Horses!

[paintedChix]

Well, sadly, this summer I had to say goodbye to my two oldsters.

Komet my former eventer was 31, with Cushing's, cataracts and arthritis. He finally got to the point where he couldn't get up and down in spite of pain medication, his rear suspensory ligaments could not support him any more. He just stood in one place in the pasture, and having been his person since he was a baby, I listened to what he was telling me - he was ready to go.
At the same vet appointment, Fiona (27 OTTB) who already had heart valve insufficiency and a benign thyroid tumor, was diagnosed with EOTRH, which caused gum pustules and was painful for her. Some horses with this can get their incisors removed and do well, but with Fiona's other health issues and her age, I didn't think it would be fair to her to put her through a major surgery. So after taking a couple weeks to decide (wanted to wait until I was less emotional after euthanizing Komet) I let Fiona go, too.
Both of their deaths were very calm and peaceful. One second eating treats from my hand, the next second gone.

That is soooo hard!

I don't remember ever have to face this as a youngster, maybe because most of ours then were younger & either sold as we moved or given as gifts. My parents DID have to deal w/ this, both with thier personal horses & w/ horses they had on the 10,000+ acre MT ranch step dad managed & mom cooked for, for many years.

Heart felt hug going out to you!!

Be prepared, sad may hit at the most in-oportune moments. At that time, take a deep breath, and concentrate on remembering the good times.

I am not a fan of the saying "Time heals all things", as each person grieves in thier own way. Time DOES blunt the pain, especially as you concentrate on the good times with your special horses. But a sound, a smell, someone saying something (doesn't have to be the "wrong thing") - can bring the pain back. Again, remember the "sweet" times.

Maybe, later in time, you can share with the various groups whose horses share similar issues. How you dealt w/ the issues. And how, when both you & your horses were ready, you let them go peacefully. It's amazing how sharing that helps not only the group but you as well...

 

[Folly's place]

I'm so sorry, it was time, but still very sad.
One of my mares, age 25, has this same incisor issue, and I've been very reluctant to have the surgery done, in part because of the aftercare necessary, and because she's eating fine, in fact, on the 'large' side just on pasture. And the cost, although I'm trying to not let that be the #1 issue. Any advice? Anyone?
Mary

 

[littledog]

I didn't want to quit riding, but was dreading shopping for a new horse! Discussing business things with the barn owner, like, "it's not the end of the month, how much do I still owe, minus hay? I know you can't save my stall, but can you keep me at the front of the waiting list? Can I keep my tack shed, because I will be getting a new horse!"

(All you folks are "animal people" so you're probably familiar with what happens when you have to put your elderly cat or dog to sleep - two weeks later a stray shows up at your back door, or on your local rescue's website, who turns out to be your next perfect best buddy.)

My barn owner just happened to have the perfect horse for me. I definitely had misgivings because she's 26, but the owner gave me a month's trial, an appropriate price, and a 3-month take-back clause. Her PPE was amazing, as I expected after having ridden her for several weeks. The vet said her level of soundness was typical of a 15-year-old!

Princess Isis is a chestnut Oldenburg mare who did Dressage and jumping in her younger years, until their daughter left for college. Then they bred some foals from her and rode her on the trails a few times a month. She is lovely to ride, whether on the trails, doing dressage, low jumping, or just hacking around the farm.

Today they gave me her registration papers, and I flipped out - her sire is Ideal, an Oldenburg stallion who had a Breyer modeled after him! And the person who bred her is a well-known Dressage judge, who judged me and my boy Komet many times in the 90's and early 00's!

At the beginning of this year, us folks in this thread shared our goals for the year, so here are my new ones:

Princess Isis and I are going to keep schooling and understanding each other through this summer and fall, doing dressage, low jumping and trail riding. We might go to some schooling shows this fall, doing whatever she enjoys. Next Spring, we'll do some dressage shows and some low-level Events, maybe Recognized ones if they're fun for her.

My main goal, is to achieve our Century Medal in Dressage. Which is for a horse and rider whose combined age adds up to 100. We'll qualify in 2029.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I didn't want to quit riding, but was dreading shopping for a new horse! Discussing business things with the barn owner, like, "it's not the end of the month, how much do I still owe, minus hay? I know you can't save my stall, but can you keep me at the front of the waiting list? Can I keep my tack shed, because I will be getting a new horse!"

(All you folks are "animal people" so you're probably familiar with what happens when you have to put your elderly cat or dog to sleep - two weeks later a stray shows up at your back door, or on your local rescue's website, who turns out to be your next perfect best buddy.)

My barn owner just happened to have the perfect horse for me. I definitely had misgivings because she's 26, but the owner gave me a month's trial, an appropriate price, and a 3-month take-back clause. Her PPE was amazing, as I expected after having ridden her for several weeks. The vet said her level of soundness was typical of a 15-year-old!

Princess Isis is a chestnut Oldenburg mare who did Dressage and jumping in her younger years, until their daughter left for college. Then they bred some foals from her and rode her on the trails a few times a month. She is lovely to ride, whether on the trails, doing dressage, low jumping, or just hacking around the farm.

Today they gave me her registration papers, and I flipped out - her sire is Ideal, an Oldenburg stallion who had a Breyer modeled after him! And the person who bred her is a well-known Dressage judge, who judged me and my boy Komet many times in the 90's and early 00's!

At the beginning of this year, us folks in this thread shared our goals for the year, so here are my new ones:

Princess Isis and I are going to keep schooling and understanding each other through this summer and fall, doing dressage, low jumping and trail riding. We might go to some schooling shows this fall, doing whatever she enjoys. Next Spring, we'll do some dressage shows and some low-level Events, maybe Recognized ones if they're fun for her.

My main goal, is to achieve our Century Medal in Dressage. Which is for a horse and rider whose combined age adds up to 100. We'll qualify in 2029.

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats.

 

[Folly's place]

Fantastic! So impressive, and great to find the perfect horse so fast.
I gave up riding when my 'steady eddy' mare died, and I had sweet young things, green broke, athletic, and the ground gets harder every year, at least for me.
Mary

 

[ChickQueen77]

Have you read the Bonnie (Sunbonnet stories?

View attachment 4199282View attachment 4199283

I have read all of them. They are one of my favorite book sets

 

[littledog]

Hours on a lounge line or in a round pen w/o stirrups or reins, learning to follow horses' moves...

That's the kind of lesson I want! Yell at me about my position, make me sweat. Just to get my balance, fitness and independent seat back, it's the fastest way. But I can't find a trainer who will do that.

I'm so sorry, it was time, but still very sad.
One of my mares, age 25, has this same incisor issue, and I've been very reluctant to have the surgery done, in part because of the aftercare necessary, and because she's eating fine, in fact, on the 'large' side just on pasture. And the cost, although I'm trying to not let that be the #1 issue. Any advice? Anyone?
Mary

I know, the cost, we feel guilty but let's be real - it is a definite factor and makes a difference for all of us non-billionaires, who care for our horses every bit as much.
Just because she's eating and maintaining her weight, doesn't mean eating is not painful for her. And the aftercare is a lot of work.
Making the decision about whether to get the surgery done or not, I would consider if she has any other health issues? Anything that would put her at risk for the surgery? If not, what I've heard from people who've chosen surgery with no other co-morbidities is that they do really well.