I'll never ride my horse again.
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- čas přidán 20. 10. 2023
- Not the video I ever hoped I’d be putting out, but sadly is a reality of owning horses. Sorry it’s taken a while to share this news with you all, it’s been a very tough pill to swallow.
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Meg, in a world where people push their horses too hard, and ignore the pain, ruling it off as "stubborness" or a "lack of respect", this video has just increased my respect for you tenfold. You listened to your gut, and now Ari doesn't have to suffer a life being pushed to do sports while in pain (which other people have done) thanks to you.
Horses wear their hearts of their sleeves; they DO comminucate these things with us. But it takes really special person to notice those small signs and listen.
Never riding your horse again is absolutely heartbreaking. But we can find comfort in knowing they don't have to suffer ❤
❤❤
Very true
My exact thoughts.
I’m so sorry, Meg. Huge huge kudos to you and Hobbit for trusting your intuition and knowing something was wrong. This situation could’ve turned out much, much worse. Hats off to your horsemanship and commitment to always putting your horses first. Ari will undoubtedly lead the best life with you.
Meg, you are an amazing horsewoman and a true role model within the community. Ari is INCREDIBLY lucky to have you.
Well said ❤
I'm so pleased you listen to your horses and understand that horse behaviour is mostly due to reaction to a problem/upset/pain than acting out. The behaviour is not the problem it is the outcome of a problem, the difficult thing is finding that.
Well said.
I'm so sorry Meg, that must be so incredibly disappointing. Ari is so lucky to have you. 😔
Meg-- Beyond the tragedy of the situation, I can not express to you how incredibly fortunate you are to have found this as early as you did. For reference, I work for a hunter jumper facility in the states. This year my farm has had two discoveries of chronic "lameness" in the neck. The first was a situation that initially presented nearly identically to what you described experiencing with Ari, though this horse was a couple of years older with a show record. He was generally "lazy" at best and "clumsy" at worst, with the exception of extreme outbursts seemingly out of nowhere. The horse was worked "through" it in every instance until one day; My coworker was schooling him as usual and approached a jump, left the ground entirely normally, and was suddenly beneath the horse in a full rotational. He had failed to fully extend his front legs and neck in order to land on the backside, and subsequently rolled over his shoulder with my coworker in tow. The issue was then investigated thoroughly before an X ray revealed what was thought to be a manageable case of "wobblers", and the horse was sent to have a basket surgically placed in his neck to stabilize the vertebrae. 9 months later the horse returned to work, seemingly better, before the stumbling (previously chalked up to laziness) ensued again. A badly failed neuro exam concluded that something was seriously wrong, and our vet suspected there was a more severe disturbance in the neck. The decision to euthanize was made, and the necropsy revealed ASTOUNDING malformations in C6, C7, and the first ribs. The horse was diagnosed post-mortem with something called Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation, a lesser known yet slowly more and more prevalent condition found in sporthorses (I strongly suggest looking into it as our industry is beginning to suffer the affects over here as newer generations of horses come into work). Long story short, the horse was going to kill someone while existing in immeasurable pain had the call not been made. The second horse is a truer comparison to Ari, however-- Became more sour toward work, stopping at jumps, small indicators that were easily dismissed as behavioral. Then, once again, my coworker was on her one day cantering around in warm up when the mare buckled at the fetlock and fell rotationally. Unlike the other horse, several rounds of injections were performed for suspected arthritis in the neck before an MRI showed a narrowing of the vertebral canal. A final unsuccessful nerve injection finalized the decision to retire her, as she is entirely sound and happy to graze and be a horse for the time being. My point in all of this: As devastating as this is, and I am SO incredibly sorry you and your sweet baby are dealing with this, please know there is a massive community online dedicated to furthering awareness and research in vertebral conditions. Our farm was shocked when we first found out that issues like this even exist, and I applaud and thank you for your courage in sharing your situation. And, once again, I commend you for your respect to your animals and trust in your instinct as a horse woman. In the case of my farm and SO many others, ignorance coupled with a quickness to dismiss something as behavioral leads to tragic outcomes. Sending you and Ari the best of wishes as you navigate your journey forward ❤
Thanks for sharing, as sad as this is😪 I also had a horse, named Ari, and after circumstances much like you described with the first horse, we learned he had both spinal compression and ECVM. It was devastating. We had to let him go this past summer. I've come to learn so much about ECVM and it's incredibly sad how it affects otherwise athletic and sweet horses. I'm sorry your barn had this experience as well, but each story I hear makes me realize so many horse owners are going through this.
