Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to The Outside Course!

You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features!

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Family members, horses, small vent...
Topic Started: Jun 9 2009, 01:24 PM (829 Views)
FlashGordon
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Oh trust me guys, I barely speak to her anymore. I was so upset, all the way around, that I pretty much stopped dealing with her after that. I see her at family parties and that's about it. I used to ask about Bear when I did see her, but she never had any news, so I stopped... but then at my grandma's party last week she volunteered the info that she'd gotten an email about him, etc.

I don't think anyone really understood why I was so upset about it... since it was "just a horse." But when I put it into monetary terms-- that I had paid his board, shoeing, vet, worming, etc. for several years-- That was several thousand a year, for 4 years. And it wasn't like I could even ride him.... so once I explained it like that... my mom and grandma finally "got it."

Poor Bear. :(
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
CDE Driver
Member Avatar
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Oh Flashy, my heart breaks and my blood boils for you! There is a special place in heaven for people like you. Likewise for your Aunt, although not in Heaven.

I have three here that are over 20. I have such a soft spot for the oldsters.

One grand old man that was an upper level dressage horse and an amazing driving horse. Last summer he came out of retirement and he and my Mother did a driving performance to music at a big show (their combined ages were over 100) and got a standing ovation. :clap: :clap:

One is a wise and kindly mare that is the consummate baby sitter. She is an amazing gal, beloved by all. So sweet and knowing. :hug:

Another is a Morgan mare in her late 20's. Chronic founder, cushings, you name it. She is a client's horse, but I look out for her like she is my own. She does well in her tennies! :)

If anyone of them were looking like they were going to be sold I would pawn my wedding ring to save them! And then rip the heart out of the person that was going to send them away from the world that they have known for years :argh: :argh: :argh:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
MissBri
Member Avatar
But, I don't care - it's 5:00 somewhere
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
hugs :hug: :hug: :hug: for you

and :mallet: :mallet: :mallet: :mallet: :mallet: for your inconsiderate, insensitive, and miserable excuse of an aunt.......


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
SnackPack
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Trialbyfire
Jun 10 2009, 12:52 PM
Copper Leaf
Jun 10 2009, 08:16 AM
It really bugs me when folks don't want to take care of their aged horses... especially the ones they have had practically their whole lives.
I agree. So many ads out there for "old, retired, companion horses" and when you read the ad you basically know the story: horse is no longer useful, and owner wants room/money/time for something better/more fun/healthier. Trading in for the new model, so to speak.

What kills me most is the "to good home only" part. Meaning....?.....someone who won't dump him because he's too old/useless? Like...YOU? :no:

You know, I've been thinking about this.

While I totally agree that dumping a horse just because it's old/whatever is wrong...I don't think it hurts to put feelers out. There may be a 'good home someone' out there looking for just that sort of horse. Just because a horse is no longer able to do what I want to do, doesn't mean it can't do anything at all. And yes, the elusive person who just wants a companion horse or even a 'my pretty pony' is out there. If Show couldn't ever be in work again, I would look for that type of home. He is really rewarding as a MPP. :teehee: In fact, I think it's his goal in life.

I do think if you find that situation that you have to have a contingency for when/if the horse is no longer wanted by that person. But there's no harm in looking to see if someone with a different agenda for horse ownership is out there and would fit with your older/whatever horse.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
goodhors
We're on a bridge, Chaaaaaaaaarlie!
[ *  *  *  * ]
Even with contracts, doing your homework to find the "Nice" home, people do what they want with the old horses. They disappear, get sold anyway, or are not cared for as agreed or to your standards.

Sorry, I would not let one of my old horses go off the farm unless it was to my best friend's house. She takes care of them like I do and is trustworthy to do as she says she will.

Have heard too many horror stories about missing horses, who went to places to live out their time, came up missing or found in horrible condition when someone got time to go visit them later on. If one of mine can't stay for some reason, I would have them put down instead. Certainly a horse I had owned for many years would not leave the farm, ESPECIALLY if he was less than fully usable. Just asking to put him in a bad situation. Guess I am just a very suspicious person. Better off dead than abused, is how I think. No chance of bad stuff happening to one of mine. I will know he went easily.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
jillincolorado
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
SnackPack
Jun 11 2009, 09:37 AM
Trialbyfire
Jun 10 2009, 12:52 PM
Copper Leaf
Jun 10 2009, 08:16 AM
It really bugs me when folks don't want to take care of their aged horses... especially the ones they have had practically their whole lives.
I agree. So many ads out there for "old, retired, companion horses" and when you read the ad you basically know the story: horse is no longer useful, and owner wants room/money/time for something better/more fun/healthier. Trading in for the new model, so to speak.

