I have two horses. One is perfect for me, a dressage schoolmaster, the other is more spicy than I need in my life now. Mr spicy hates the arena and is happiest on the trails. I love him, he’s a wonderful, funny, quirky and athletic horse. He can be a handful and he’s not the right horse for me at this stage of my life. I’m too old for a handful. He didn’t sell because his rads had very mild navicular changes, which vet felt were normal for his age (13) and work history (raced until he was 10) I decided to give him to the barn vet, who will trail ride him and give him a forever home at her beautiful farm. I know this is the best for all concerned, he’ll have a job he likes. Vet is picking him up tomorrow. I had a lovely last trail ride on him today then spent time hand grazing him. And I still have my heart horse, the schoolmaster. But I feel so sad. I don’t know what I’m looking for from the hive, maybe just others who have gone through similar and can sympathize.
That sounds like an amazing landing for him! When I went to college, my dad’s hygienist had horses and a small barn at home. She said she would take my mare so we just sold her for $1. That family ended up having her well longer than I did and she lived into her early 30’s. She rode her every now and again, her kids learned how to ride on her, but otherwise she had the life of leisure snd pasture. They made me a bracelet with her tail hair when she passed.
At the time, I had zero appreciation how lucky I was. Now, I’m SO thankful she got to live her life out with them. It sounds like your guy will live his days out pretty happy too 
He will live out his days happy and I just need to focus on that. thanks for the reminder.
My current riding horse was a gift from a friend.
She’d had him 6yrs, guesstimated his age as 13 when she gave him to me in 2015.
She bought him from an Asshat who had him on the MI Coast to Coast ride. Underweight & with saddle galls. 
She’d trailrode & horsecamped with him all over the Midwest, then had an accident that left her unable to ride.
Gift came with the proviso that if it didn’t work for me, I’d bring him back.
He’s still here 
Now the Boss of my “herd” of 3.
A benevolent dictator who shares his stall with the other 2 - 13h pony & 34" mini.
All 3 were in one just now when I went out for nightcheck.
You found your mare a good home.
That’s the best we can do if we can’t keep them ourselves.
You have given a wonderful gift - to him, and to your vet. 
I sold a horse who wasn’t right for me and I cried a lot to come to that conclusion. It was very hard for me despite us not being a match made in heaven. He was also a quirky guy but I loved him a lot.
5 years water he lives 30 min from me- his owner tracked me down and I visited him last year. Knowing he found his place brings me a great deal of peace.
You will have your moments of sadness and giving up “what could be”, but it sounds like horse is in a perfect situation. Kudos to you for finding this happy trails ending for him.
Every time I’ve leased out a horse that wasn’t a good fit for me, I’ve felt terrible for a few days beforehand. But then I see how happy the new rider is and that my horse is thriving and remember that sometimes the best thing to do for a horse is find it a person who loves them for who they are.
My unicorn horse was given to me because she became unsuitable with her previous owner. She has been my War Horse, an amazing mare!!
I hope the horse your vet took from you creates the same memories for her. ((Hugs))
Many on here have been where you are and we understand. You know he is going to a great home but yes, it still hurts to let them go.
I too have had to rehome a horse due to life circumstances. He went to my neighbor across the street to be her Mom’s horse. When she could no longer ride at all, he went with a young horse as a companion. He was the DH trail horse. He lived longer with them than he did wit me and died at age 33.
He was much loved by all❤️. I always knew where he was and would have been removed promptly if he wasn’t a happy boy.
thank you everyone, for your understanding and kindness. It means alot.
You are anticipating missing his familiat presence, and if course you will.
Hopefully once he’s in his new home, what you will be feeling is relief, for you and him. Knowing he is well placed, and you have resolved this worry.
You’ve done a great thing for him, you’ve made a hard decision in his best interests, as well as yours. Wishing you feelings of peace and comfort going forward.
you got it. every time I walk by his empty stall I feel a little sad. I also know he is making new friends at an 80 acre farm w huge fields and 24/7 turnout, so he’s in heaven.
Actually, my horse might want to join him there. jk! or not 