Whether he has months or years left, I hope you can find some peace in knowing you were the first,last & only family he knew and loved, he had you from beginning to end ,whenever in the future that may be , which is such a special thing ❤ thinking of you Meg, and again you’re reminding us all that follow you what a role model & honest horse person you are. Take care ❤
Well, Ari now has his job for life. Uncle Ari the baby-sitter ❤ Moose and Brego are definitely going to need adult supervision when they are weaned.
The hardest part of loving animals is not being able to fix them when they need it and not being able to communicate that everything will be okay because you will make sure they are taken care of ❤
I just wanted to say that I also experience severe neck and spinal pain from injuries sustained in a car accident from 20 years ago, and I just wanted to share that it feels like raw lightening bolts are striking down through my body... I'm so sorry Meg. ❤️ I know that you know it's not Ari's fault, and I really appreciate you being such a good person and being true to him (and yourself) and communicating that. You've got my admiration and support. ♥️
Thank you for sharing this, that's exactly how it seemed with Ari that day in his stable, it just came out of nowhere. I hope that you are able to manage your pain x
I get lightning bolts too, caused by nerve damage from MS. The neck verterbra rub the damaged nerves and WHAM! But thankfully only once in a while.
I can relate to how Ari must have felt, with nerve damage in my neck from crumbling disks it's like hot pokers for me and mines constant and again like Ari nothing can be done except trying to manage the pain, operation is out of the question as its 50% I'd come out paralyzed and 25% it wouldn't make a difference, so with all the risks and only 25% that it would work I was told no surgeon would agree to those odds, especially as I was 20 at the time and things have only got worse the last 20yrs. I hope you have as much time with Ari as possible and I'm so glad you made the decision you did despite how difficult it must have been, he's lucky to have such responsible and kind people advocating for him 🤗🤗🤗
I think you've definitely made the right choice. We had a 5 year old who turned out to have extreme kissing spines, navicular and sacroiliac issues. 3 years of surgery and rehab with worsening behaviour was soul destroying and heartbreaking and she never recovered. Sometimes it's best to just let them be a horse for as long as they can when they're already struggling so young xx
I’m sorry Meg, horses can be so amazing but it’s a reality of them. I wish you the best
Awh Meg so sorry, he's such a beautiful boy 🥺. Glad you stopped and investigated rather than push through and slap the "naughty" label on like some. As sad as it is you've done right by him, and been sensible in keeping yourself (and others) safe too! Hope he stays comfortable and happy for as long as possible to enjoy his "retirement" 😊
Kudos to the Elphick ladies for everything to do with Ari. You have done the very best you can for him, and yourselves in that you given yourselves time to take in what has occurred and what will be. You're all incredible in how you support your animals and each other. It was not the news anyone wanted to hear but thank you, as you may have helped other owners in a similar position. Ari may only have a shortened time, but he is still beautiful and loved.
Nerve impingement/pain is horrible. The pain zings and can radiate all along the spine...no wonder he flipped out. I've seen other animals do this after a back injury and start biting at the end of their tail. I'm so sorry Meg but thankful you are doing the most responsible thing for him. Keeping him comfortable and happy until he's not, then letting him go 😢
So very sorry Meg. He's very, very lucky to belong to you and to have you making the right decisions for him.
I'm so sorry for you about this news, I sadly lost my boy at a very young age for the exact same medical reason and he showed very subtle to no signs. I was show jumping him two days before he was at the vets getting scans and x-rays and that was only because over night he just looked a bit off and I wanted to double check all was okay, so I can totally understand being shocked! We medicated him to try to make him as comfortable as we could to be just a field horse. I knew when the time was right to let him go as he was just in too much pain. I hope you get as long as you can with him, take each day as a blessing, again I'm so sorry for you all
Thank you for listening to your instincts! They tell us in so many ways that things are amiss, we just need to pay attention! And thank you for not selling him off to someone who would mistreat him. You and Hobbit have always had my respect for the lovely way you care for your horses, this just reinforces it!
