.

Coreene

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:39 PM

Why do people always suggest donating a horse to a rescue? Rescues are not a dumping ground for people who cannot afford their horses.

Equilibrium

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:54 PM

Why do people always suggest donating a horse to a rescue? Rescues are not a dumping ground for people who cannot afford their horses.

I have to agree with this quote. I'm quite sure the rescues are filled to capacity and wish they could find decent homes for the ones they have.

OP is in a crap situation. I think if it were me I would try and find the trail horse a good home. Just because he would be the most likely to be rehomed. To me older guy still seems to have a few good years left. I'm sorry OP you're stuck in this situation, but it could be any one of us it happens to over the next few years.

Terri

dainty do

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:56 PM

I also agree with ShotenStar. I would sell the trail horse. In addition, I would also consider a partial lease on your primary horse.

I am suggesting this because my horses are also a large expense in our household. I currently have a great partial leasor on my younger, primary riding horse. I trust my leasor completely (she has had horses for years, but can't afford one of her own right now). It took me a couple months to find the right leasor, but my husband and I are both quite pleased with the arrangement. By leasing my primary horse, I have the funds to keep my older guy. He is not ready to go yet, and is a joy to be around.

I know that you love your horses, and that this is a hard decision to make. Trust your heart.

Guin

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:59 PM

VCT

Feb. 22, 2009, 01:08 PM

Keep old one. Sell 12 yr old.

Not fair to 12 yr old to only get ridden 4-5 times a year by hubby. Yes, you may ride him more than that, but you said you don't really enjoy riding him. Help him find a home where he will have his own person who will love him and do stuff with him regularly.

Also, I don't think it's fair to the older horse to euth him just because hubby wants to ride the 12 yr old a handful of times each year.

You can get another hubby horse in the future when things have improved for you guys. Or, maybe he can ride one your primary horse, or the older one.

I dunno. I could not swallow euthing the older one you love just so hubby can go on some occasional trail rides.

Best of luck to you. Tough place to be in. If I was you though.. I'd be advocating for my old man. And I mean the horse, not the hubby. LOL

Huntertwo

Feb. 22, 2009, 01:55 PM

I would try to sell the Trail Horse first. A very good trail horse is hard to find and with the right advertising, you probably wouldn't have a difficult time selling him.

Contact local trail riding groups in your area or even Endurance clubs.

Good luck...

Jaegermonster

Feb. 22, 2009, 02:14 PM

I would try to lease out or sell the trail horse first and see how it goes. You don't have to EU the older horse right away. But I do think the option should be on the table.
You guys are living hand to mouth as it is without having 3 horses to worry about, and what kind of home would the old guy get if you did try to sell him, with what you say are his "issues".
Sometimes the right decision isn't always the easiest, and sometimes the decision that causes them the least pain hurts us the most. But that is a part of responsible horse ownership.

hosspuller

Feb. 22, 2009, 02:30 PM

...I need to figure out what do with the other two. One is semi-retired. He is a rescue who endured some awful abuse in his life, and his brain is fried. He isn't too difficult to handle if you know him, but he can be very dangerous if you don't. I have always known that I would not sell him. Now he also has navicular and arthritis and is only sound for light riding. I really enjoy riding him, he is a dream under saddle for me. He is 19, and I have owned him for 6 years. His health has been declining somewhat but he is still comfortable and happy, and I think (as does my vet) that he probably has another 3-5 good years left in him at least...

This horse, unless YOU keep him is dangerous. It would be sad to see him hurt or kill someone. As I have put down several of my horses and dogs, I know the pain of saying farewell to good and faithful animals. :cry: It is better to say farewell to a pet too soon than too late. Both for them and people. :sadsmile:

enjoytheride

Feb. 22, 2009, 02:33 PM

DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"

Feb. 22, 2009, 02:44 PM

Why do people always suggest donating a horse to a rescue? Rescues are not a dumping ground for people who cannot afford their horses.

Coreene. Once again, you prove to me why I loff you.

