tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post5926330462035088993..comments2024-03-01T06:49:59.106-05:00Comments on Behind the Bit: Retirement thoughtsStacey Kimmel-Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498926535389535263noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-81662309462237050892011-05-26T13:19:21.991-04:002011-05-26T13:19:21.991-04:00I definitely think putting an older horse down is ...I definitely think putting an older horse down is MUCH more humane than sending them off into an unknown and uncontrollable fate. My first horse, who I still own, is 29 this year. She is healthy and I can afford to keep her on my farm for her retirement. But if there was ever any upheaval in my life that necessitated cutting back financially, she would be put down. It also states in my will Clover Ledge Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03980479474173795906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-26093666092108509452011-05-24T16:55:47.932-04:002011-05-24T16:55:47.932-04:00Most of you that claim euthanasia is "unfair&...Most of you that claim euthanasia is "unfair" have probably not watched an animal suffer a long, slow, painful, <i>preventable</i> death, thanks to a human somewhere along the way who decided A) they could not bear the thought of having them PTS, or B) to send them away so it would not be their problem. <br /><br /><a href="http://nowthatsatrot.blogspot.com/2011/04/gayles-story.html" Now Thats A Trot!https://www.blogger.com/profile/04520915591652905807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-42731034009388486242011-05-23T20:34:08.156-04:002011-05-23T20:34:08.156-04:00Shoot, my post just got eaten.
Throwleigh's s...Shoot, my post just got eaten.<br /><br />Throwleigh's site freaks me out on several levels. Their attitude towards vet bills, their lies about trees being as good as a run-in shed, their general tone of know-it-allness, and their high prices for what is basically no care are all red flags for me, and having to make an appointment to see my own horse would be a deal-breaker. <br /><br />I'Allienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-9547558791189835912011-05-23T17:24:31.302-04:002011-05-23T17:24:31.302-04:00I have to agree with Virginia and AmityBee. When y...I have to agree with Virginia and AmityBee. When you make the decision to buy a horse you know the life span, you know the riding span is shorter, and you know the responsibility you are taking on. I think it is very selfish to end your horses life (who has worked hard for you and loved you) so that you don't feel guilty about selling him. Your horse has bonded to you and relies on you. How Saranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-77684423909167019702011-05-23T09:28:34.653-04:002011-05-23T09:28:34.653-04:00Here's a shameless plug for my friend's pl...Here's a shameless plug for my friend's place Weber's Retired Horses. They are in KY and my Jow is there. I boarded with them previously before they moved down to KY. $400 more or less amonth all inclusive and the touch your horse everyday. They have just gotten into the retierment thing, but have owned many senoir horses themselves, definately not a hands off place. Thought I&#jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04931595804895656194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-61441276968288228912011-05-23T05:35:41.727-04:002011-05-23T05:35:41.727-04:00Dawn over at a Year With Horses has 3 horses retir...Dawn over at a Year With Horses has 3 horses retired at Paradigm Farms (she's in Illinois somewhere). From what I can gather from her posts about them, they offer excellent care and frequent updates for the owners. I think I'd want to keep Harv "at home" as long as I possibly could and only go the nursing home route if I absolutely had to. Change is hard enough on a younger Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17608579972739041880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-88666484245834803292011-05-23T04:30:51.157-04:002011-05-23T04:30:51.157-04:00Retirement is such an emotive and contentious issu...Retirement is such an emotive and contentious issue. <br /><br />The vets at my practice (three of whom are personal friends) are all totally anti retirement farms, believing that it's impossible to deliver an appropriate standard of care to older horses for the rates these places charge (usually about half of a normal barn for the same level of care). They'd much rather see an gemmahttp://www.almostalwaysthinking.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-77575549967157688252011-05-23T02:18:02.718-04:002011-05-23T02:18:02.718-04:00I've thought about this a lot as well. My guy ...I've thought about this a lot as well. My guy is 25 and still going strong, but I've begun exploring for his later years. I will keep him forever and work him as long as possible - whatever movement he can do, anything is better than nothing. Keeping them limber and loose is the best thing you can do. When let loose on pastures to exercise themselves, they won't, and that is why they Ashleenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-77570975779791925412011-05-22T22:40:29.794-04:002011-05-22T22:40:29.794-04:00I like the idea of Billie's. That's a reti...I like the idea of Billie's. That's a retirement village I might be willing to consider.