Meg, I am so very sorry to hear about Ari's problem. Thank you for letting us know, and for taking his best interests above all else in these sad circumstances. You have my sympathy and best wishes.
Meg, I am so sorry. A month ago I had a similar experience. My 5&1/2 year old Peruvian Paso mare that I was selling as I no longer am able to keep horses had a wonderful couple look at her. She did wonderful as usual, she was started at about 4 as she too was tiny. She was beautiful, kind, smart and wonderful. A few days after the trial she looked a bit lame. We did the pre-purchase exam and x-rays confirmed DSLD. Absolutely nothing we can do for her. I couldn't keep her and a horse with DLSD is not a horse you sell as you can't guarantee that the new owners will not try to ride her. The vets and I all got together and made the decision to put her down. On a warm summer morning she was respectfully, kindly and peacefully was put down along with my friend's 30 year gelding that was battling melanomas. The two buddies passed together and I believe are up there having a high time. Meg, I understand your pain and applaud your care for Ari ❤
I'm so so sorry Meg :(
As soon as I saw the title I worried immediately. All our love to you and ari and hobs and all the team ❤
Same as soon as I saw the tittle I was like oh no
But I thought it was something about bear
You did the right thing! Horses are NOT capable of plotting against us and being deliberately "naughty" they simply don't have that part of their brain that humans do! It's always either pain, fear or not understanding!
I'm so relieved for you that you have such a fab vet. It took 3 vets and about 2 years to diagnose my boy with his issues, when I was originally told it was "just how natives are". I knew he wasn't right, and my biggest regret is not pushing the vets and arguing with them more. He was similar to Ari in that he was so willing and a happy boy, it was so uncharacteristic for him to not want to go forward, but the vets just didn't understand. I was told to ride him through it, but he was my pony, I knew him best 😢. So sorry about Ari, but he is so lucky to have you and Hobbit. Thanks for sharing with us, you really are a fantastic advocate for the equestrian community.
I am so sorry that lovely little Ari has been diagnosed with such an unfortunate illness. It must be so painful for you. I just wanted to commend you on the decision to retire him and to keep him with you, it is so rare that owners commit to their horses when things go different. Thank you for being such an empathetic person and for setting the best standards of care for your gorgeous horses. sending lots of love and good thoughts for Ari and you all
I respect both you and Hobbs so much for listening to your gut feeling. And even more respect to you both for taking responsibility for Ari, and not selling him with the risk of him being either sold on or ridden at another home. You are absolutely amazing ❤️ Ari is lucky to have you ❤️
Can't believe someone suggested that you sell him as a paddock mate after knowing his diagnosis. People dont understand that horses are a commitment and if they get sick you cant just sell them off to make your life easier. Im glad you are doing the right thing by him ❤
So sorry, wishing Ari the happiest days in his field, and you the strength to know when those days are over
That is heartbreaking but he is so lucky to have you as his people. ❤
Thank you for sharing this with us, Meg. It’s crushing news, but so vital to stress the importance of recognizing when things aren’t quite right with our horses, and reaching out to your vet, rather than assuming they are being naughty and forcing them to work past it. You’ve been so attentive, compassionate and smart with your choices and decisions. This is a critical eye opener for all of us.
I am so sorry Meg. It's really not something i would wish on someone but Ari is so lucky to have you and Hobbit as his owners.
I guess with how much time he and Ace spent together Ari has all the tools to take up the mantle. He'll be the best buddy for the foals and hopefully he'll get to look after many more of them down the line
I had huge respect for you already especially having watched and met you at Chillington, but that was a hard video to make. Thank you for listening to your gut and putting Ari first. Big hugs.
You never need to apologize for taking your time to share anything, or even choosing not to share. We are all grateful to be a part of your world, but you and your animals and family are way more important. Thank you for your generosity in sharing what you do.
❤❤ Meg it brings our hearts in what you have to say about your horse. The good thing is you were able to catch it before it got worse. Giving your horse the best life in the following yearsIs the love that you have for your horse.❤If I own any horses and doing what you do, I would do the same.
You have the support of your followers and we believe in you. You are so admired.
Continuing prayers
🙏🥀🙏for you and your equine baby.
Please keep us updated on his progress.