MsM

Feb. 22, 2009, 02:45 PM

Not enough info to help you much. How much is hubby really going to ride? Is selling the younger a real probability(hard to sell trail horses in many parts of the country due to the economy)? How flaky is the older one? Which horses will get along together? Is the boarded horse rideable for hubby?
If you decide to try to sell the younger, it might help hubby if you point out that selling will bring in money while euthing the older will actually cost...

DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"

Feb. 22, 2009, 02:45 PM

ShotenStar and others gave the same advice I would.

So sorry.

cloudyandcallie

Feb. 22, 2009, 02:56 PM

Sell the young one and keep the other 2.
Or donate the young one to a riding program for handicapped kids if he can do the work.
Old horses deserve a retirement and home unless they are ill and in pain, then euth them. I keep my old dogs/cats/horses when they are old and feeble as they are "family".

I hope you get more hours at work and your husband gets a good job and you can keep all 3.

With the economy, more people will have to euth old horses because they cannot afford them. Sad but better than giving them away to horrible fates.

Coreene

Feb. 22, 2009, 03:10 PM

Okay, and the same with thinking that therapeutic riding centers are a place to offload horses people can't afford. They live on donations. Not a lot of those coming in right now, and just because it is a trail horse doesn't mean it is a good fit. And good trail horses are going for free, it's not like it's difficult to find a good sound one for $1000.

2 tbs

Feb. 22, 2009, 04:47 PM

Is the older horse suitable as a companion? Is he safe to handle from the ground? What about trying to find a give-away situation where he could be a companion for another horse or even a babysitter for someones breeding program? If he's not safe for this situation then by all means don't go there.

Another thing to think about - the aging horse can cost more than expected for general maintenance and upkeep - weight, arthritis management, teeth issues etc. I'm faced with an almost 24 yr old who is needing some extra care and of course he's getting it but it's putting a large strain on my already tight finances. I know the older ones are worth it to our hearts but if putting them down keeps your house/untilities paid for then maybe that's the smartest thing??

As for the 12 year old? I'd look into selling that one first. Maybe you get $500 for him or maybe you get a couple thousand. Either way that's the choice that makes the most sense as a first option. It puts the horse somewhere useful and it puts some money in your bank to help pay for any unforseen financial emergencies. Again, worst case scenario, you have to give him away but at least he's not posing a threat to your financial situation. It would be unfortunate but until things rebound this is the world we live in :(

My heart goes out to you. Facing this situation is not easy but looking at having to lose a friend because of it makes it that much worse. I foresee a similar situation in my future if things don't get better. I'm just hoping I can hold on long enough so I don't have to make that decision. I'm doing all I can - if overtime is offered at work I take it! (it's been cut to 0 but every once in a while we are permitted to have an hour or two). I'm pounding the pavement on a second job but I have limited availability so it's a little hard - but I've agreed to work Sat and Sun despite my desire to have at least one full day off work (despite farm work-there is never a day off from that! ;) )...it's what I have to do so I'm doing it.

EqTrainer

Feb. 22, 2009, 04:48 PM

Why do people always suggest donating a horse to a rescue? Rescues are not a dumping ground for people who cannot afford their horses.

I agree w/this. The OP has made it clear that she can deal with this situation on her own, good for her.

I would keep the old horse and sell the younger horse. My husband would like to ride, too. Haha. I won't keep a horse for someone who rides 4x a year.

certifiedgirl

Feb. 22, 2009, 06:06 PM

I had a somewhat similar situation last year. I had six horses and really needed to get down to five. I chose to sell the one that was easiest to rehome (a really mellow nice TB mare and my husbands favorite (although he doesn't ride). I kept the old mare, and the semi-sound mare because I knew finding them a suitable home would be difficult if not impossible. They have been my pets and I'm not dumping them because the are the least desirable ones. Anyway, I did sell the mare to a good home that takes lessons from a friend of mine- so I can keep tabs on her. And, I included a first right of refusal in the papers so that if they do decide not to keep her I can have the chance to get her back.
The mare is getting way more attention from her 15 year old girl than she would have gotten here so I think it was a good decision.
I would sell the younger horse and keep the old guy.

