grans and horses

My old pony had to be put down when she started to lose her teeth and couldn't keep enough condition to last another winter [even though we fed her soft food with a spoon]. I've just heard of another horse that had lived all of it's life in the same field but then was found with a broken leg and had to be euthanised; when I said hoiw sad it was it was pointed out that he was beginning to get quite frail and probably would have struggled that winter. When we lost ours there was a spate of deaths from colic at the same time [winter was approaching] and the vet said it often happened at that time of year. Sometimes, with horses nature has a way of deciding for us [ours got colic three weeks before the dreaded date on the calendar when the vet was coming out] and it all happened very quickly; we reckon she did it to save us looking at the calendar with dread each day. Just enjoy Mr Grumpy and try not to worry. From a personal point of view I'd rather call the vet or the hunt out than pass a horse on as I never trusted anyone to care for her as much as I did. I daren't go near a horse market for fear of bringing one back with me these days. I never could ride, though; I just enjoyed their company and felt honoured that they let me share their strange little lives that existed in a different dimension to my own. I used to love watching their little quirks and seeing the friendships they had with the other horses.

Ahhh, horses. My Thomas was pensioned off in the 90's, lost his teeth, and had to be shot after glances from welfare - he just got too thin whatever we tried. It was a bolt gun, and totally instant, one moment alive with a twinkle in his eye, the next gravity took over and he crumpled in a heap. We've all got to go somehow. I got him from a riding stable with a reputation for gathering up the rains and belting off, as well as teaching other horses how to jump out of fields. We spent a lot of time riding the hills of Dorset.
GGD (5) loves riding and goes 2x a week, and of course wants her own pony (we have tens of cuddly ones in the bed). This happening is unlikely to impossible, so if anyone knows of a good pony sharing scheme website, or has experience of sharing/part owning with riding schools etc, please let know.
GddR

It probably was Gilly! Horses (especially Shetlands) do have a wicked sense of humour. Our old lad (looked like a cross between a Highland and a Suffolk Punch) used to creep up behind me when I was picking muck in the field and tip the barrow over. He thought it was the biggest joke out.

I like looking at horses but don't want to ride them [though I have done in the past.]Horses are very unpredictable and spook easily, and old bones don't mend like they used to.They are lovely creatures though.
I don't think that anyone should be put off owning a pet because they are getting older,nobody knows what will happen in life, and a young couple [in fact the whole family] can be wiped out by a car accident.If you want a pet, then go for it. Horses do live longer than anything else though [except a tortoise.]Hopefully Jenn you will outlive your horse anyway.
Soutra I did think of you when Mr Grumpy was mentioned I think it must be the most popular name for husbands/pets, as in ' Sometimes I wake up grumpy, and sometimes I leave him to sleep!'

Catching up with this thread again. Some of you may recall my DiL had a really nasty accident last year when she was bringing two horses in. Apparently they were rivals and one of them reared up. She ended up underneath them and had a nasty broken leg as a result, not to mention a face that looked like she had done 10 rounds with a heavy weight boxer! It didn't put her off at all (quite the contrary) she was more concerned with the horse being upset and was back to the stables (on crutches and in plaster cast) within days.

I do wish I could learn to ride although confess to being a bit useless around horses. I am not scared of them but when given a small shetland pony to "hold" a few weeks ago, the crazy little thing began walking around me in circles tying me in a knot with its lead reign. I am sure it was laughing!

I'm another one who gave up riding, very reluctantly, about 15 years ago, as a result of arthritis. I loved just being around horses, the mucking out, grooming part and also, standing in the rain/wind/any weather as my daughters learned to ride. Watching the 15 year old fly through the air one Christmas Eve, after a young horse she was bringing on got a bit over excited is one of many memories. A trip to A&E inevitably followed, and her hip still occasionally bothers her, 15 years later.

It's the possibility do live horse exports that worry me.