You are very courageous on what you share that has been difficult. WE LOVE YOU❤🥀❤
So sorry Meg, with great love comes great heartbreak. Ari is lucky to have a wonderful life with you and only know caring and kindness.
“With great love comes great heartbreak”- really gets to the heart of issue. You can’t have one without the other. I have a plaque hanging in my home that reminds me that heartbreak is a normal part of life. It says, “Love like it’s never going to hurt.”
Meg, I am so, so sorry this happened. Thank you for telling us the whole story. I feel gutted for you.
As someone who just had to retire my 7yr old from all ridden work, I really understand and empathize with your situation Meg. We do the best we can by these horses!
I'm so sorry Meg 😢❤, he's such a beautiful boy , Ari is so lucky to have you, bless him 😢
as i've said with regards to my cat, there's no price on peace of mind. you're doing right by him by trying not to put him in pain and not putting yourself or him in danger. seeing him in the video he looks so carefree and happy, not like he's suffering at all. i hope he has many, many years of just hanging out being a happy chill dude.
You be made the right decision Meg. Catching it early is good (although is may not feel it) you might have saved an injury. A horse on my yard had a similar problem, in his leg, and unfortunately it resulted in a bad fall.
You are an incredible horsewoman and an amazing influence, you are so strong and always listen to your horses.
Sending love to everyone and all your horses
I am so sorry Meg.
Enjoy every minute with him.
Big hugs to you both.
I’m so so sorry Meg, thank goodness you and hobs decided to trust your instincts ❤, we hope your hearts are healing and ari’s happy life in the field only gets more happier ❤
oh Meg, I'm so so sorry! how heartbreaking. It sounds like you're doing the most responsible thing.
I feel so bad for you Meg. U had a horse go lame last year, his name was Dakota and he was my heart horse. I hoped everyday I would wake up, go to the barn and he would be ok. Every week my vet would tell me worse and worse news. It started as just a small tare in the muscle, then he was put in the stable to recover and he would cry every time my mare would leave the stall next to him. We decided to move a field with another horse who wound up biting him and leaving him with a nasty cut. Everyday he would get worse and worse. Luckily the owner of my barn had enough money to pay for treatment so I wound up selling him to her. It was horrible watching the uncontrollable happen to my horse. I feel for you so much, this is one of my least favorite parts of the sport even though it's so common. I'm sending you my best wishes for your future and I hope that you always know that we are here for you ❤
Poor Ari, it was a great decision to consult the vet and spend that money on these tests, i wish you the best with him, I hope this won’t bother him too much for now and let’s hope you won’t have to make that call for a long time!😢❤
So sorry for you and Ari. But this video should be seen by many horse owners to raise awareness of the strange ways problems can reveal themselves and how important it is to become aware of hints at problems and how frequently behavior problems are rooted in physical pain.
I am so sorry Meg. You and Ari will have the best time together. Make sure the make the most of the time you have with this very special pony. Go for nice, relaxing walks, give him big baths, and make sure to give him all the love that Ari needs. ❤
I‘m so sorry to hear that. It‘s absolutely tragic.
Ari is lucky to have you and you‘re an amazing horseperson for not pushing through but investigating his pain signals. I hope Ari gets to spend many more years painfree
My condolences, Meg & Hobbit. You had such hopes and dreams for Ari, the grief of what might have been must be overwhelming. Holding all of you in my heart.
❤ feel this - we had to suddenly retire my daughters TB for similar reasons this spring. He was supposed to be her horse to take her through teenage years and college. We put enormous amounts of time and effort into him and his “behavior” got worse. As heartbreaking as it is - it was somewhat of a relief for me as a mom that there was a reason for this. He is happy on pasture. His eye is softer, he’s not as worried. Your horse was lucky to have someone as responsible as you to be his owner. Our TB was 13 and labeled as a “problem”. We attributed many of the “behaviors” to bad training and probably gave it more time than most.
Thank you for talking about the hard stuff. It’s not all rainbows and happy times, but we do this for the love of the animal first - and that means making decisions right for them.