What kills me most is the "to good home only" part. Meaning....?.....someone who won't dump him because he's too old/useless? Like...YOU? :no:

You know, I've been thinking about this.

While I totally agree that dumping a horse just because it's old/whatever is wrong...I don't think it hurts to put feelers out. There may be a 'good home someone' out there looking for just that sort of horse. Just because a horse is no longer able to do what I want to do, doesn't mean it can't do anything at all. And yes, the elusive person who just wants a companion horse or even a 'my pretty pony' is out there. If Show couldn't ever be in work again, I would look for that type of home. He is really rewarding as a MPP. :teehee: In fact, I think it's his goal in life.

I do think if you find that situation that you have to have a contingency for when/if the horse is no longer wanted by that person. But there's no harm in looking to see if someone with a different agenda for horse ownership is out there and would fit with your older/whatever horse.
You would be surprised how truly difficult it is to find a great home for a retired horse. TRULY difficult. Responsible, caring folks are the exception rather than the rule.

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Trialbyfire
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
SnackPack
Jun 11 2009, 09:37 AM
You know, I've been thinking about this.

While I totally agree that dumping a horse just because it's old/whatever is wrong...I don't think it hurts to put feelers out. There may be a 'good home someone' out there looking for just that sort of horse. Just because a horse is no longer able to do what I want to do, doesn't mean it can't do anything at all.
I don't disagree, but I'm really talking mostly about those horrid Craigslist ads where the person actually says things like "have a new younger horse that needs training and just don't have the space!" :argh: Not too long ago I saw an ad for a 28 year old horse and they wanted $1500. I realize many 28 year old horses are still very rideable, but I think most people are unlikely to take a 28 year old horse, let alone pay for one.

I have two horses on my property that I board for *free* (both owners provide a service in trade instead of actual money)....I am the type that could take a retiree. So I can imagine being that soft landing for an older horse, but even I would be pretty unwilling to just take someone else's elderly horse (off Craigslist) unless they were really special. Done right it could work....but I wonder how often it does. :no:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
SnackPack
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
jillintexas
Jun 15 2009, 12:30 PM
SnackPack
Jun 11 2009, 09:37 AM
Trialbyfire
Jun 10 2009, 12:52 PM
Copper Leaf
Jun 10 2009, 08:16 AM
It really bugs me when folks don't want to take care of their aged horses... especially the ones they have had practically their whole lives.
I agree. So many ads out there for "old, retired, companion horses" and when you read the ad you basically know the story: horse is no longer useful, and owner wants room/money/time for something better/more fun/healthier. Trading in for the new model, so to speak.

What kills me most is the "to good home only" part. Meaning....?.....someone who won't dump him because he's too old/useless? Like...YOU? :no:

You know, I've been thinking about this.

While I totally agree that dumping a horse just because it's old/whatever is wrong...I don't think it hurts to put feelers out. There may be a 'good home someone' out there looking for just that sort of horse. Just because a horse is no longer able to do what I want to do, doesn't mean it can't do anything at all. And yes, the elusive person who just wants a companion horse or even a 'my pretty pony' is out there. If Show couldn't ever be in work again, I would look for that type of home. He is really rewarding as a MPP. :teehee: In fact, I think it's his goal in life.

I do think if you find that situation that you have to have a contingency for when/if the horse is no longer wanted by that person. But there's no harm in looking to see if someone with a different agenda for horse ownership is out there and would fit with your older/whatever horse.
You would be surprised how truly difficult it is to find a great home for a retired horse. TRULY difficult. Responsible, caring folks are the exception rather than the rule.

Actually, it doesn't surprise me at all. I have up close and personal experience with just how difficult it is to find a good home for a retired horse. BUT there are some out there. I don't think everyone who is looking for a home for a retired horse is necessarily a horrible person.

Also, my definition of retired might not match someone else's. If I have a retired jumping horse that is safe and sound on the trails, why is it such a bad thing to find a trail home for it?