Pony Person

Feb. 22, 2009, 06:34 PM

Why do people always suggest donating a horse to a rescue? Rescues are not a dumping ground for people who cannot afford their horses.
Ditto this. I'm afraid I don't have any advice for the OP, but, good luck in your decision.

SteppinEasy

Feb. 22, 2009, 07:12 PM

Every time we have a slaughter thread people suggest euthanizing instead of risking the horse going to slaughter. Every time we have a can't afford my horse anymore thread we have a don't euthanize give them away suggestion.

How is one responsible and the other not?

If you can't afford your horse and he is at risk for not ending up in the right place then be responsible and put him down. Don't let someone tell you that you are cruel, will have regrets, or should have tried harder to find him a home.

I agree with this and it's coming from recent personal experience. Last summer, my mother was dying in the hospital and my chronically laminitic 25 y.o. gelding had a flare-up. This horse came from an absolutely horrific abuse situation (he had three broken vertebra and a cracked skull from being beaten; his founder was caused by chemicals applied to his legs), but he'd been my pampered pasture pet for 12 years. I'd given him a good life.

When the founder flared up again, it was relatively mild, but I just didn't have the finances or the emotional energy to deal with nursing him back to health again at that point. No matter how much I loved him.

Was it easy to put him down? No. Even my vets tried to talk me out of it, saying he could have up to five more "reasonably" healthy years left. But keeping him healthy would cost over $600 a month and require 4 feedings a day. With an uncertain financial future, I knew there was no way I could do it. One vet told me it didn't seem fair to the horse to put him down just because he was expensive to keep alive. When I asked him if he'd like to take the horse home (or just pay for his medicine), he started to backtrack quite a bit.:sadsmile:

Do I regret putting him down? No. There are days I do feel guilty that the decision to end his life came down to money, but then again, I still can't see that I had any other *real* situation open to me. Like the OP's horse, mine was a lamb with me. He could be dangerous with other people, though.

Try to sell the trail horse if you can. But if you can't, if you find you HAVE to put the old guy down, please don't let anyone, even the experts, criticize you. They haven't been there. Far better to let him go knowing he was healthy and loved than to risk holding onto him too long and possibily putting him at risk by unstable finances.

Coreene

Feb. 22, 2009, 07:54 PM

Steppin, I think you absolutely did the right thing. The kindest thing for a chronically laminitic oldie is a gentle passing. Doesn't make it any easier, but I am sure that more people will agree with you letting him go than your vets disagreeing.

BuddyRoo

Feb. 22, 2009, 08:12 PM

Personally, I would try to lease or sell the younger horse and see what happens. If you can lease the horse for a few months or even a year, the whole situation may change and you can make the tougher choices then if need be.

I certainly think that euthing the older horse is an option that can--logically and without tremendous guilt-be on the table...but the logic of your husband kind of stinks. Neither the old nor the young horse are getting used right now. What does it matter to him? Just because something is older and not "useful" doesn't mean that it's a waste. But...I certainly would euth him before I'd go belly up, get rid of your riding horse, or euth the younger one.

Trakehner

Feb. 22, 2009, 09:30 PM

Fixerupper

Feb. 22, 2009, 09:51 PM

OK I don't get what's so complicated... OP has three horses and can afford to keep two. OP wants to keep her riding horse and hubby (who is also working to pay the bills) wants a horse that he can ride (who cares how often!). She has given six good years to a difficult horse that is not safe to re-home and is old.
There are no easy choices here, but there is a reasonable one.

Alteragogo - you are not cheating the old guy out of a nice retirement...you have already given him one!

mroades

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:13 PM

Yeah donate him to a rescue...like they arent overflowing right now! many rescues are broke themselves. Sheesh, the horse doesnt know the difference. I would always rather put one down than send it off to the unknown.

Beverley

Feb. 22, 2009, 10:59 PM

If it were me, I'd put down the old fellow. Not easy, to be sure, but you've done right by him. Let him go out on a happy and high note.

