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IS IT OR IS IT NOT AHS??? " VERY URGENT "

CAPE SHUT DOWN WITH AHS " URGENT"

Douglas Welsh Talk on AHS

MORE INFO ON AHS IN THE
CAPE PART 4 "TOTAL MUST READ

NEW UPDATE ON AHS PART 2 & 3 A MUST.

AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS UPDATE

"That Darn WORM"

COLITIS X 
by Colleen Viljoen

Click on the heading above for the full story.

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Retiring old horses to live out their last days on a farm- Cruel or Kind?

Like older people, there comes a time in a horse's life when they are not as capable as they were previously, and retirement needs to be considered.

Joints stiffen, eyesight weakens, and weight seems to melt from their bones.

Not capable of competing at the level needed by the rider, who moves on to a younger horse with possibly more potential, the horse begins a downward spiral, being passed on as a 'schoolmaster' to novice, inexperienced riders who, once they surpass the  capabilities of this ageing mount, will again pass the hapless animal on to either a Riding School which is likely to wring the last bit of life out of the horse for profit, or give it away as a companion.

Another popular solution to disposing of an old horse which is past it's usefulness, is the romantic, yet very misguided notion of sending it away to a farm to live out the rest of it's days in freedom and retirement.

How easily we forget the years of dedication, pleasure and loyalty given to us as owners of horses, and how quickly we can forget the responsibility we as horsemen owe to our horses.

It's very easy to salve our own consciences by believing that by releasing an old horse on a farm, that we are rewarding it for it's years of service by granting him his freedom. Very 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.'

The reality is in fact one of the harshest death sentences imaginable.

Like old people, old horses actually need more intense care as they weaken and become more frail. Teeth and bones become brittle, joints stiffen making it more difficult for an old animal to reach down and graze, digestion is less effective making it more difficult for the animal to achieve the optimum benefit from it's food. Cold affects them more intensely, and with failing kidneys and old, worn teeth already contributing to weight loss and weakness, the sparse weight on their bodies cant cope with freezing winter nights, cold morning dew or frost over their lungs, and they become susceptible to bronchitis, pneumonia, and a long, slow agonising death. 

Animal welfare organisations countrywide will confirm that they are often faced with an ancient, emaciated wreck of a horse out on a farm, which was once a proud, beautiful equine specimen.

Comments are heard and believed by those that utter them that "I know he's thin, but he's old and we don't ride him; he's just here to live out the rest of his life................" Usually, under the circumstances, that is fortunately not a long time. Too long though for the suffering horse.

Caring public are appalled at the increasing number of old people placed in old age homes, who are apparently forgotten, receive no visits from their families, and to all intents and purposes are abandoned. These old people however are at least afforded shelter, food, warmth and medical attention by the state, or welfare organisations.

Not so the horse.

Once tearfully bid farewell as the horse is released out on a farm, the old animal has none of the benefits it deserves or needs- no shelter, no routine, no nutritional meals, often insufficient water, no veterinary attention, no farrier attention, no company; a lonely and sad end to an animal who, when he was young and useful probably was used to the best of everything.

And when his carcass is found days after he actually died a miserable, possibly even painful death, rueful smiles or even a tear often accompany the sentiment that 'at least he had a good life and died of natural causes.'

Callous.

When we take on an animal, any animal, we take on the responsibility of ensuring that animal has everything necessary to ensure a good quality of life, which also includes an honourable, dignified death. 

We wouldn't be human if, when it becomes necessary for an animal to be humanely euthanased, or we find we are no longer in a position to keep the animal, we didnt shy away from the reality. However as stated, this is a responsibility we take on when we acquire an animal, and we owe it to them to face up to that responsibility which will also afford ourselves closure and peace of mind knowing that the horse who gave us so much pleasure, and that we love so much, will not die starving, miserable and lonely in some field, just because we shifted and shirked our responsibility.

Arranging the humane euthanasia of a much loved old horse can leave one feeling like an executioner, an awful feeling for any caring owner. But it's the horse we should be considering- we as owners can understand and rationalise the necessity for euthanasia and come to terms with it. No horse can understand or rationalise the ever increasing pain and stiffness in it's joints, the nagging pain in it's old kidneys, the starvation and difficulty to graze coarse, unpalatable winter grazing out on a farm, and the heartbreak of rejection, having been deserted by those who cared for him when he had his uses, but have turned their backs on him in the twilight of his life.

"Retirement" to a farm, is not an option.  

As the owner of a horse who one day will be faced with the stark reality that their beloved friend has come to the end of the road and despite knowing in their hearts what needs to be done, are unable to follow through on their own, are urged to consider discussing the matter with their veterinarian, or approaching a reputable Animal Welfare organisation, where there are people who are trained to help you through difficult situations like these, and do so with the interest of the animal at heart.

Not that it is ever any easier for them than for you, but these people understand the necessity for euthanasia, have seen the reality of animals passed on for emotional reasons, and have such a commitment to animals that they are prepared to share your sorrow and grief, but do what is best for the animal under the circumstances.

My sympathy to any horse owner who finds themselves in a position as we have discussed but please, if you love your horse, love him enough to allow him to go out with dignity, rather than what could happen if turned out to his fate on a farm.

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