grans and horses

Jenn, there seems to be increasing 'scientific' evidence about the benefits of horses to the mental health of humans. (recent research, Washington University ) This isn't news to those of us who have spent time with these wonderful animals.
Is Mr Grumpy always grumpy, or is it possible he could retire to one of the therapeutic centres? A local psychologist uses horses in some of her therapy.

Sorry to hear it's navicular Jenn, as you say expensive to treat in terms of special shoeing and drugs. Is he on Bute?

I know how much we love our animals and how much he must mean to you, so I didn't make my suggestion lightly. But as you say you'll have him for a good few years yet so enjoy one another.

thanks for the messages.He has navicular which at the moment is not a problem but probably will be in the future. I hope to have him for a few years yet but it's only a matter of time and I do think about it now as I know what an awful life some horses have .

It's good to have a back-up plan but you may live to a sprightly 102 and Mr Grumpy may not. My daughter's darling pony died very suddenly at 20. My brother wouldn't get a new cat at 55 "in case she outlives us".
I'm not giving up pets until I'm incapable of looking after them.

Soutra

Soutra

<wipes brow>

Sharing is a good idea.

(Not sure about Mr Soutra though)

If anybody would like my Mr Grumpy I might even offer a little inducement to take him away! Oh yours is a horse? OK arent there any mad keen Pony Club members who would like him on loan? Or else just keep him as a pet with the occasional hack out. Her Maj manages at 88.(my Mr Grumpy also available on loan- still trying)

Still think it's worth asking the sanctuaries first! You never know until you ask, and as you're not looking to rehome him yet......

Another option is to advertise for someone to share him now. That works quite well where I live, and you never know, you might find a young active rider who can't afford the time or expense of a horse at the moment, but who could get to know him and eventually who knows?

I also thought that[doing a lot of that this afternoon] although it would be horrid to do it .
You would be sure that no harm could befall him !

I do agree Aka but was reluctant to say it. It's what I would do with my old retired boy when I'm no longer able to care for him. He's very ancient now but healthy thank goodness

A 'nightmare in traffic' rules out selling him on.

I agree yoga unless it's someone you know and trust and he's only 'on loan'. I personally think it's sometimes kinder, especially if you don't have the facilities or the money to pension a horse off, to have it put down.

I have to admit I thought that as well, it would be terrible if your darling horse was not well treated at the end of his life !

The problem with sending him off as a companion Aka is that you have no guarantee that he will be properly looked after

Sorry jenn - I didn't mean to sound so negative, I've been involved with horses all my life. The current financial climate means that lots of healthy horses have been put down or even abandoned. The poor weather that we had last winter, together with the rising cost of feed, hay and bedding has also put a lot of people off riding. It's becoming a huge problem.

Yes, the horse sanctuaries are overflowing. You may just have to pension him off, or advertise him free as a field companion. What exactly is his foot problem?

The horse sanctuaries are overflowing with horses and very unwilling to take on any more generally

Oh jenn I do hope you don't live anywhere near the North East. My DDiL is a sucker for unwanted, unloved, uncared for horses (and of course those that the owner can no longer look after).

I think its fantastic that you ride jenn and am so jealous. My grandchildren all ride very well and have done since they could barely sit up. I really wish I had learned.

As nightowl suggested I agree that its worth contacting a horse sanctuary and asking the question. Also (I don't know your private finances) could you offer a small amount of money to them in return for Mr Grumpy's keep?

Hi jenn, how lovely to have a horse and time to spend with him! I would love to take up riding again if I only had the time. Have you thought of contacting some of the horse sanctuaries to see whether they can advise you about the future, and whether they would perhaps be willing to offer to rehome your horse if and when the time comes? I can understand you wanting to enjoy him without worrying about the future.