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Sweet 1/2 Arab gelding (Indiana) free to good home

6K views 20 replies 12 participants last post by  AlexS 
#1 ·
I've come to the heartbreaking realization I can no longer keep my 1/2 Arabian 1/2 Tennessee Walking Horse gelding, Ariel. Finances are such that I can't do right by him any longer and I need to give him up for the welfare of my family. He is suitable for light riding only due to a condition that prevents his blood from producing platelets. He seems to tire easily, but he doesn't require any medication.

I would give him to someone who could give him the basic care he needs and could prove to me they could provide him a good home. There are also about 15 square bales of grass hay and 4 big round bales of grass hay that go with him. Here is some information about him.

-20 years old last May
-well trained and has good ground manners
-responds well to a full-cheek snaffle
-I've always trail ridden him and I've taken him on the road quite a bit
-looks much younger than he is, very cute
-trailers well (at least in stock type trailer, not sure about the other kind)
-gets along great with all other livestock, especially goats
-light grey with "freckles" (ok...he's a flea bitten gray)
-hooves and legs seem sound, though hooves are a bit long and broken on the ends due to not being able to afford farrier, one trim would fix most of it though
-respects his electric fence
-no shots or coggins this year, but did have all his shots last year and a negative coggins last year, he hasn't been anywhere near any other horses in that time, he's always been responsibly and skillfully handled and cared for til now :cry:
-wormed with Ziremectin Gold
-likes children but they need to be supervised by a knowledgeable, experienced adult
-once he knows and trusts you he'll do anything for you, becomes very affectionate and bonded to people
-would be great companion for another horse or a person who would like a pet to groom and ride lightly
-he's not what my grandmother would call a "dead head", there is still some spirit in those bones, but he's very sensible about it
-I've known this horse his whole life and can answer questions about his history and even about his parents

That's all I can think of right now. I know its a long post, but I want anyone interested to know everything there is to know about him so they can make an informed decision. I just want to find Arie a good home where he'll be treated with the kindness he deserves for being such a good boy his whole life.
 
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#3 · (Edited)
Unfortunately he's not gaited. Its too bad since he is a grandson of a world grand champion Walking Horse from the 70's called Ace's Sensation. You can google Ace, cause its interesting. Arie looks like his Arab sire (who was my lesson horse when I was 12, if that gives you a clue to his temperament). He could maybe pass for pure Arabian. You can't even see his Tennessee Walking side much. I don't know how to upload pics but I'll see what I can do. He's still cute in his winter hair. In his summer coat he's sort of gorgeous.

I can't believe I forgot to say how tall he is. He is 14.2 hands. He weighs between 950 and 1000 lbs. Really a big pony.
 
#4 ·
Beware charming people who will tell you what you want to hear and the horse goes to the nearest auction. You want to put a price on him, more than what the plants are willing to pay. At one time it was 5c lb so a horse the size of yours would have been worth $40. i'd suggest a couple of hundred as they are getting that in feed alone.
 
#8 ·
My main reason for the free asking price is because of the condition with his platelets. Actually I was concerned about the very thing you mentioned and I appreciate your advice. When I post in my local paper I will post a price. I had hoped that posting here would bring things to the attention of true horse people. Unfortunately I know that's not always the case. I'll look for things like references from other members. The thought of him in the care of someone other than me is hard enough; thinking of him possibly sold for meat is unthinkable. He deserves so much better than that.

I'm not sure you'd call him a bleeder. He has had some problems with his gums swelling and leaking serum which he would wipe on his legs. It's not even that noticeable, but small areas of matted hair on his legs are what prompted me to get a blood test for him. Right now he seems normal and could be said to be in remission. I was planning on teaching him to use a bit-less bridle in case his mouth was sore. Last time I rode him that didn't seem to be an issue, though. Thanks for the questions and keep asking.
 
