[QUOTE=Hermein;8392167]
Yes, he does trim his own horses feet. I’ve never witnessed this, but really can’t imagine why he hasn’t been kicked to the moon. He was using garden shears.[/QUOTE]
To be fair, garden shears are used to trim small ruminant feet. No excuse for not researching hoof trimming in horses, but maybe that’s where he got the idea?
Update: they are making accommodations to have the mare euthanized in the near future. They have some calls in with neighbors who have the equipment to dig a hole big enough. They spoke with the vet and he concurs that it wouldn’t be a bad choice, especially going into a very cold long winter.
If it gets bad for the horses I wouldn’t hesitate to report them.
I’m in no way claiming to be a professional but I have laid it into a few people who asked me for help. These are what I like to call “yeehaw” horse owners. All proud to flaunt that they have horse but are completely clueless has to what being a horse owner actually entails.
When people ask me for help, I make it very clear that they are to learn basic care, grooming and ground work before I even help them in the saddle. I explain to them why I do it this way and if they don’t like it I politely decline to help them. Some “yeehaw” riders don’t like being called out on their bullshit, but most have ask me for help on a regular basis.
[QUOTE=SuckerForHorses;8395287]
Update: they are making accommodations to have the mare euthanized in the near future. They have some calls in with neighbors who have the equipment to dig a hole big enough. They spoke with the vet and he concurs that it wouldn’t be a bad choice, especially going into a very cold long winter.[/QUOTE]
It sounds like the best option. You said they have two horses, hopefully they will adopt a mini-donkey or some other small, easy to keep animal to keep the other horse company.
Let’s all take a deep breath. These people are providing a retirement home and care for two horses that otherwise would have likely met a very bad fate. Providing retirement care for old horses is neither cheap nor easy, yet these people took it on. They have provided basic care and feed, and they tried to follow your advice, albeit poorly. They called a vet when it was necessary. It very well may be this poor old mare’s time if she has been losing weight and doing poorly yet the other horse looks to be in good condition.
Frankly, these people may be at the bottom of a steep learning curve in regards to horse care, but they are still far ahead in my book compared to people who dump their old horses.
[QUOTE=Eventer13;8394877]
To be fair, garden shears are used to trim small ruminant feet. No excuse for not researching hoof trimming in horses, but maybe that’s where he got the idea?[/QUOTE]
Having owned both sheep and small ponies, I can totally see this happening with a pony owner. I nearly had to resort to this during my last week in Haiti! But on a riding - sized horse? man, that would hurt your hands! I’m sure he and the mare will be happier with good tools.
Does he know how to trim evenly and correctly with any tools, is my bigger question.
[QUOTE=BeeHoney;8397840]
Let’s all take a deep breath. These people are providing a retirement home and care for two horses that otherwise would have likely met a very bad fate. Providing retirement care for old horses is neither cheap nor easy, yet these people took it on. They have provided basic care and feed, and they tried to follow your advice, albeit poorly. They called a vet when it was necessary. It very well may be this poor old mare’s time if she has been losing weight and doing poorly yet the other horse looks to be in good condition.
Frankly, these people may be at the bottom of a steep learning curve in regards to horse care, but they are still far ahead in my book compared to people who dump their old horses.[/QUOTE]
Agreed on all points.
[QUOTE=runNjump86;8397683]
It sounds like the best option. You said they have two horses, hopefully they will adopt a mini-donkey or some other small, easy to keep animal to keep the other horse company.[/QUOTE]
He mentioned possibly a goat :lol: but who knows. They have a good set up for a mini too - basically a large dry lot so one wouldn’t have to worry about over-eating green grass.
UPDATE: They euthanized the mare
My co-worker and his wife had the vet return yesterday after work and they euthanized the mare.
He said she went down calm and peaceful.
I told him that I like to think when they go that easy, it meant they were ready.
He said the other mare did get upset and ran around for a bit, but settled down and seems okay now.
RIP old girl. Not the worst of all possible fates to go down peacefully on a fine Fall day. Best wishes to them and the other horse in future, and don’t forget to give them that book!
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
