WWYD: chronic lameness, retire or keep digging?

[wsmoak]

@fivestrideline

he’s consistently extremely backsore, tends to be cranky on the ground, is saddle sour/girthy, and is wonky behind. “Wonky” as in conformationally loose stifle ligaments,

he’s not “bad enough” to just chuck out to pasture and write off as lame forever without always wondering, but he’s also not “good enough” to think I can get him going without a ton of MORE money into him.

It sounds like you’ve already put a lot of money, time, and energy into trying to help this horse.

In general, racing TBs are bred to run really fast while really young. Yes I know there are awesome TB breeders who prioritize long term soundness. But how is the average amateur buyer supposed to tell the difference? The numbers game means that there are a bunch of them in the middle who neither win races, nor stay sound into old age.

If you’ve ended up with one of those, IMO it is not your responsibility to pour endless amounts of money into them, nor are you required to retire them for what could be 20 years at the expense of your other goals. A horse who isn’t comfortable in his body isn’t going to be one you can pull out of the field to trail ride, much less let a guest ride. Decide what your limits are, and don’t let anyone lay a guilt trip on you if you decide to euthanize.

[Bending_Line]

Can he do walking trail rides? Maybe try to find something that is not taxing to him, would help him get fit, and is enjoyable to you. He may have gotten stiff and creaky sitting around and would benefit from the exercise.

[fivestrideline]

After some thinking and taking in all the suggestions from y’all, I think I have a plan.

I’m going to keep him where he is at, working with the feet and rehabbing the suspensory and go from there. I have an EquiCore system I’ll put on for the walking, and make a point to do his tail pulls/backing/stretches.

Small snag is that I don’t have a saddle that fits perfectly- and I’m unwilling to drop $4k+ on one for him if he may not be able to do anything. I’m very much over shipping used saddles back and forth (have 3 I should really sell that I picked up that way) so I’m trying to figure out how to complete his entire rehab from the ground. I don’t know how to longline and neither does he, lunging we can do but I know circles aren’t ideal at this time.

If I can get the suspensory cleared and rehabbed somehow then I will reevaluate how he’s feeling in his back and hind end with some strengthening work in place, and potentially Adequan on board. From there, I can consider if I want to dig anymore or invest in a saddle to see what we can do, or just call it.

[SusanO]

Sometimes no matter how much money or effort you put in a horse they will never be sound. I have one of those. So it is OK to throw in the towel and say no more. I have my own little farm so my never sound horse is living out her life here. But that meant I got out of riding because I couldn’t afford something else to ride. But if somebody else choses euthanasia or retirement I will not judge them.

I think with all the problems I would at least try to get the feet right. I am not sure how much money after that I would throw at the problems. But that is just me, not a recommendation for YOU. You have to set that limit for yourself.

[IPEsq]

Don’t underestimate the benefit of walking for the horse. Walking is easier for you from the ground as well.

[4horses]

You should look for a really cheap retirement situation for him. I used to pay $200 plus feed/farrier.

I had a TB with nothing but health issues. Navicular changes in one foot, thin soles, prone to abscesses, then went nqr behind. Thought it was arthritis and treated that with no improvement. Fast forward a couple years and was diagnosed with DSLD at age 17. She stayed with me until she passed but it was a long retirement. I sort of started to resent the amount of money I spent just to maintain her but she was a sweet horse and I still miss having her around.

I don’t think this horse will ever meet your goals. My thoroughbred certainly didn’t. Either your goals change or you accept that this is the horse you have. My next horse wasn’t much better. Health issues from the beginning. Then the grade mare I bought for $600 that came from a killpen, turned out to be the best money I ever spent. Sound, healthy, and sturdy.

I do feel for you. As you have to decide between your goals, and the future of this particular horse. Many would consider euthanasia… Or rehoming. I would not spend thousands on kissing spines. You could put that towards your next horse.

[Amy3996]

@wsmoak

If you’ve ended up with one of those, IMO it is not your responsibility to pour endless amounts of money into them, nor are you required to retire them for what could be 20 years at the expense of your other goals. A horse who isn’t comfortable in his body isn’t going to be one you can pull out of the field to trail ride, much less let a guest ride. Decide what your limits are, and don’t let anyone lay a guilt trip on you if you decide to euthanize.

Just reiterating this too. There can be a lot of pressure/expectation to leave no stone unturned, move Heaven and Earth to either get a horse sound or maintain it through the end of its natural life. A quick, painless release from suffering is perhaps the greatest tool we have at our disposal for horses in these situations. There should be no shame in giving a medically complex horse a humane euthanasia.

You’re allowed to prioritize your emotional and financial stability, the horse’s welfare, and even your long term goals in the sport.

[fivestrideline]

Updating because I wish threads didn’t just drop off sometimes.

I moved the horse to a rehab barn that can do the restricted turnout and daily work for the suspensory injury. He’s been doing great, working in the EquiCore, tapering off the Nexium, and trying a new farrier (I love mine but she’s 2.5 hours from the rehab barn). We are coming up on 2 months, going to do a recheck and balance films before putting him under saddle for walks.

I decided to go low tech on this - no shockwave or plans for KS surgery unless something radical (like my wallet) changes. Just lots of walking, ice, and time. I’m dying to ride and compete again, but it’s just not in the budget.

My ultimate plan is to give him a great shot on the suspensory and feet, do a recheck to see if stifles/SI need addressing, and see if he’s capable of jumping again. I’m more than able to do the 3’3”+++ myself, but if he can play in the C shows at the 2’6” that would be fine. He’s cute enough. If he can do crossrails, I’m considering working with the rehoming group I got him from to place him in a more suitable situation. Resale price doesn’t matter to me, but a good home does, and I want to do more than crossrails.

So, we shall see. If he could be a little less expensive to maintain though, that would be GREAT