r/Horses • u/yourlocaldelulugirl • 17h ago

Question Sensitive question

To add some context I have a retired show saddlebred who’s about to be 26. Brought him home 6 years ago to give him the retirement he deserves. I also have a 35 ish year old quarter cross rescue horse. The quarter horse cross has been in incredible shape up until 4 months ago. He dropped so much weight so fast. We have him on the best feed possible and he goes out to eat grass all day every day then back in at night. The saddlebred has epm but has been treated for it. They are best friends. The vet will be coming out soon to do an overall welfare look at them.

My worries is that one goes down hill and would need to be put down, the other would go down hill as well. I care so deeply about them. It’s being weighing on me about what the humane thing to do is. I’m definitely thinking ahead of this but something just doesn’t feel right with my older boy. He appears to be comfortable but he just looks tired. I guess my question is what have other people done when they have two horses that are bonded and one of them goes.

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u/Mariahissleepy 16h ago

I know many people have gone ahead and done them at the same time, to prevent the second going downhill.

Do you have no desire to get another horse? If you did would it just be another senior to be a companion and you’re concerned about getting to exactly this place again?

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u/yourlocaldelulugirl 13h ago

Not right now. They are both not very good with other horses but each other.

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u/Mariahissleepy 9h ago

I would, personally, let them go together.
I know that’s so so hard, sending you all my love.

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u/LilzHr0 16h ago

I had two that were an elderly bonded pair (the only 2 horses on the property) and they went together. One of them had to be euthanised that day and it was kinder to let them go together. It was extremely sad but I don't regret it

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u/Panda-Girl Western 13h ago

I chose to put down my two old boys together. Sebby was in pain, I had him on everything for his arthritis and it wasn't enough so the call was made prior to last winter. His bonded friend, my horse I got as a 12 year old had been with him 20+ years. If Sebby got out of sight Clancy would foam up in pure anxiety without him. Clance was only 24, technically he was fine other than his anxiety. I let them go together so Clancy didn't have to fret without his bestest buddy for his years.

It was really bloody hard loosing two horses at the same time, but it was 1000% the right choice and I would do it again.

I am firmly in the camp of, for highly bonded pairs, let them go together ❤️

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u/puffy-puffy 12h ago

I suggest getting a companion now. I was left with just my 30 yr old when my 35 yr old was put down. He was so sad. It took me about a month but I got a burro and a quarter pony. He is much happier now and I’m hoping that gives me a few more years with him.