Hugs to you - my daughter and I feel your sadness
Meg I’m so so sorry, I can’t even imagine how hard this will be for you. You are such an amazing person for helping him out so much, that’s amazing ❤❤
I kinda understand what you going through, we brought a two-year-old, off a breeder that was amazing and had no idea what was happening. basically, he couldn't walk backwards and tense up when you touched him even trotting the paddock he would stop and panic, spin, and shake. no reason for it. we did everything injections, heberal, gut stuff, medication, groundwork we did everything for 15 months, we thought about keeping him as a pet or selling him to be just a pet, but he was dangerous because we just freaked out, and leap, shake, get aggressive. so we ended up putting Honey down because he wasn't happy. I'm pretty sure it's called shivers. amazing for listening and responding to Ari xx
Good for you to be mature and for putting the horse first. Rather than mourning the future, celebrate what has been and the fact that you're healthy enough to continue on. Some people can't ride anymore and you can so time to move forward.
That's such a shock and so difficult! My sympathies! I had a mare who had a sudden stroke while I was riding, which was scary, and though she appeared to recover after a few months of intensive treatment (she initially had full-body tremors, went blind, and had some hearing disturbances, and was struggling to keep her feet!) she appeared to become normal again. But I put her into retirement: it would be impossible to trust riding her, knowing she might or might not have another at any time. Indeed, about 6 months later she began to have intermittent attacks of loss of balance and disorientation and, with winter already underway, we decided to put her to sleep. She was a super horse, and it broke my heart. But I hope yours will be able to enjoy his good life with you for as long as is right! Hugs!
I’m so sorry to hear this about Ari. I’ve had a feeling for a while that something was up with h because he’s always seemed like a willing, hard working horse. It’s a true testament to your horsemanship that you listened to him even when it seemed like “nothing” was wrong with him. Hopefully he lives a long and happy life babysitting the babies in the field.
Such devastating news, so sorry for you and Hobbit. But can I just say you and your Mum are the best. Trusting your gut instincts that something wasn't quite right and investigating instead of listening to some people saying he was being naughty
Also in taking total responsibility for him and his future wellbeing. Total and utter respect ❤😥
Oh Meg and Hobbit I want to jump through the screen and give you guys a huge hug ! He’s been nothing but loved his whole life and will remain as much ❤️ you guys are doing the best by keeping him home with his friends 🫂
I’m so sorry to hear this but glad he’s getting his days in the sun. But please, please, please be careful-you could be leading him and he could have a pain explosion. You’re right that it wouldn’t be responsible to send him anywhere but do be careful yourselves. He won’t be able to help himself, as you know. 😢
A short but a happy life, is what my grandmother always said to me on the farm. Our animals never went hungry, thirsty, nor wanted for anything. They were cared for and loved, then it ended. Not many in this world can be so lucky in life. You made the right call not to re-home him.
I know what it is like, having had to do this with a wee horse I had a few years ago. He began to attack himself, in the paddock (he had a paddock mate for company) It got worse and worse and he started drawing blood when biting himself. I even contacted vets overseas and sent videos. In the end, I acted on their suggestions. It was the kindest thing and yet one of the hardest things I have ever had to arrange. You will know when the time is right.
I'm so sorry Meg :( that must have been really difficult to process but you and Hobs are amazing for listening to Ari and doing what's best for him. He's so lucky to have a home that puts his health and safety and the forefront of everything and will live out his days in the best home
Aw I’m so sorry I hope everything gets better Meg❤️❤️
Oh no, I'm so sorry Meg. Sending lots of love, for both you and Ari. 🫶🫶
Holy shit, I am so sorry! But at the same time, I am glad he has you guys as his owners!
i know thousands of people are saying such kind things to you right now, but i want to make it crystal clear how amazing you are of a person, horse owner, and rider to be doing this for your boy. he is incredibly lucky to have someone as attentive and loving as you. i hope through these tough times that you can understand how proud of yourself you should be for making this decision. i know how hard this has to be for you and i’m so incredibly sorry for the outcome. but please remember how special it is that you took his slight messages and made sure it was handled before getting on him again. i’m so so proud of you, Meg. just as everyone else is. i aspire to be just like you one day. and i’m sure he will enjoy his non-stop playtime in the field. ❤
I’m so sorry this is such heartbreaking new but well done Meg and Hobbit for putting your dreams aside to make Ari as comfortable as you can. He still has a job! He’s a very qualified baby sitter/youngster buddy. I hope for a long pain free life for him and for him to be able to look after many youngest to come.