Snow Princess

Feb. 22, 2009, 11:03 PM

How about putting on your best face and begging your landlord to let you keep three on the farmette.. while in your niceest voice pointing out you are just waiting for the oldy to kick the bucket... :D Charm em!
They must have some sort of animal interest or would not own a rental farmette!
Good luck!

yellow-horse

Feb. 23, 2009, 09:55 AM

It doesn't sound like the 12 year old horse is all that marketable either, if you have some time you can try to sell him but I think you're going to wind up putting the older one down. I don't see the economy getting better in the short term, how long can you manage this way.

alteragogo

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:27 AM

Thanks everyone for your support and your insights. It seems like COTH is pretty evenly divided, too. :( I do have some time to think about this and to hopefully find another job, or a part time one to supplement the one I've got (even McDonald's isn't hiring in my area--believe me I've applied). We've been very careful financially and so even though DH's paycut has hurt us, it hasn't wiped us out. I want to make a decision on this, though, so that if and when the time comes I know what I need to do and I can take the time to either place the younger one in a really good home, or to say good-bye to the old guy at my own pace.

Just a couple of things I wanted to address:
1. No worries, Coreene, I agree with you about rescues and have never considered that an option. I also know my horses would all be thoroughly unsuitable for a therapuetic riding center.

2. We actually may have found someone interesting in free leasing the 12 y/o. I'd been looking for awhile with no luck but wouldn't you know someone promising called last night. Hopefully it works out and the question is moot.

3. We did ask our landlord, but it's a definite no. She didn't even want us keeping two here originally. We are considering moving for other reasons, but we're not sure that's really an option.

4. The primary horse is too green for DH to ride (primary horse is only 4 and was started late because he stayed so awkward for so long), but I have lots of friends with horses he can ride so it isn't even like he couldn't ride at all.

5. I know the old horse won't know what he's missing (or not) in being euthanized earlier, and that keeping him around would be for me. I also know I shouldn't feel guilty if I do it, but that doesn't mean I won't.

Overall you guys have helped me become firmer in my mind that I should do what I feel is right, and not what DH says (I always should know that, but it's hard sometimes!). I still don't know for sure what that is, but hearing your opinions has helped me feel that whatever it is, it is doable. Thank you very much for that.

lcw579

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:39 AM

If it were me, I'd put down the old fellow. Not easy, to be sure, but you've done right by him. Let him go out on a happy and high note.

Ditto

MunchkinsMom

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:42 AM

DH wants me to euthanize the older horse so we can keep the younger one. He wants a horse he can ride, for one thing, but he also sees it in terms of value--why are we paying to feed a useless horse? He will ultimately leave it up to me, however, as I pay for the horses out of my private checking and he really doesn't ride enough to justify keeping one (we're talking 4-5 tims a year).

I think if my DH ever made that suggestion, I would hand him the phone and say, "here, you make the call to the vet and the backhoe operators and make the arrangements, and you will have to be there holding the lead as the deed is done, because I can't do it.". I'll bet he would change his tune then.

I hope the free lease thing works out for you, sounds like the best option.

county

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:44 AM

Cielo Azure

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:54 AM

I'd sell 1 or both I can't imagine killing an animal just because I don't want it any more. For food, if its sick or injured then ya I kill them but because I have no more use for it or can't afford it. Never I find the whole idea rather sick myself.

Reread the post, that wasn't what the OP was writing. She has an old year old pycho horse that is chronically lame and in pain. She can't afford him true, but this is a horse most people would have ethanized a long time ago for reasons not having to do with money (pain and behavioral issues).

A crazy horse, just like a biting dog is a liability. To keep such an animal puts your whole economic life in danger, not to mention the risk of severe injury (or death) to the innocent child who secretly wanders into the pasture, the passer-byer who happens to pet dangerous horse, the vet, the farrier, etc. A horse that is crazy is good reason enough to euthanize. If the OP has kept such a horse alive for a long time, the significant other is probably also feeling the stress of living with such an animal.