#7 ·
It's not always true that people that get free horses won't do right by them-I've gotten 2 free horses & was SO appreciative of the gift. One was already 24 when I got her-I loved her for 3 (or so) years, before she started getting weak in the rear & having trouble getting up or down, & I put her down(at the vet's) before she started getting panicked by it. My 2nd free horse is just now 20, & will be moving to AZ w/me & I'm looking forward to many years of pleasant trail riding w/him. If my health outlives the horses I now have, I hope to find another "free" horse to enjoy the trails of AZ,since, as a senior, my income is limited & I'd rather spend it on their care & maintenance than having to pay a lot for a horse that just needs some time & attention. So looking forward to being fully retired!
 
#9 ·
If i could take him i would be down there in an instant to look him over and take a look. But, unfortunately i am maxed out with my 3 right now. Please put a price on him. I know it is hard, but this way you know he goes to a home if they are willing to pay I can't say the quality of the home but it wouldn't be some processing plant. Also if your family is in need don't just give value away. if someone you know wants him than feel free to drop the price, but if its a stranger make sure they are willing to pay the price. even if in the end you drop it.
 
#11 ·
An aged horse with a medical condition and limited physical abilities is going to be tough to give away, much less sell.

There are plenty of young, healthy, sound horses out there going for nothing, so you putting a price on this particular animal to 'save' him from the killers is misguided.

No one is going to pay you to take your old, unhealthy horse off your hands. If you're worried about someone getting him and sending him off to a kill auction, then put him down. There are worse things than a quiet euthanasia in familiar surroundings.

If he has trouble making platelets, there's a heck of a lot more wrong with him than just getting overtired.

If you do manage to unload him, you have no right to expect a forever home for him. You can't or won't provide one for him, so have no right to impose that condition on anyone else.

You say you've known this horse his whole life. If that were the case and he were mine, I'd put him down instead of stressing him out by completely uprooting him and sending him to unfamiliar people and strange surroundings.

It really is all about the horse. Do what's best for him, not what will make you feel better.
 
#12 ·
@Speed Racer - You sicken me. Just because a horse has a medical condition doesn't mean that it is worthless and needs to be put down. Even if the horse can't be ridden in a few years it could be a great companion for a horse that would otherwise be alone. To my understanding the horse isn't in pain and suffering. She is not trying to unload a horse because it is old and "sick". If she had a young fresh horse she would be doing the same thing because she can't afford it. She is up front about the condition and isn't asking for top dollar for the horse. I'll make sure to keep your thoughts in mind when you get old and decrepit and your family can no longer afford to care for you.
 
#16 ·
@Speed Racer - You sicken me. Just because a horse has a medical condition doesn't mean that it is worthless and needs to be put down. Even if the horse can't be ridden in a few years it could be a great companion for a horse that would otherwise be alone. To my understanding the horse isn't in pain and suffering. She is not trying to unload a horse because it is old and "sick". If she had a young fresh horse she would be doing the same thing because she can't afford it. She is up front about the condition and isn't asking for top dollar for the horse. I'll make sure to keep your thoughts in mind when you get old and decrepit and your family can no longer afford to care for you.
speedracer was a little on the harsh side, and I personally wouldnt put the horse down just for being sick. But My father has cancer and doesnt produce platlettes he needs. He is much more than just tired. He is sick. He can not be asked to do too much too quickly and his blood pressure sky rockets and he seizreus and passes out. I would imagine its worse for a horse who lives outside. Body temperature wouldnt be able to level itself out, it would be hard to process some feed/hay.

I cant say what the best option for your horse is, but it would take a very special person, with some extra money to properly care for him. Seeming normal, and being normal are different. Just take into consideration what speed racer was saying under the harsh statements: It will be very stressful on the horse to be with new owners/new environment. The kindest thing may possibly to put him down.
 
#13 ·
If I had a 20 yr old horse that gave me the best years of his life and now he has health issues on top of age, I'd put him down too. It's the most humane thing to do. After working in a vet's office I came to realize that most people will let their animals suffer because they can't stand to part with him/her. Very selfish on the owners part. A responsible owner will do what's best for the animal, not what's best for the person.
 