This is so sad to hear. You have all our support over the screen. I know this sounds selfish to say but plz make ari merch because we all love him and I would bugy 10 tshirts and hoodie if I could to help you and support you. I have watched you from the beginning and will watch you till the end. I will always be watching you through the screen and I think about you all the time. You are my idol. And I wish to be a strong as you are. I am so thankful for everything you have done and will always be supporting you. Tha k you for showing the darker side of owning horses and all the issues that come with owning them although you want to keep it mainly positive. I am 15 and didn't know this was a thing but you have taught me so much about owning horses and basically are my horsey life mentor in a way. 😂 I love3 you content and everything you do. I belive everything happens for a reason and I believe it could be a sign to make the most of every moment you have.
Thank you for everything Meg and I will be watching you forever you are my whole inspiration and you bring me so much joy. Rember it happens for a reason 😊
at the end of the day, what a lucky pony to have someone listen to him and protect him like you have meg. the people that don't deserve horses are the ones that care about being an owner, but not about the needs of each individual equine, but you are the definition of the opposite. you should be proud of yourself, and I know for sure if ari understood what your doing for him, he would be too.
I'm so sorry, Meg ❤️ That really sucks. That kind of news is so awful. My first horse was diagnosed with DSLD in the first year I owned her. Only got a couple rides in on her and now she lives as a very pretty pasture ornament. It really sucks cause it feels like so much potential has gone to waste but it just can't be helped. I know it's not exactly the same scenario but I just wanted to put that out there to say you're definitely not alone in your feelings and it's a really awful scenario all over. I'm so sorry :( Just keep doing what you're doing, giving him the best life possible. He ended up in fantastic hands with you and your family ❤️ lots of love to you guys.
My heart and thoughts are with you and your mum, its never easy in a situation like this, thank you for being so strong and letting us know this awful news, going over it is never easy. I'm so glade that he's been with you with this out come for him, where he'll be loved and looked after with all his needs met. It's never easy to find out something we love so much could have there life change so dramatically. I can only imagine your feelings and hurt, we are all here for you both, xxx
Thank you for sharing this very difficult news. It helps those who do not own horses realize the real struggle to care for these beautiful animals.
I am so incredibly sorry to hear this and as well for you and your mom( I see how excited you both get with these babies and the futures you set forth for both them and you. I am literally so so very proud of you as an equestrian that you have taken this news and decided to do what’s in the very best interest of him(letting him live out his life without the stress of training knowing he may very well be in pain, and the fact that you pushed with your gut feeling) I know this hurts but you and your mom are both phenomenal people doing what your doing for him. Listening to him and having him decide when he can no longer go on. I wish more people/equestrians were like you because at the end of the day the amount that these animals do for us is immeasurable❤️. Again I am so very sorry , incredibly proud to be apart of your channel with someone who listens and supports their horses this way❤️ No need to apologize ever as you are doing what is best for your horse, that is all that matters❤️
I’m so sorry to hear this about your lovely horse, Meg! You are 100% doing the humane thing by stoppIng him from riding, and watching him in his retirement. I really feel for you, wish I could give you a momma hug, it breaks my heart.
Nerve pain is absolutely horrific- I had a long problem with nerve pain in my neck and shoulder (which put me out of work 7 years until I convinced a specialist to do exploratory surgery where he found my ulnar nerve encased in ruptured tendon scar tissue) that thankfully was able to be fixed (after 7 years of unbelievable pain) with surgery. I still have echoes of nerve damage, but absolutely tolerable compared to what the nerve pain was like.
Nerve pain, probably from multiple falls as a young rider in the 70’s (when you just shook off any injury and got on with it) has completely changed my life, and probably has ended my riding forever.
Oh my goodness, how awful for you, I'm so pleased that you did eventually get it sorted. I think nerve pain is so horrible x
Poor Ari. Sending big virtual hugs to you and Hobs. I hope tomorrow is brighter.
What gutting news. But good on you for listening to your horses and getting Ari checked out by the vet instead of trying to push him through the pain like so many people would. I hope Ari has many many years to come enjoying his best life in the field 💜
Only recently came across your channel, Meg but I'm so sorry to hear, I can't imagine how hard getting that news must have hit. However, you are a great horsewoman knowing something wasn't right and getting him checked over. Ari is so lucky to have someone like you looking out for him and will undoubtedly have a great life under your care.
