My horse retired

I’m so upset. my horse retired because of leg issues and he poises as a threat. Now I’m really upset even though I know he’ll be happier. Any suggestions?

Answer #1

It is very hard making a decision to retire a horse. If he has leg issues then it really is much better for him to not be ridden any more. You wouldn’t want to make him in pain, you don’t want to hurt him and you don’t want to risk having an accident where both of you might get severely injured.

Ensure that he is getting adequate veterinary care, especially if he has tendon issues, that can all too easily turn into problems such as navicular disease.

Can you still spend time with him? It is hard for horses to cope with retirement too, most horses enjoy the human companionship they get from their owner so make sure you don’t stop seeing him just because you can’t ride him any more.

Take lots and lots of photos of you and him together. I regret not having more photos of a mare I had to put down last year.

If you can afford to financially, consider getting riding lessons on a schoolmaster or even purchase another horse so that you can keep on riding.

Answer #2

If he’s retiring from an athletic career, over leg issues, well…that’s what will have to be…and it ensures that his injurie may heal up well enough that he can be used for pleasure activities…just not the hard riding for athletic events…This is espcially ture for leg injuries rather than foot problems.

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Answer #3

be happy that your horse will be happier

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