<br /><br />First option is to keep them close, I think we all agree. I worry about passing along an old horse, particularly if they aren't suitable for riding. But mostly because of the attachment horses have to their owners.<br /><br />Here's to Harv staying home.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13104422629934443842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-87977667452753186612011-05-22T22:09:39.522-04:002011-05-22T22:09:39.522-04:00I'm with NTAT. I have an older mare who his n...I'm with NTAT. I have an older mare who his nearing her well-deserved retirement. I could never send her away. I've decided for her retirement I'm going to (and found what I think may be the right place) find a safe, large pasture, a companion buddy and over-see her care, feeding etc. completely. I actually want to care for her and be closer to her in retirement.Diligent Horsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06842243313436885304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-12977150948536455372011-05-22T21:28:19.374-04:002011-05-22T21:28:19.374-04:00Jean said what I was going to say, and I also agre...Jean said what I was going to say, and I also agree with the notion that taking a senior horse from a life he's come to know and expect and turn him out to pasture for retirement is not always the best thing.<br /><br />My two seniors (one 28 and retired from riding and one 22 and still totally sound and going strong) BOTH want to be in the barn on hot sunny days with their fans going. I havebilliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18187141867284800597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-32835480211536891232011-05-22T21:07:40.653-04:002011-05-22T21:07:40.653-04:00I agree with CFS about Throwleigh's website to...I agree with CFS about Throwleigh's website tone--definitely not comforting! The stuff about when/how horses die is just macabre and strangely put. (plus the name sounds like Throwaway!)McFawnhttp://thistimedressage.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-6237295206807492142011-05-22T20:39:10.247-04:002011-05-22T20:39:10.247-04:00I don't know. Old age does not seem like the t...I don't know. Old age does not seem like the time to make a horse stabled all his life learn to live outside in all kinds of weather. Harv runs in the heat, he runs from the bugs, he stands at the gate to come in after 4 hours (assuming no grass). He is having teeth problems and while he weight is okay, i have to watch it.Stacey Kimmel-Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08498926535389535263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-248733760378082492011-05-22T20:32:11.418-04:002011-05-22T20:32:11.418-04:00If my horse (now 16) ever becomes too much of a bu...If my horse (now 16) ever becomes too much of a burden for me to take care of but not yet ready to be put to sleep it gives me comfort that there are retirement farms where he could live out the rest of his days in peace. I believe horses are happiest and healthiest when turned out in a large pasture with buddies. Just because they may get more human interaction living in a barn isn't (in Marnie Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13241962543917686722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-10597162576225609172011-05-22T20:18:42.865-04:002011-05-22T20:18:42.865-04:00Jenny, Yes, Harv is rideable but not for beginners...Jenny, Yes, Harv is rideable but not for beginners. He's not hard but he is spooky and sometimes bolts a few strides.<br /><br />Hey Virginia, What if I lost my job? Should I give him away to anyone who would take him? Strangers who *seem* caring? Or who ARE caring but what if their finances change? How can you be SURE he'll live out his life comfortably? How will I feel if I learn he Stacey Kimmel-Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08498926535389535263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-10737168258161088562011-05-22T19:27:41.346-04:002011-05-22T19:27:41.346-04:00I frankly don't understand why you would "...I frankly don't understand why you would "put an old, but otherwise reasonably healthy horse down." <br />If's he's just old, but otherwise healthy and happy (with proper maintenance), euthanasia does seem incredibly selfish. If he's in pain or has other quality of life issues, it's an act of kindness and part of your responsibility as an owner.Virginiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09455673205388768972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-86660927691967348872011-05-22T18:50:02.511-04:002011-05-22T18:50:02.511-04:00Such a tough decision. I'm with you, I like to...Such a tough decision. I'm with you, I like to keep my horses close to me. I guess I do want that ultimate control. I want to be the