I'm so sorry Meg. That is such hard news. We're all thinking of you and sending our love. ❤❤
We had a young horse in for starting who was from a show home. Showed in yearling lunge line and halter classes and was such a sweet horse. When the rider who was working with her got on, she sat down like a dog! Sadly diagnosed with the same thing, and the owner told us they would not be breeding her dam anymore either to prevent the conformation that may have contributed to it. It's tough to put in the love and time to get outcomes like this.
So sorry Meg ❤ You’ve done everything humanly possible for him and he’s beyond lucky to have you guys
This is a video every horse owner should see. How brave and decent of you to give of yourselves at a moment we all never want to experience. Kia kaha to you and Hobbit. Stay strong. A gentle pat for Ari.
I’m so sorry Meg. This is terrible news. Thank you for telling us. That was brave. I’m glad he has you.
I nearly wrote on your Ari riding video 5 months ago that he didn't seem right. There was so much tension in that boy, he was so uneasy. He didn't even want to stand at the mounting block. I think he was uncomfortable that day but I didn't comment because it seemed negative. I also couldn't figure out where he was uncomfortable, often it's their hooves or legs but his seemed fine so I doubted myself. Poor boy, but he's lucky he has a forever home ♥
Meg, just because you are on social media, it doesn't mean that you have to share everything with us immediately or at all. Thank you for sharing your experience, I realize how difficult that is to do. You are incredibly talented and a wonderful horsewoman, keep doing what you are doing. You care so much about your animals and they are so lucky to have your and your mum, quality of life is important. Don't let yourself burn out, self care will be important over the next while. Take care xxx
Well said! 😊
Very sad, well done for getting through the past couple of weeks and this difficult video, my heart goes out to you .
Oh my goodness this sounds so scary, i'm so sorry, meg :( You're handling it really well, I hope he continues to be ok for as long as he can
I'm so sorry Meg, this is such a tough thing 😢 kudos for being such a responsible and loving owner to Ari and all of us here know you're doing the right thing for him ❤ one door closes and others will definitely open for you because you are amazing 😊
I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s clear for everyone to see that you do it all for your horses and Ari is so so lucky he has you and Hobbs in his corner xx sending love xx
Poor Ari. Thanks for the update Meg. So sorry for your loss and for Ari.
Poor Ari,my paint at 14got a 3 letter thing from possum peaing in the hay .he lose his balance had a date with the vet died before he got there I went out and he died think he fell down and couldn't get up. Poor Nicky..he was the best now he's in heaven 💕💕🙏💕💕🐎💧
I am so sorry. There is so much to be said for owners gut feelings!! Thank you for your commitment to him and keeping him and others safe.
Sending love in these hard times Meg. You are strong and amazing , glad you took the time before making this. ❤
Well done for listening to Ari and listening to your gut😢 you are defo doing the best by him for not selling him as a companion I would be the same if he was mine! As sad as it is, atleast he is happy chilling for now with friends & grass and lovely owners like you and hobbit! Sending love❤
You are amazing. The amount of people who would have just blamed the horse and gotten after the horse more and more vs you realizing the signs. And this isn’t me saying everyone would just get after, but it seems unfortunately to common. You are truly doing the best thing for him, and one day will be extremely sad, but all you both could have asked for was for him to be happy as long as possible 😭❤️💕
I'm so sorry to hear this meg. Sending all our love ❤️
Ooh noo, I'm so sorry, Meg. Let's hope he's gonna be fine and happy and pain-free for a lot of years to come! ❤
So sorry Meg 😢❤ He is incredibly lucky to be with you and be given the opportunity to have a happy life but also someone who is responsible sending lots of hugs 💙💙💕
I'm so sorry. This is heartbreaking. I'm honestly proud of you not breaking down during this, I definitely would've. you can do this Meg. ❤
Awh I'm so sorry meg
Words cannot begin to express my sympathy for the position you’re in. As a veterinarian and a horse owner, my heart just breaks for you, knowing how painful that wait-and-see process can be. We all trust that you love them beyond measure, and that you’ll know when it’s time to make the hard choice.
