My mother has been a keeping horses for over 10 yrs she has a 20 yr old thoroughbred called Blossom. Blossom is unrideable due to poor legs she has a cut to her front leg and my mother can no longer afford the vets bills as she is getting older her health is deteriorating and she can no longer work. Is putting the horse to sleep her only option any advice will be gratefully recieved thanx Amy.

Some people can get an arrangement with the vet to pay off the bill monthly so you could ask your vet about this. If the prognosis for recovery is poor then maybe it would be kinder to save the horse any more pain and your mum any more financial worry but having the horse put to sleep. The main thing is if the horse needs veterinary treatment right now then this has to be done or the horse put to sleep, it's not fair to let the horse suffer.

If the problem is your mum can't really afford the horse any more then your options are to find the horse a home where they just want a companion to another horse and don't want to ride your horse, but these kind of homes are rare. You would also need to be sure that the new owner would look after your horse properly and not neglect her because "she's only the companion". Also be aware of some people who pose as private horse buyers, they seem nice and offer your old horse a home for life, but they just want to make money so as soon as you've sold them your horse cheaply they sell it on again for a profit, sometimes they lie about it's age and say it's a horse suitable for riding which isn't fair on the horse or the new owner. If you can't be certain of a decent home for your old horse it may be kinder to put to sleep.

thank you that is the advice i gave my mother blossom is receiving medical attention at present and has been taken from the field and put in stables to recover. I think the decision will probaly be taken within nxt few days will leave a progress message.

Hi sorry to hear about your position but you could try an aloe vera based product that could help with the healing of the cut and also a drink that would heal from the inside like a tonic.If you mail or message me then i could send you some to try i hate to think that your mother would have her put to sleep with out at least trying something for a week and like i said i would give you some to try.
Good luck and keep ya chin up xx

Thanx for all the advice my mother has now come to an arrangement with the vet for the treatment blossom needs that suits everyone. The people on this forum have been very helpful and approachable thanx again for all advice given

i'm so glad it's all worked out for you. x