one who decides when it's "time", if they don't die naturally. I just don't trust anyone else to make that decision. Who knows your horse better than you, ya know?Mikeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03574914465998507310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-24313757095578478912011-05-22T18:42:43.296-04:002011-05-22T18:42:43.296-04:00OK...Harv and you are linked through many years. I...OK...Harv and you are linked through many years. I loaned my horse to a riding teacher I knew very well with a beautiful farm for a while when I retired him from competition. In a few months it was quite obvious he was very unhappy and missed me terribly. I swore after that I'd never do that again, and paid board on him until the day I had to put him down.<br /><br />Now that I have the Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10029423500476995817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-26704262082254666362011-05-22T18:13:06.855-04:002011-05-22T18:13:06.855-04:00Have you looked at Paradigm Farms? I just read th...Have you looked at Paradigm Farms? I just read their blog, but I always enjoy Melissa's entries about the life they live with their retirees.<br /><br />http://www.retiredhorses.com/<br />http://paradigmfarms.blogspot.com/Katy C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02737841074782566941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-38252734692729529342011-05-22T17:51:14.163-04:002011-05-22T17:51:14.163-04:00It's really good to hear people considering th...It's really good to hear people considering their horse's retirement needs and trying to find better options for them than just selling them on. <br /><br />One of the things that greatly concerns me about many aspects of the horse world is the way horses are so often treated as tools. I'm a novice rider - just trails and playing around at gymkhana games but for the fun, not winning Clancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00349843561587332639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-60036300616630086602011-05-22T16:30:01.892-04:002011-05-22T16:30:01.892-04:00If Harv is sill rideable, the best thing you can d...If Harv is sill rideable, the best thing you can do for him is to keep riding him. That's better than putting him out in a field where he may or may not regularly exercise himself. I think you are right in realizing he likes you and the routine you have--often completely retired horses don't live long. Dressage keeps horses young, and I sometimes think people retire horses that can McFawnhttp://www.thistimedressage.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-38633916038561425002011-05-22T15:54:40.394-04:002011-05-22T15:54:40.394-04:00Your link to Throwleigh Farm didn't work. I go...Your link to <a href="http://throwleighfarm.com/" rel="nofollow">Throwleigh Farm</a> didn't work. I googled them - have to say I don't care at all for the tone of their website. Ryerss sounds better.<br /><br />You might look at <a href="http://www.retiredhorses.com/" rel="nofollow">Paradigm Farms</a>, located in Tennessee. They have a <a href="http://paradigmfarms.blogspot.com/" rel="Calm, Forward, Straighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08360276614916635500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-83676348550830405142011-05-22T15:39:14.407-04:002011-05-22T15:39:14.407-04:00I've been through this, in theory and in reali...I've been through this, in theory and in reality. This quote says it better than I ever could:<br /><br />"You become responsible forever, for what you have tamed." Antoine de Saint-Exupery<br /><br />(And for me this quote excludes the "final option" as well.)<br /><br />AmityBeeAmityBeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00537632561573900898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-28846813742330939082011-05-22T15:25:01.666-04:002011-05-22T15:25:01.666-04:00We are lucky to have a few farms that help out wit...We are lucky to have a few farms that help out with our program, and pasture-board the old, unrideable horses at a lower cost. The lower maintenance ones go out to live at pasture, and anyone who needs more special attention goes to a facility where they can get it. It's nice that the horses can live out there days in a quiet, caring environment.<br /><br />That said, I could never send my Now Thats A Trot!https://www.blogger.com/profile/04520915591652905807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317822193674196694.post-42713479669083780982011-05-22T15:16:15.981-04:002011-05-22T15:16:15.981-04:00Is Harv still rideable?
If so... a lot of older ho...Is Harv still rideable?<br />If so... a lot of older horses are very good mounts for people just learning to ride, or people who just want a very dependable horse that isn't going to leap 6 ft in the air when a leaf falls from a tree!<br />If you found someone who would be interested riding him, even just a couple days a week, they could help pay for part of his board... and he could continueAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com