Rehoming Older Horses:

Rehoming Older Horses

I think it's way past time to talk about people trying to rehome their older horses, as, man, this really frustrates me.

After a lifetime of service—carrying their owners, kids, and friends around and doing everything that is asked of them—these poor horses are often discarded when they become too old to be ridden, only to be treated like a broken-down car instead of a loyal and beloved companion. 😡

I hope these people understand the distress that comes with rehoming an older horse; I mean, of course, for the horses themselves, as they are sent away to a strange place, losing the very essence of their will to live, which is their human family and other herd mates, which can be incredibly traumatic for them to bear or understand.

Surely, people understand that if you must let go of your older horse, it may be a kinder option to consider putting them down at home, humanely, by a qualified vet, surrounded by their family. They deserve to leave this world feeling loved and well cared for, rather than being passed from place to place, often not being treated well or given the extras required to maintain their condition, etc....

After all, hasn't the older horse earned a proper retirement, and being offered free to a good home over the internet rarely gives them the best time in their twilight years, as we sadly see so much of this in our rescue horse work.

Please forgive my disdain, but we regularly get offered these senior equines and have already been offered six horses this week alone, all over 25 years of age, and it's only Tuesday.

So, come on, folks – if you’ve got an older horse, it’s time for you to do the right thing and step up and take proper care of them like they’ve taken care of you for all these years!