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Conference noted::equitation

Title:	Equine Notes Conference
Notice:	Topics List=4, Horses 4Sale/Wanted=150, Equip 4Sale/Wanted=151
Moderator:	MTADMS::COBURNIO

Created:	Tue Feb 11 1986
Last Modified:	Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2080
Total number of notes:	22383

803.0. "Another sad decision" by FOCUS2::BACOT () Wed Dec 14 1988 01:36

     
    I would like to ask for advice on a situation I am facing.
    I was transfered to Chicago from Atlanta about 18 months ago.
    My horse, Gypsy an American Saddlebred, that I have owned for
    19 years, has remained in the Atlanta area for a couple of reasons,
    one is the difference in weather, the other is that she has an
    inoperable tumour on her hip that restricts her to light hacking.
    She is sound and in good health, she receives excellent care as
    far as feeding and stable go, but she is lacking the personal attention
    and care that I was able to give her.  I don't want to subject her
    to the winters here, but I hate for her to be there all alone(so
    to speak).  I have investigated a retirement farm in Pennsylvania,
    Ryerss' Infirmary for Dumb Animals, there is a long waiting list,
    and I've looked into a group in Georgia, The Good Shepard Riding
    Academy(GSRA), they are looking for horses to use in physical therapy
    for handicapped children. Good Shepard has agreed to take her and 
    work with her for two months to see if she would be suitable 
    in the program. (I have alot more information on both of these 
    groups if anyone is interested).
    In talking with (GSRA) I was told that due to legal ramifications
    it would be better if I donated Gypsy to the school, if someone
    was hurt while riding and decided to sue the school they would also
    sue the owner of the horse, which made sense to me but I'm not a
    lawyer.  But if I do that would I give up all rights to her?  or
    could I stipulate that if at some time in the future the school
    closes or decides to thin the herd she would return to me? or would
    it be better to give her to an individual?  and in the midst of
    all these decisions is the fact that I would like to be able to
    keep my old friend forever but I don't feel that I am being fair
    to her. Well I have gotten rather long winded, thanks for listening,
    and thanks for any information that yall can provide. 
    Angela

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
803.1		BSS::ZINN		`Wed Dec 14 1988 15:48`	12
	We let a camp for troubled youngsters use one of our horses for about a year, a couple years ago. Like GSRA, they required that we donate him to the camp. We had an agreement written in that we'd get him back if they chose not to keep him or continue the program, and we did in fact get him back when they couldn't get insurance for the program any longer (still have him). On the other hand, Colorado State Univ wants only unrestricted donations; that way, they can resell the horse or use it in the Vet School when they don't want to use it for their riding program any longer. You just have to address the issue with the group to see what they'll agree to. Good luck!
803.2	Opinion from someone who's been there	SALEM::RATAY		`Wed Dec 14 1988 17:37`	20
	These decisions are never easy and only you can decided, but at one time or another everyone involved with horses has probably faced similar situations. The questions that I would ask myself are; is the board putting a financial strain on me? if not, then I would determine; is the horse being turned out in a large enclosure with other horses, if so , then based on the age and limited riding ability I wouldn't worry about the attention, maybe there is or you could find someone to occasionally groom and visit with your horse. I would be very cautious about riding camps and the like. In New Hampshire we have an organization that takes unwanted and abused horses and finds an adoptive home. They check out the home before the adoption is approved and do follow up with the animal after. The horse can not be sold and will go back to the organization if for any reason it doesn't work out. Also, have you checked with any equestrians in your new area to see how their horses have survived the inclement weather there. Best of Luck in your decision, let us know what you decide. Sharon
803.3	Call Nationwide Van Lines	PTOMV4::PETH	My kids are horses	`Wed Dec 14 1988 17:38`	9
	Horses can take cold far easier that heat and bugs. In the same situation as you I feel I would try moving her. At least then if she has to go you can be there to say goodby. I don't think my old pony would like being ridden by different people everyday in his retirement. Barns can be heated horses can wear blankets there are ways to deal with the cold. Nineteen years is a long time to give up now. Sandy
803.4		LEVADE::DAVIDSON		`Wed Dec 14 1988 18:53`	9
	Re: bringing her north... You could check out boarding facilities near you and plan on bringing her north in the spring/early summer... give her the warm months to adjust with plenty of time to grow a "northern" winter coat. -Caroline
803.5	Adjusting to the Cold	POLAR::MACDONALD		`Wed Jan 25 1989 16:20`	15
	I have five horses here in Ottawa, Canada where in January it can get as cold as -15 F (that's below zero) and the horses do fine. While I offer them shelter, open stalls in a barn, they are always free to go where they please in the acreage we provide them; invar- iably they will find a spot out of the wind and do quite well without the stalls. Two of these horses moved from Massachusetts in 1985, one of them is now 21 years old, and doing very well. The first year we provided some grain/sweetfeed, but feed hay only now and they come through the Winter nicely. Horses can adjust to climate changes, but I agree with a previous writer that time should be allowed for the change. Late summer would be about the latest I would suggest to make such a climatic change, otherwise it could become a lot of blanketing, protien, and housing. Good Luck!