Saying goodbye to pony on Thursday and feeling meh about it

[miggy]

Makes my stomach flip if I think about it :(
Bought a pony with foot problems a few years ago, thinking it could be fixed. Have struggled on with vastly expensive shoeing regimes since then and had periods of him being fantastic but since September really hasn't been right. At best just about sound to ride but short striding. Found out last spring that it's a genetic problem whereby the football falls apart, no cure and no treatment other than management. Sadly I think his feet have just come o the end of their natural life and poor thing is only seven.
Thing is otherwise he is picture of health and full of character, that's why its so hard.
At moment with expensive shoes he is just about field sound, lame on lunge even in school on soft going. Can't not have shoes on as he has no hoof wall and is standing on sole so really really footsore then, can't even walk in from field on concrete.
Has to be done, just :(
Just need to share as non horsey people don't really get it.

[Floralnomad]

Sorry that you've had to come to this decision , it is difficult . I've had to have 3 horses and a pony PTS and only one of them was a straightforward ,no option decision , the other 3 were all quality of life issues .the only difference in our case was that all of mine were a good age (20+) and had had long happy retirements before hand . It must be very difficult when your pony is so young . I think the way to look at it is that you have tried really hard and a lot of people wouldn't have bothered .

[Pinkponiesrock]

Sorry for situation, it's never easy. We made a similar decision a few years ago with our lovely highland gelding, he was only 11 when he was PTS. He lived for the show ring, esp working hunters and wasn't happy just to stand in the field. He kept jumping out the field when we took the lorry out despite being an absolute shitbag to load and then couldn't move for a week! In the end it was kindest to let him go. Will be thinking of you on Thursday

[lovebeansontoast]

I've been there too. It's never easy and you're right you will always get people who don't get it. I think we owe it to our horses to do the right thing by them, as you are.

[frostyfingers]

That's terrible for you - if anyone queries you explain what you've said here, ie: how would you like to be in permanent pain doing anything other than standing about? You are doing the right thing for both of you, primarily him. It's not a decision anyone takes lightly and is much harder than keeping going I think. Will be thinking of you tomorrow.

[willyoulistentome]

That's heartbreaking. You poor you and poor Pony. You know you have given him the best possible chance, and are doing the right thing for him though. He would be miserable going on as he is. I have not had to have a horse put down yet, but the day will come and I am dreading it. Mine also has problem feet. But she's 21. Had her since she was 3.

[WillowKnicks]

My heart goes out to you.

My friend had her dd's pony pts, aged 8 & she said it is the hardest decision she's ever had to make but you know when it's time to let go, whatever their age.

It sounds like he had an amazing home with you & you did your very best for him, I hope you find comfort in that.

Best wishes for Thursday.

[Booboostoo]

I am really sorry to hear you have to make this difficult decision, but that is sadly one of the hardest aspects of animal ownership. It sounds like you have done the best you could for him and he's had a good life, it's better to make a tough decision now than to wait a bit too long and see him suffer.

[50BalesOfHay]

Will be thinking of you tomorrow. You are doing the right thing, but it can't be easy. Horsey people understand how hard this must be.

[Callisto]

How tough for you. So sorry, I had my lovely greyhound pts last month and it was the hardest decision so I know how you feel. Sending you hugs for tomorrow.

[elastamum]

Thinking of you. Sometimes it is harder to do the right thing than turn a blind eye. I had to do the same with my old mare. It is

[miggy]

Thank you all
Had minor breakdown tonight after I tucked him up for bed, looking all handsome and imperious and whickering when I went in the feed room to get his (massive !)tea.
, my tip of the day is that drinking wine and crying gives you a stonking headache!
It truly is the worst part of pet ownership, sorry about your dog Callisto .

[LittlePushka]

Miggy my lovely, it is always better a month too soon than a month too late.

Putting the decision off because of the natural sadness you have to face is the norm with any pet, but stay strong, it is better now than later.

bless you.

[mrslaughan]

Thinking of you miggy

[frostyfingers]

Thinking of you today - there's nothing wrong with being sad and emotional either, I cried buckets before, during and after having my lovely TB pts, and for days on and off afterwards at random moments. Everyone involved is very understanding and sympathetic.

[gailforce1]

I am also thinking of you today. I am sure everyone involved will be understanding and totally professional.

[limepickle]

My heart goes out to you. Thinking of you xx

[LittlePushka]

We are all still thinking of you miggy.

I hope that tomorrow is a brighter today for you.

[lovebeansontoast]

Hope you're OK miggy. Thinking of you.xxx

[naranji]

Thinking of you, your post about him in his stable made me xx

[miggy]

Thank you all, it went ok, sun was shining yesterday at least.
He was a super boy full of character and I will miss his grumpy face dearly.

[WillowKnicks]

It sounds like it was a gentle & peaceful goodbye.

So sorry

[MissBrown]

My friend had her old mare PTS a few years ago. It was a beautiful day and the vet made the whole thing very peaceful and serene. Was such a hard decision but the only one in the circumstance.

Take comfort in the fact that he is no longer in pain and is now galloping around in horsey heaven.