When to call it quits?

[androidheart]

I currently have a 22 year old OTTB retired jumper. He's in great shape; bright eyed, dappled and very ridable, but he is starting to have the good and bad days that senior horses have and he needs to be worked every day, to some extent, to keep him going. i had the vet out last month to inject his hocks and to my surprise, the vet said it won't

Comments

[ardvari]

I agree with the others. When to retire him will depend on him and what he's happy/able to do. From what you said it sounds as if he enjoys working so maybe, if you feel that he's getting sore, you have to wean him of working slowly. Take him for walks, go for short rides, do stuff that will keep him involved but won't hurt him.
We have a 22 year old TB sitting in the yard together with a 31 year old Welsh x QH cross. The pony's deteriorating and we're trying to keep her as comfortable as possible. She's just enjoying life and is happy with it. The TB mare likes to work. I did a three day dressage clinic with her a year ago and she LOVED it. We also show her about twice a year and excersise her lightly in between. She wouldn't be happy being a barn ornament and is much happier being worked.

Definitely depends on the horse. I'm glad I don't have to make the decision you have to make but if I were you, I'd go by instincts. You know the horse best, you love him and you'll make the right decision for him.

Also: Seattle <3! I'm moving down there in December or April to be with my girlfriend and work for a year. My horse is coming with. I'm just starting to look into places to board her. Heehee! *bites nails*

[androidheart]

thank you! it's just tough. but i will make that decision when i have to and weaning him off work slowly will be the way to do it.

where in Seattle? let me know if you would like any farms, farriers or information. if i can help short circuit the painful process of searching that i went through for someone else, i'm happy to do so. :)

[ardvari]

I'm currently looking at Kitsap county, so across the Sound from Seattle. So far we're not entirely sure where we're going to end up down the road but for the next two years it'll be Kitsap county.
I'd love some info about farms and farriers. I have an icelandic, so I want her to be able to be outside at least most of the day if not day and night. Do you think that would be possible somewhere?