#14 ·
I am so sorry you've come to this junction in your relationship with your long time equine friend.

Ideally, you could find the perfect home where his retirement days would be spent with people who would look after him the way you wish that you could, but cannot because of finances. Sometimes, the deals life throws at us sucks.

Barring finding that perfect home, give your friend the ultimate gift of love and selfless sacrifice and put him down surrounded by your love. It's a hard and painful decision, but one that a caregiver to one of the god's most perfect creatures can make.
 
#15 ·
She wants to give him to a home that can care for him. hence she is parting with him. she realizes the fact that she cant care for him and instead of letting him suffer she is trying to find a good home. unless this platelet condition is so bad that he is in chronic pain why shouldn't he live. to my understanding it is effecting the horse the same way athsma would effect a person.
 
#17 ·
@LetAGrlShowU- I think people jump to euthanasia way too fast. if the horse is suffering then by all means put it down. but people can at the very least not jump to judgmental hateful comments towards a person dealing with a very hard decision. Thank you for your heartfelt comment with level and grounded reasoning. If that is the horses condition i completely agree with you. I wish you and your father the best
 
#18 ·
I agree with THN as far as euthanasia goes ... FYI I have 5 horses and 4 of them were free. I LOVE them all and they all have a job so they aren't just "pasture ornaments". Even my pony who is in the process of recovering from a shoulder injury is exercised daily (heck it keeps ME in shape and it's more fun than walking alone!)

Aerial, have you had any luck finding Arie a good home? I am located quite a ways away in North Carolina, otherwise I would offer to take him myself. Please let us know how it goes ... I am sure there is someone out there who will offer him a loving home!
 
#20 ·
I appreciate all your comments, even though one was harsh, I believe it was said with the horse's best interest at heart. I have considered putting him down rather than sending him to a new home but he doesn't seem unhappy or to be suffering. He even plays, trotting and cantering around in his pasture. It's true that I don't know how his condition will progress in the future, no one does. I've been as up front as I can possibly be. There doesn't seem to be a really good solution anyway you look at it.

I know how to make the hard decisions based on someone else's welfare rather than my own. I understand that a decision bringing pain doesn't necessarily mean its the wrong decision. Right now we can't afford propane to heat the house, 60 degrees at the moment. Not to get too personal but I would never be flippant about giving up my horse. We do what we must...
 
#21 ·
Sorry that you have fallen on tough times! It is happening so often for so many people, let's hope things turn around soon. It is certainly no fun to have to seriously cut back. When it comes to it, horses are a luxury, and they have to go when your family needs the money spent on them instead.

It could become a balance though of holding out for the right home, and still having the upkeep costs of the horse. If it comes to that, it could well bring the euth decision closer to your mind.

I had a horse who was dangerous. I advertised her honestly and cheap, I got some tire kickers out to see her. I refused to sell her to someone who wanted her for their child, my horse was dangerous and advertised as such. I then listed her for free (again stating her issues) as I had spent more than I was comfortable with trying to train, board and maintain her while I sold her.

A couple showed up, they were really nice, I had spoken to them for a good while on the phone first, and they were unconcerned about her issues. Loading her onto their trailer was a 2 hour ordeal even after giving her Ace she was still rearing to full height (the same thing she did when faced with anything she did not want to do). I am pretty sure that they were kill buyers, they could not possibly have heard what I told them, and saw what they did when we loaded her and still wanted her to retrain.
I regret that long trip she took now, even though I am not against horse slaughter in general, I regret her long trip and her suffering. I should have had put her to sleep instead.

Just wanted to share my personal experience to those who think that suggesting the euth of a horse is a terrible thing.



Ariel, I hope that you are able to rehome your horse, and I hope you come out of your difficulties soon. If nothing else, this conversation keeps bumping your ad to try to rehome your horse so more people will see it, and can maybe help.
 
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