SonnysMom

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:55 AM

No county you would just auction it off and let somebody else do the deed for you via slaughter. That in my opinion is hypocritical.

county

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:56 AM

I did read it, if the owner feels the horse is a big danger I'd assume they would have killed it long before now. If it wasn't or isn't why decide to kill it now? A huge danger is just that before and now.

county

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:58 AM

Yes I'd sell it at auction and what the buyer does with it as long as its legal is their business. I do so with all my livestock regardless of species, my guess is some on here may very well have eaten some of them.

cowgirljenn

Feb. 23, 2009, 11:28 AM

If all else fails---donate to a rescue. You have other options here other than euthanasia. I understand when people go that route when they have no other options- but you have options here.

It isn't a rescue's responsibility to take in horses that people don't want or can't take care of. Rescues originally were intended to work with law enforcement on neglect and abuse cases. Many people now think our jobs are to take in every horse who doesn't have a home, but that is not so.

Most rescues are full and stay full. We rarely take in donated horses (there are a few exceptions) because we stay overly full with neglect cases.

In this case, if the older horse has abuse/mental issues and soundness issues, then putting him/her down is not the worst thing in the world.

Cielo Azure

Feb. 23, 2009, 12:00 PM

Yeh...Take that dangerous horse to auction, maybe he will get lucky and a 12 year old girl with fall in love. She will get him home and within a month end up with a concussion or a broken leg (if she is lucky).

Or donate him to rescue, and just conveniently forget about the biting/rearing/striking when you give an oral history. They will have the "experts" to deal with little behavioral issues, right?

Shudder. This happens all the time. Happens with rescues and biting dogs too.

Don't take dangerous horses to auction, ever. Oral histories don't get passed on at auctions. If a kill buyers doesn't end up with it (the best thing possible once that horse is at the auction, given its a dangerous horse), then some poor buyer will end up either hurt or having to euthanize this horse.

And don't donate them to rescue without full disclosure (which means they won't take them) or sell them or give them away without absolute full disclosures. I personally value human life more than horse life. That means the best course is probably euthanasia. To do otherwise, is sick and immoral.

But everyday, we read where people are sold or given whack job horses and everyday we read the horror stories, the broken bones and even sometimes death.

Yet some people keep passing on those pscho horses to auction and rescues! Much, much better than euthanasia (not!)!

county

Feb. 23, 2009, 12:03 PM

How dangerous is it? How many years did the OP keep this " dangerous " horse around? I have a mare here that was deemed dangerous years ago my 10 year old granddaughter rides her all over the farm.

magnolia73

Feb. 23, 2009, 12:30 PM

For food, if its sick or injured then ya I kill them but because I have no more use for it or can't afford it. Never I find the whole idea rather sick myself.

What the hell do you do if you can't afford the horse and no one else wants to afford him? Starve it? Take it to an auction where you get a few dollars so someone can load him up, and truck him to slaughter?...with the added bonus of stress of a new place and trailer ride? Or do you get the vet out and say good bye in a familiar place?

county

Feb. 23, 2009, 12:37 PM

Depends on the animal, if its a pet I shoot them then dig a hole with my backhoe and bury them. If its livestock I sell them at auction, horse, cow, pig, what ever. Some no doubt go to slaughter very rare a horse does regardless but theres a chance for sure.

magnolia73

Feb. 23, 2009, 01:01 PM

if its a pet I shoot them then dig a hole with my backhoe and bury them

? So you do believe in euthanasia vs slaughter then. What makes it different or sick if someone pays a vet to do it?

county

Feb. 23, 2009, 01:31 PM

Doesn't make it sick if a vet does it to me killing a healthy animal just to get rid of it is whats sick. A sick, injured, old animal is a different deal then a healthy one.

SonnysMom

Feb. 23, 2009, 02:55 PM

county Killing healthy young animals happens to cats and dogs in shelter all the time. Why is killing a healthy horse different than killing a nice friendly healthy cat or dog? I also know of small animal vets that will euthanize a healthy cat or dog that a family can no longer keep it.

