Horse to go?

anniestar

Sorry the ILPH has changed its name to world horse rescue(doh shows how much notice I take of my mail:o ) The number is 01953 498682. They WILL help and the facilities are second to none. Good luck and do take care of yourself as well.

ANY_CHANCE

I have sent the following emails to ILPH and Redwings


I am writing in the hope that you could help me find a solution for my horse.

I have had my horse Jim for 11 years he is 16 now.
Origionally mum bought him for me as she was terminally ill, she paid for him with her compensation money and paid for his livery, all was well untill she died in 2000. Even though i did not want to i knew i would have to sell him. When i tried to sell him (as i knew i could not afford him) he failed the vetting due to an Atrial fibrilation arrythmia. He was treated for this and the treatment was successful. As mum had bought him for me i have to admit i was pleased he didnt go, i loved him very much and he did help me get through the horrendous experience of losing her.

He is a wonderful horse, we competed at many disciplines and he was especially successful in affiliated dressage working at advanced level and gaining points at advanced medium level.

After a few years, having 3 children and increasing debt problems i am unable to pay for him it is breaking my heart to think of parting with him but i dont know what else i can do.

I sent him to a college but he did not look happy and it did not suit him and problems with soundness started to occur (the did use him one lesson after the other)
I tried to sell him 18 months ago but again he failed the vet.
I seems i cannot sell him as he sustained an injury to his near fore. A splint now interferes with his suspensory ligament and so him way of moving is affected. He has also thrown big golf ball sized splints on the off fore. He has some OCD in joints.

Do you have any advice as to what i could do in this situation?
I dont want to take him to a market for him to to end up abused somewhere, i would be greatful for any advice/help you could offer

Yours sincerely

anniestar

Both me and my DH are sat here in tears. Your beloved Jim is lucky to have such a loving and caring owner..

ANY_CHANCE

Thanks for the kind words

i feel a bit c**p really, like i have let him down

he deserves a good home for a special horse

Fancy

ANY_CHANCE wrote: »

Thanks for the kind words

i feel a bit c**p really, like i have let him down

he deserves a good home for a special horse

Dear Any Chance, Don't be too hard on yourself. It sounds as though your horse has enjoyed years of good care thanks to you and here you are still doing your best for him:A
I hope ILPH can take him for you as they are wonderful. I visited one of their farms last year and it was very impressive, and the staff are so knowledgeable and good.
I recently had to give my Irish mare away for health reasons (mine!) thankfully she went to a person I know and trust. Sorry I can't be more help but just want to send you good wishes....

paxton_3

ANY_CHANCE wrote: »

Thanks for the kind words

i feel a bit c**p really, like i have let him down

he deserves a good home for a special horse

AC you most certainly HAVE NOT let him down. You could easily do the selfish thing and try to keep him but you are thinking of him and the care he needs and are therefore putting your feelings aside to do WHAT'S BEST FOR HIM.

Have you considered putting him out on long term loan as a field companion ? You could write up a loan agreement document for the new carers and stipulate that he should only be used as a field companion and not ridden then his injuries shouldn't (I presume) cause him a problem. That way he would still legally be your horse still but the new carers would take on all financial responsibility for him. My friend has just got a horse on loan as she needed a companion for her ex racer and has this type of agreement with the horse's actual owner.

I really feel for you and the reason I'm starting to sort my finances out starting today is to avoid ever being in the same situation myself as I have a horse that costs me a fortune each month.

(((((BIG HUGS))))) to you Any Chance

Mabelicious_2

Oh that's so sad

You're doing the best thing for him and you're not gong to let him go to just anyone. As long as you thoroughly vet whoever takes him you are doing what needs doing out of unconditional love.

I can't imagine anything more heartbreaking. The absolute best of luck to you nd Jim.

scottishsuz

Hi,

Sorry to hear your in a bit of a stick with your horse just now. I'm only just taking one on and wondering how the hell I'm going to afford it....porridge for breakfast, lunch and dinner :-)

Have you considered loaning him? If you draw up a robust enough agreement you should be ok? If you put a clause in stating that the horse remains where he is you can still see him.

Or do you know anyone who is looking for a part share, though this can throw up lots of problems if you get a bad sharer. I've shared a couple of times, you would need to set really clear boundries. I found sharing for set days worked for me. Set out *exactly* what you'd like them to pay and the do's and don'ts with your horse. Would someone paying the shoes be enough to keep your head above water for example. From my own experience, communication is the key in good sharing, I shared with one lady who *never* told me when she'd changed her horses feed, though it was usually me who suggested cutting it back because the horse was turning into a fat pie!

There are really good charities out there if they are not options, a friend of mine has her horse at one, its not rideable (really bad back issues), and she's more than happy with the arrangement and her horse seems happy too.

Good luck, hope things work out for you.

Suz
x

ANY_CHANCE

Hello

Thanks for the ideas folks

I did try to share him once but i think you have to be really lucky to get an experienced, knowledgable sharer that you get on with and that will pay. The lady who came to ride him seemed fine with her riding but a little nervous when he got a bit pushy on the ground(then he started to take the michael!)

Also when the ponies broke through the fencing and got into his field she turned him in there anyway - then he got a knock (probably from bossing the new found friends in the field!)

She brought him in and rode him not noticing that he was lame and his leg was inflammed. It not her fault - she just didnt know but from that experience i would find it difficult to loan him.

Also due to his legs i am not sure how much hacking/work he would stand up to. Although he is good he can be strong and will try to bolt in certain situations so again getting someone involved would be difficult.

I had thought of finding someone who wants a companion but the vet has advised me that he really needs to be part stabled to rest his leg (with the suspensory prob). Now i havnt tried to let him live out but my gut feeling is that it would not be in his best interests considering his legs/ feet.

Ideally i would love him to go to a charity where he would be looked after and when he is sound to do some light work with experienced people.

Everyone at the college he was at loved him and all wanted him - he is lovely

ANY_CHANCE

Thought i would post a pici of him





oops that doesnt work any tips??

<a href="http://s330.photobucket.com/albums/l411/Megupipe/?action=view&current=img042.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l411/Megupipe/img042.jpg" border="0" alt="Jim"></a>