Why do people think a retired horse looks after itself??

newforest said:
I think finding places were a horse can be or 24 /7 is becoming harder to find isn't it. I know there are landowners that rent a field out, but even around here things get built on or sold and the horses have to move.

We need more Ale photos. He's such a dude.
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The 24/7 thing isn't always applicable / practical these days though is it. I was offered winter turnout on a yard we were on, wish I'd not bothered as the paddock was so bad it lamed Storm. But it was my own fault for accepting it I suppose. There's just so much being built on isn't there - and what isn't is probably needed for the farmers. Yeah we definitely need more Ale pics don't we!
 
Trewsers said:
The 24/7 thing isn't always applicable / practical these days though is it. I was offered winter turnout on a yard we were on, wish I'd not bothered as the paddock was so bad it lamed Storm. But it was my own fault for accepting it I suppose. There's just so much being built on isn't there - and what isn't is probably needed for the farmers. Yeah we definitely need more Ale pics don't we!
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No it isn't. Some need to be in overnight or during the day.
 
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I’m always thankful I had Toby at home in his old age so I could do whatever he needed. The last few years he actually lived out 24/7 in the summer which he loved. He always came in at nights in the winter. In the snow I’d frequently not turn him out because he didn’t want to go out.

We have a few places locally advertising retirement livery. It now seems to be a thing up here. But, for me, it was never an option as I wanted mine at home where I could monitor and make changes to diet/turnout as I felt fit, not handing my golden oldie to someone else.
 
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Me too eventerbabe, I am lucky enough to be able to keep mine at home. Storm lets me know what she wants to do and I don't push it with her. At 31 she's earned her right to being waited on hand and foot lol.
On the other hand I suspect its quite difficult for people on yards to make a decision with an older horse. Lets face it, livery bills are steep and if the particular yard can't accommodate an oldie - that might be a reason to look around for alternatives.
 
I just had this random thought and I wondered if this thread was the place for it. Perhaps for some retirement livery is a way of stepping back a little, knowing that the inevitable is coming and so changing their routine to adjust to life without their horse, before they actually lose their horse.
 
I think you're right @MrA , and while it wouldn't be for me I can understand and respect that as long as they visit often enough that they're sure the horse is looked after properly.
 
I love random thoughts.
That could be true yes and maybe the owner is getting on a bit as well and they want that reassurance that if they can't look after them, someone is.

I know a lady who has a pony at a retirement livery instead of having them at home. It's just peace of mind.
 
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