Like Merlot I had to give up riding ten years ago due to arthritic knees and Jenn's post on her mornings at the stable brought back wonderful memories. Loved the stable bit as much as the riding. I never saw the point of having a horse and letting someone else look after it.

Even younger horses won't be able to enter the food chin without a proven record of treatment and movement.

British people on the whole do not relish the idea of eating horses for whatever reasons. If this reluctance is overcome it will lead to horses being bred for human consumption and I would not like to see that happen.

Horses are already being being slaughtered in this country and shipped to France.

One of the experts on the programme said that it was the older ones that tasted better. Not that I'm advocating this, having been vegetarian for over 35 years.

Where Princess Anne's idea could work is with the young animals that are abandoned to starve. They wouldn't have the long history of health problems and drug use that older horses might have and could be absorbed into the food chain quite easily.

Oh jenn you have made me so jealous. Your description reminded me of everything I miss about riding - especially at this time of year.
When the time comes I am sure you will make the right decision for Mr Grumpy. I have had to say goodbye to 3 lovely ponies and know that I did the best for them all - one put to sleep, one given as a companion and one sold on. I miss them all.

I think Princess Anne was just throwing the idea into the mix. She will be well aware of drugs that are banned from the human food chain.

I think it's pretty obvious that Princess Anne really hadn't thought it through

Feasible in theory though, which is what I meant.

Crossed posts, merlot.

Actually, Ana, they seemed to come to the conclusion that it wasn't feasible at the moment because many horses do not have any record of the injections they have had, and some of the drugs that horses are given should never enter the human food chain.

It's worthy of debate. It was sensible of them to point out that older horses, the ones most likely to be abandoned, will be unsuitable candidates for the food chain because there is no way of knowing what treatment/medication they have received during their lives.

I don't like the idea of horses being bred for meat.

Well of course it's feasible. Probably wouldn't prove cost-effective in this country, though.

There's an update on Countryfile of Princess Anne's idea of eating horses and whether it's feasible.
Did any of you on here agree with the idea?

Lucky you, jenn. Arthritic knees forced me to give up riding fifteen years ago.

You're right to enjoy every minute.

just back from 4 hours at the farm ,laughed,chatted, mucked out, groomed and had a lovely ride over the moors;lambs frolicking, birds singing,cock pheasants strutting about as if they have lost something,a wonderful afternoon. My lad is sound and we had an exhilarating canter over the top of the moor ,me grinning like a Cheshire cat.
I am worried about his future and other horsey people will understand why but for now I am going to enjoy every minute!!

Redwings is a possibility perhaps as they now place horses on loan and keep a check on them. I believe there's a better chance of a sanctuary taking them if accompanied by a good donation.

I tried World Horse Welfare (ILPH) when my old boy got short of teeth so needed short grass for grazing and a special diet. I just didn't have the knowledge to keep him. I've supported them for years and had previously bee given to understand they would help. But they declined - and this was 15 years ago when the economy was better. Luckily I happened on a friend of a friend who did have the knowledge and he had a couple more years with her.

It is a worry isn't it? I think horses can get under your skin more than dogs or cats. It would be lovely if there was a Cinnamon Trust for horses.

I still miss him.

I am not a hoesey person..rather afraid of them after seeing a horse mad friend get chomped on the arm by her horse! However I would not wish them any harm and I know they bring a great deal of pleasure to many. Is your horse suitable for Riding for the Disabled? I don't really know much about this but have a former work colleague who did a lot of work with the organisation which did loads of good stuff.

Jenn (((hugs))) we know what you mean.

I think I wanted someone to say what I have been thinking, if I can't find a sanctuary(now full of cruelty cases) that having him pts would be the kinder option. It is adreadful thought but not as bad as thinking he might end up sedated and buted and then going through the horse marts!

With any luck it won't be for a long time and as long as he has his expensive 'high heels' he seems fine.

It certainly is true that they are good for ones' mental health and physical health, with 2 crazy old dogs and my Mr Grumpy I appear so sane!!
My son who lives in Poland has always called my horse 'my therapy' and he is right.