I've been lucky to share my life with many wonderful and long lived pets, and usually, have just "known" when the time was right. I really trusted my gut on this in the past, balancing quality of life with signals from the animal when it was time. But when my mum's 14 yr old spaniel began having episodes of ideopathic vestibular syndrome, it was a rollercoaster of him appearing desperately ill, rushing him to the vet, and then he would make a really good recovery within a few days. But each episode (he had three altogether) left him slightly worse off, but still able to potter around the house, get excited for food and fuss, and didn't appear in pain, just confused and off balance for a few days each episode, then left with a slight head tilt and more easily knocked off balance. Then he needed helped getting in and outside to go to the bathroom, began bringing his food and water bowls to him, and he started having the odd incontinence accident. We cleaned him up, bathed him, nursed him...
The fact that he'd seem so desperately ill, but then recover relatively well for an older dog, and because we gradually got used to doing more and more active nursing care for him, it became harder to know when it was time. Mum is elderly herself and not as sharp, and wasn't ready to face saying goodbye, and when I started to think that it was time, I didn't push her hard enough to make the call. I just nursed him and loved on them both. But I regret that we waited too long, and he suffered in the end. I never, ever wanted to let an animal suffer, when we have the option to let them go peacefully and painlessly. I've made the call several times in the past, known it was time, and even though heartbroken, have not regretted making the right call for the animal in the end, and being there to hold them and comfort them as they slip away. the last loving act we can give them. But with this dog, I didn't listen to my gut, and waited too long. He began having short confused episodes where he'd cry, seem lost, and turn in circles. The vet said it was an underlying brain tumour that has cause the vestibular episodes. The vet had also been amazed at how well he'd recovered from his episodes, so I hadn't ignored their advice or anything, we always sought vet attention, and they were wonderful.
When he began the crying episodes, on a Friday, I had a much sterner talk with mum, and she agreed it was time, even though she was so desperate for it not to happen, and we made the appointment for the Monday, planning to say goodbye over the weekend. The crying episodes were infrequent and brief, thought we could manage. But on the Saturday, he was crying, confused, wetting himself, and couldn't be comforted. I don't have a car, mum is disabled, so I called the vet and paid extra for them to come to the house and put him to sleep in the garden at home. As soon as the vet agreed a time to come, he came out of the episode and settled. It was like he knew. But I regret so much that I didn't see how far his quality of life had slipped, that I didn't push harder to let him go sooner, and that he suffered, especially on that last day. I know that Jack would forgive me, in a heartbeat. Dogs are amazing like that. But I can't forgive myself. I have so much pain and regret around his passing, that I failed him, and I share this to urge others in similar situations to really think it though, and let them go when they're ready. Better a day early than a day late, believe me!! I'm so sorry, Jack. We loved you dearly, and owed you a much better end.
I'm so incredibly sorry to hear this Meg. There are no words to describe how hard learning about such a thing is about one of your precious babies. I had hoped and wished so much more for you and Ari but good God he's in the best of hands with you getting to enjoy his early retirement. In such a beautiful place and with so much love.
Oh Meg I am so so sorry!!! The biggest hugs to you and your family. I think this really proves your horsemanship is top notch, your partnerships with your horses are far more than just “coddling them”. You know them, in and out. So many people would’ve called it simply bad behavior and brushed it off until there was a potential fatal accident. Always trust your gut when it comes to animals. We love you Ari 😘 🤗
Bless your heart! I’m so glad neither one of you were hurt. I hope things get better for you. I’m so glad you listen and pay attention to your horses. Much love sent your way❤❤️
What a lucky boy to have been born to such wonderful owners who will always put the horse first.❤
I just had the exact same diagnosis with my 4yo, she was the sweetest mare when she was being backed but after coming of a break her behaviour completely changed. Sending all my love as I know how devastating it is💕
Gosh, I'm so sorry to hear this. I think it's more common than we think. It's so sad but you can't watch them 24/7 & they have to have plenty of turnout & freedom to be horses. x
My heart goes out to you and Hobbit with such bad news - the news of Ari is that of a human family member , having bred him and with such plans. I know you will do what’s right for him. It’s understandable - he’s a family member. Treat yourselves gently/ kindly at this difficult time. Love and big hugs. I do hope this message makes sense 💕xxx💕