Our very old pony, Tony, had a scare a few days ago. He got cast in his stall and was not found for several hours. Unfortunately when he was found we thought we may have to put him down because we were not sure how or why he was down to start with. When I got the call to come to the barn I found when I got down and talked to him and touched him that he seemed alert but just stuck in the corner under the hay rack but he was stressed and stiff. We got him up and called the vet. A shot of bute ( for his arthritis and pain ) an a thorough exam, the vet said this is not the day to end Tony the Pony's long life. This pony was used to teach hundreds of young equestrians to ride, show and jump. He is over 30 years old and no one seems to know how old he is. My friend moved to Virginia to live and left Tony with me since she had no place to house this old man at her new place until the new barn was built. So, I have had him ever since and agreed to take care of him until I decide it is time for him to go to sleep for good. I have had show and race horses plus I was the Office Manager of a large Standardbred breeding farm here in NJ for years when I first moved here and during that time learned so much about breeding and health issues, death, etc. in the horse business. I hate making the decision to end a life of one of these beauties but I do not do it without the vet's thoughts about it also. I will however, refuse to keep them if they are in severe pain that can no longer be controlled. They must be able to live a comfortable life or else. Today in all this heat, he has ice cubes in his water, a sprinkler going in his paddock and two fans in his barn. I would say he has it pretty good. Also, he is standing on all fours so that is a good thing. Here is a shot of the old man I love.
P.S. He also gets a sponge bath before bed every hot night. Is he spoiled or is he spoiled. We love our animals.
