The Hard Choices - Jake Update

I haven't been on HF in a while. Life, School, work and horses all managed to take up most of my time. I have come to a very sad and hard part in my life that I thought I would share with the few of you that have been following Jake and me.

I have just heard from my trainer that the Vet said that Jake's ringbone has progressed to a state that he is deemed light riding sound only. No more jumping, or barrel racing. I haven't been able to talk to vet so I have no idea if that means I can do light flat work, or if he thinks it means a walking trail horse from now on. I received this info in a text, no call just a handful of words.

As many of you know from previous posts and videos that Jake is a hot horse under saddle. He doesn't just go for casual trail rides or a basic jog around the ring. He lifts his knees high and prances and jumps around and twists. All things that he should be avoiding. He can't do a semi-retired life...It isn't in his personality to be content with a gentle ride. He gets bored easy, and looks for ways to add spice to the ride.

This is why I will be retiring him at the end of summer. I will spend one last summer with him, just playing around no worries, no pressure to just enjoy him and his stupid antics that I love. Then, Jake will travel 800 miles away to retire on a pasture at my dads house for the rest of his life. I will only see him probably once to twice a year after that, and it breaks my heart. He is my world, and I don't know what I'm going to do without him. Its like saying goodbye.

Just thought a few of you would like to know, and thank you for the few that have supported us.

Tough stuff :(

Sad news, but at least he'll be in a great home still! Maybe if you get your own plot of land you could take him back and keep him there.

Are you going to keep on riding?

Hugs!

I'm far from being able to get my own land, especially where I live. California is just too dang expensive. I can't even afford a place to rent for myself. I would love to just keep him in my backyard. =\ Pasture board is rather crummy and very expensive around here. He would get better care at my fathers property.

I'm going to try, I can ride and show with school horses at the barn I'm at. Yet as always, its never the same as owning though.

So true! Who knows, maybe someone will need help with their horse and you'll have a small project.

I wish you both the best regardless

I know it is sad, but I commend you for making the best choice for Jake. Smile and remember it is the best thing for him and maybe that will take a little of the sting out.
Also, true horsemen put their animals needs first when it comes to health and soundness. So, you made a mature decision for Jake, be proud of that. It gives me hope for the future of horses and horsemanship to see younger folks making tough decisions that are for the good of the horse.

On a side note: I'd fire the vet who couldn't take time to deliver this kind of news with a phone call instead of a text. I know they are really busy folks, but IMO you take time to take care of the person paying those huge bills as well as the animal costing all the cash.

Oh no!! Why do I seem to be missing everything on here lately?! So sorry to hear this about Jake!! I wish the both of you the best of luck, and hope the two of you have a great time this summer! Take lots and lots of picks!!! Glad to hear that he is going to a place where he can relax, sorry your having to go through this! ((HUGS)) your way!!

I know that it is the best choice for him. That idea does help, it also helps that I have everything already planned for his retirement and that I knew there would come a day that his body couldn't keep up with his antics. The sad thing is that he has such heart, strength and character that he doesn't act his age. He had so much to offer if he didn't have the ringbone. My normal vet (not the one I just used, my regular one got deployed) used to think it was a crack up that he is strong and high strung at 24 years of age. I just feel like we were finally getting over both of our issues and able to start really shining when this hit us. He isn't at the emotional point of retirement, he still greets me eagerly at the gate when I have a halter in hand.

Which is even more of a reason to retire him. He will push on through his pain to keep trying for me. I don't think he would ever tell me "I can't do this anymore, I'm done."

About the vet, I am definitely not happy and will be calling him today. A single sentence relayed through my trainer is no where near an acceptable response to this type of news. I wasn't able to be there because I work full-time and go to school full time and no one will come out on a sunday afternoon. Doesn't mean I'm detached from my horse's health.

Thank you for your kind words though, it helps to know that people don't think I'm just giving up on him. Some people at my barn think (when I had talked about retirement before) said that I was ridiculous to not consider semi-retirement. That I was just giving up because I couldn't use him as much anymore. Which is not it at all...

I haven't made a post on HF in....I don't even know how long. 4-6 months? So no one really knows what's going on. No worries. Thank you and I will be taking more pictures than my computer can hold. I will have to catch up on yours and Rodeo's progress as well, though I have noticed he is undersaddle now. =D