I go back and forth on the issue. I've seen a lot of the picture...but thankfully not the truly awful. I think about Show's future if he doesn't maintain soundness (he is sound now, but hasn't really been put back to full work yet). Is it better for me to put him down at 11 or keep him for the next 20 years as a pasture ornament? I really don't know what I will do at this point. I've known people who have done both, and I don't respect the euthansia person any less than I do the pasture ornament person. I've also know a few people who have given away light use horses...one is still doing just fine. The other is up as a giveaway on dreamhorse. :no:

I guess I'm just saying that I don't think there is one absolute answer to this difficult situation.
Edited by SnackPack, Jun 15 2009, 04:22 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Trialbyfire
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
SnackPack
Jun 15 2009, 04:19 PM
I guess I'm just saying that I don't think there is one absolute answer to this difficult situation.
Very true, and I am totally in support of those people who do figure out a plan for their horses before they are old and unsound. I was definitely looking for an older, been there, done that type for this year....and have put it off because I didn't find what I was looking for. I would buy an 18-20 year old that is not sound for heavy work or big jumps, or whos owner is looking down the road and wants to find them their next home sooner, rather than later. What I found most often was the horse that should have been retired at 19 but was now 26 and not even pasture sound. Or, I found a number of decent prospects but the owners wanted to free lease them instead of sell. And I can respect that they weren't dumping their horse, but I didn't want to have to deal with another owner, especially for an aged horse. (Maybe a lease to own situation would have been better, for me, anyway).

Anyway, long way of saying, I think the responsible horse owner can find many options for their horse if they think about it in advance and do some research.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
FlashGordon
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Snacky I do agree that re-homing a horse can be perfectly acceptable. I've HAD to do it a few times over the years. Two went to friends-- one was my retired children's hunter, he lived out his days and passed at my friend's place. The other was 5 when I gave her to my other friend and she is still in that home, 8 years later. The third was my project pony and as we all know from my posts about him the last 2 years, finding him the appropriate home was the most difficult, even after vetting several homes and trying him in a few different situations.

There's nothing wrong with trying to find a suitable home for a horse. I did learn with project pony though, that even in doing all the homework and checking references, things can go horribly awry. The first two horses went to people (ammies) I knew very well. Project pony went to two different acquaintances (both pros). Maybe that was the difference? I don't know.

My beef with my aunt was her whole mentality.... she left the horse with me for several years, and then just up and sold him. As if he were still hers. And while we had no contract, I guess I'd sort of considered him mine.... in the sense that if she wanted to rehome him or do something else with him, I assumed I would be consulted, since I had paid his bills and more importantly, because I loved him too....

Rehabbing Windsor has given me a new perspective on old horses. He is a horse who is beautifully put together, and has some really solid training on him. He's trained to 2nd level at least, best we can figure. And up until last year was jumping around 3' courses without blinking an eye. Prior to the neglect, no soundness issues, no health issues, no vices. He just kept getting downgraded, over and over, and no one stepped up to say hey wait a minute.... That is what scares me! He is a quality horse with no apparent flaws and he still ended up nearly dead in a field.

Anyway... I am rambling now..... but selling a horse is not a bad thing. Re-homing is not a bad thing. It all depends on the people involved.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
MissBri
Member Avatar
But, I don't care - it's 5:00 somewhere
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
FlashGordon
Jun 15 2009, 06:57 PM
Anyway... I am rambling now..... but selling a horse is not a bad thing. Re-homing is not a bad thing. It all depends on the people involved.
I wholeheartedly agree with your statement

In my eyes/world you most definittely SHOULD have been - at the very least - consulted before the old horse was sold.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
hijumpin1
Member Avatar
Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back.
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
So sorry, you've got a good heart.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
SnackPack
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
FlashGordon
Jun 15 2009, 06:57 PM
My beef with my aunt was her whole mentality.... she left the horse with me for several years, and then just up and sold him. As if he were still hers. And while we had no contract, I guess I'd sort of considered him mine.... in the sense that if she wanted to rehome him or do something else with him, I assumed I would be consulted, since I had paid his bills and more importantly, because I loved him too.... .
FG: I think you have a major beef with your aunt. :yes: What she did was awful. I just sort of went off on a generalized tangent because of TBF's statement. I know what she was saying, and I do agree, but I also think there's another side and that not every person looking for a good home for an older horse is dumping it.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · The Barn Aisle · Next Topic »
Add Reply