I have a dog that no way could I send her to a shelter. She is a black 11+ year old 50lb dog that showed up 2 years ago. She has bitten me once but prior to that had threatened a number of times. Since then we have been able to manage it and she hasn't even threatened too in about 1 year. She pees in the house when there are thunderstorms. Tried to dig her way into a bedroom and damaged a carpet and has damaged a wall trying to dig out of a bedroom when she accidently got locked in (door blew shut while I wasn't home). Yeah, she is real adoptable- NOT. But she is healthy. If something were to happen that I could no longer keep her do I euthanize her or send to to a shelter where she has a "chance" she "might" be adopted? If you say euthanize why would that be different for a dog than a horse?

county I do understand that for you horses are livestock not pets but for the majority of posters these horses are hobbies and pets not our livelyhood. therefore when you post on some of these topics where somebody is asking what they should do with their pet horse and you say just treat them like a cow and send them down the river to be the next person's problem that is a bit insensitive.

county

Feb. 23, 2009, 03:34 PM

I don't like that healthy cats and dogs are killed either. Insensitive? Thats what I think people are that kill healthy horses just to get rid of them. We all have our own definition of the word.

aspenlucas

Feb. 23, 2009, 03:44 PM

I certainly think that euthing the older horse is an option that can--logically and without tremendous guilt-be on the table...but the logic of your husband kind of stinks. Neither the old nor the young horse are getting used right now. What does it matter to him? Just because something is older and not "useful" doesn't mean that it's a waste. But...I certainly would euth him before I'd go belly up, get rid of your riding horse, or euth the younger one.
I'd sell the young one and keep the older one. I am an owner of "too many" horses. I have a pony that will be 40 on April 14th, she was my first pony. I would rather never ride or show again, then put her down just because I wanted to ride and show. She would be the last horse to leave my farm. Now if she needed put down I'd do it in a heartbeat. But age is not a disease. She gave me all my basics and treated me well and I will do the same service to her, til the day she can no longer be with us. I'd not sleep at night knowing I put her down just to keep my show horses. I'd sell them first. I also don't like the thought I'll put down because someone else can't take care of my horse as good as I can. Sure you are taking a risk but death is permanent, you can't reverse it.

Blacktree

Feb. 23, 2009, 04:48 PM

I'd sell the young one and keep the older one. I am an owner of "too many" horses. I have a pony that will be 40 on April 14th, she was my first pony. I would rather never ride or show again, then put her down just because I wanted to ride and show. She would be the last horse to leave my farm. Now if she needed put down I'd do it in a heartbeat. But age is not a disease. She gave me all my basics and treated me well and I will do the same service to her, til the day she can no longer be with us. I'd not sleep at night knowing I put her down just to keep my show horses. I'd sell them first.

Ditto. I'd sell/rehome the 12yo and keep the older guy. Sometimes the logical choice isn't the one that will work for your heart.

I am so lucky that my husband realizes that if even we had to live in a tent, we'd have to sell the others and my old guy would be the one that we would keep. If we were in that situation, it would probably make 'sense' to put him down, too (he also wouldn't be one that would re-home well), and keep one of the youngsters that we could both ride/compete in the future, but I just couldn't do it.

If your older guy was hurting that would be different of course, but it sounds like he's fine now - and in contrast, the 12yo should have a good chance to find a good home w/ someone else, so I'd go that route. Especially since your Hubby could ride a friend's horse for a while, then in a few years he'll probably be fine to ride your 4yo (once he has more miles).

asterix

Feb. 23, 2009, 05:30 PM

Can't tell you what to do, although I would not euthanize a horse I COULD afford to keep who had good quality of life just because he was useless.

Is it possible to borrow a horse for your husband's occasional trail rides?

