Got lectured by my vet!

[Gruntfuttock]

She says I'm too soft :o

She came out and had another look at Ella today. E trotted up sound, and vet has said i can start riding her out for short periods in walk (YAY!)...but she also pointed out that this is a degenerative problem of old age, and E's never going to improve to the point where i can go out and about competing with her. I wanted to sort out my jumping with E, as she was a very sensible jumper, but I don't think she will ever jump again, it would put far too much strain on her poor old knees.

I said I wanted to at least have a go at getting E working, but my vet (who is the loveliest person and has really become a friend recently) pointed out that i'm going to end up paying a lot of money for a horse that will eventually be unrideable, and do i want to be a retirement home for someone else's horse.

The worst thing is, I know the vet is right. I just hate the thought of having to hand Ella back to her owner, just as we are starting to bond.

[Flony_Pony]

No shame in giving a horse back for the right reasons, isn't that why people loan there horses out because they do eventually want them back? If she isn't going to be able to do what you wanted her for then go and find one who you can get an equally good bond with and can do all the things you want to!

Thats why I decided to sell Jess and Merry, I decided (was tough with Jess) that I didn't really ever want them back, so what was the point in owning them if I just wanted someone else to have them?

[tetsmum]

You can do it.

I didn't know you'd had problems to be honest - sorry to hear....... but if she's not going to do what you want, then there's no point in having her.

[Ace87]

I'm sorry to hear you've had problems with her hun, really I am! Honestly, (and you know I'm a soppy bugger) I'd send her back. If it's a degenerative problem then you won't get to use Ella for what you want. She has an owner who will look after her. But it sounds like she needs a semi retirement home and will one day in the not too distant future become unrideable, and that's not what you were looking for!

Lots of hugs hun, give me a text, it's been SO long since Q and I saw you! And I'm sure Brooklyn would LOVE a hug!

[acw295]

Oh that is so sad :(, I know how much you love her - she is a cracking mare. But, you are loaning to ride - Ella has an owner that loves her so you haven't got to shoulder the responsibility.

It's a lot of time and livery to pay too if you aren't riding, totally different when they are your own (not wanting to start any bickering about retired horses) as you have a duty to them then, but that is for Ella's owner to sort out not you.

I'd give her back hun, the longer you have her the worse it will be. There is something for loan out there that will give you what you need :)

[Gruntfuttock]

Well, thats the one positive thing in the whole sad business - her owner loves her to pieces (hence why she was loaned, rather than sold), and i know Ella would have the best possible retirement home. So its not as if I'd be sending her back to an uncertain future.

My vet's told me I'm not allowed even to look at another horse unless she comes with me, as i am apparently completely useless at picking suitable horses !

[Joyscarer]

My vet's told me I'm not allowed even to look at another horse unless she comes with me, as i am apparently completely useless at picking suitable horses !

PMSL your vet sounds wonderful :D

[acw295]

I'll keep a look out for you for anything that might be suitable (for your vet to have a look at lol :p). Are you willing to consider horses that have to stay at different yards to the one you are on if they are local? Or does it have to be one that can move?

Sad decision, but think it is the right one.

[Julz]

What's wrong with Ella?

[Gruntfuttock]

She's got really really extensive arthritis in her knees. Vet showed me the x-rays and the extent of the bone damage is dreadful, even i can see that.

Amy, I'd be grateful if you would keep an eye out! I'd prefer to be able to move the horse to my yard, but I would happily consider horses to stay at their current yard, as long as its within reasonable reach of Leighton Buzzard.

[Ace87]

Come back to us!!!! Brookie is still here needing love! With C and Fergi away soon we're thin on the ground for saturday morning coffee :(

Is P your vet still??

[Gruntfuttock]

Oh no, don't try and persuade me to come backto Brook. I can't take on any more broken horses!

Yes, P is still my vet. i see far too much of her!