I do think this tough situation has one small upside -- it has forced you to think about your older horse's future -- there may come a time when his health is too expensive for you to maintain, and you already know it would not be fair to him (much less anyone else) to send him anywhere else. That will be a sad day for you but you should feel absolutely strong about knowing you have given him peace and comfort, and will keep doing that until he goes quietly on.

tpup

Feb. 23, 2009, 06:13 PM

I need to figure out what do with the other two. One is semi-retired. He is a rescue who endured some awful abuse in his life, and his brain is fried. He isn't too difficult to handle if you know him, but he can be very dangerous if you don't. I have always known that I would not sell him. Now he also has navicular and arthritis and is only sound for light riding. I really enjoy riding him, he is a dream under saddle for me. He is 19, and I have owned him for 6 years. His health has been declining somewhat but he is still comfortable and happy, and I think (as does my vet) that he probably has another 3-5 good years left in him at least.

Can you elaborate on the older horse's dangerous behaviour? I ask because, minus that (and it's obviously a big thing depending on how dangerous...) this is the horse I was looking for and bought a year ago. Confident, novice adult re-rider who had been in lessons for over a year - weekly, and doing free leases exercising older horses - wanted an older, been there-done that horse to learn and develop on. I found an 18 yr old, had arthritic hocks that are manageable with injections and supps, and he had a navicular change (mild) in his front left and he is fine and has been for the last year. He did end up with some major behavior issues/barn sourness but I am blessed with a great trainer/teacher who trained me through it. I am a better rider because of him and he and I now trail ride alone, with others - all happily - no more issues - and we are learning dressage and low level jumping on him and he is the BEST thing that ever happened to me. He runs to meet me at the gate!

So there could be a match out there somewhere if you give it enough time to look and look hard enough....but I'd like to know exactly what the behaviour is- does he bolt? Rear? Get pushy on the ground? I would do anything I could not to euthanize him.

Coreene

Feb. 23, 2009, 06:18 PM

The OP has, since her initial post, returned to say that she was going to keep the oldie and thinks she has a potential person to free lease the younger one.

Trevelyan96

Feb. 23, 2009, 06:22 PM

Truly, I am the type to leave it up to God and fate. Why not advertise both horses and see which one will find the best home? I think you will have less internal conflict and guilt all the way around if you know either one is going to a good home.

barrelchick00

Feb. 23, 2009, 06:24 PM

I would keep the older and sell or lease the other. I had to euthanize my 4yr old QH stud and I miss him and wish it wouldn't have had to be done. (I had no choice he had broken is hip and severed his spine) Just take your time finding that good home for the younger one. Good luck!!

SquishTheBunny

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:48 PM

Its a hard situation, and really YOU are the one who needs to make the ultimate decision. Keeping the 19 year old semi-arthritic retiree is NOT selfish if he is comfortable. IF you want to keep him versus the young one, do it!! I had an arthritic TB well into his late 20's, he was a blast to ride and I enjoyed spending every second I had with him. I have also had great horses that I never clicked with, although I miss them dearly, they were not "my" type and have gone onto better things.

But, you decide...follow your heart, not what "makes sense". Good luck with your decision!

WaningMoon

Feb. 24, 2009, 07:19 AM

I would euth the older horse and sell the 12 year old. The HORSE isn't going to know the difference if it's gone or not. Times are bad, bad, bad, and paying for upkeep on two horses that aren't being used is just not practical when it's a choice between paying the mortgage and buying food.

Practical? I would have had to give my horses up long ago if I worried about being practical. I got my mare in 1970. I had her daughter her whole life and now have had her daughter for 14 yrs. I've often went without what most would consider neccessities such as food and shelter to be able to continue keeping them and even once lived in my car for three months in the winter so they could still stay where they were. I never buy clothes and don't care. ALL I have EVER cared about was keeping my horses and keeping them properly with everything they need and more. I am almost 50 and disabled (spine) but would leave my home again in a second to make sure they had what htey need. HOpefully I won't ever have to again but I would if I had to and think nothing of it. Now that all four kids are grown it has become a bit easier so Im hopeful. But not practical and don't care to be. Just me. Ive always put any animal first, ahead of myself. And have always kept each one until they pass. I would take away from myself before I sold them for sure, no doubt there at all.