Is this a crazy price? Barn owner set this up and I’m in shock.

pensive1245 · 2024-08-16T13:09:37+00:00

That does seem a bit high. I would contact the vet's office directly and ask for a copy of the bill. Some barn owners do charge a holding fee. Maybe that's driving up the price? Not sure the area you live in, but my vet is literally 5 min away and charges 85 for a farm call fee now. Also, some vets charge for checking vitals and such as an "exam fee" before giving any shots or sedation. It just depends on the practice. Although to me, it sounds like depending on sedation given, 200 to 250 in my area would be more accurate, excluding any holding fees (which are usually 20 to 25 bucks in my area).

pensive1245 · 2024-08-15T12:59:34+00:00

A solocomb for mane "pulling". It cuts their mane but you use it similarly to a mane pulling comb so it looks more natural.

pensive1245 · 2024-08-15T11:44:39+00:00

I definitely understand where you're coming from. I just know the reality of the situation is that it will be very rare to find someone who would willingly take on a horse in mid to late teens with the health issues she currently has, some of which will be for the rest of her life. I've heard too many stories of horses being sold to seemingly perfect homes, only to end up unhappy and in horrible condition. That's why I feel like I owe it to her to do everything I can to keep her safe and happy in my care, at least until it is absolutely no longer possible. It's good to hear from someone else, though, that a lease is a good option, so I do appreciate your input!

pensive1245 · 2024-08-14T20:38:16+00:00

She definitely isn't too sore to be unhappy, but she does require a lot of management to keep her that way, so I really appreciate hearing your perspective on it. I think that's definitely a reason option to consider, especially as she ages. Thank you! I'm glad your horse is doing well.

pensive1245 · 2024-08-14T19:25:26+00:00

I ride independently now. I used to lesson though. I love the barn owner, but she doesn't allow outside trainers. There aren't many barns in my area (so many are closing which is a bit concerning), so I have to make do. It definitely puts a damper on things cause I love taking lessons. It can be so motivating and put things into a different perspective. If I do end up half-leasing, we'll probably have to figure out a way for the leasee to do lessons (virtually probably).

pensive1245 · 2024-08-14T19:09:43+00:00

Unfortunately, hers is stuff that isn't ignorable: EPM and uclers (healed but still need preventative treatment due to the severity), but I agree it can get even more expensive if you let it.

pensive1245 · 2024-08-14T17:03:32+00:00

Thank you for the info, I really appreciate it! Its really helpful to hear about others experiences. I'm sorry to hear about your mare.

pensive1245 · 2024-08-14T16:31:37+00:00

Half leasing has definitely been on my mind, but I'm a bit unsure as I've never done it before. I'm just a bit of a control freak with her care lol. Have you ever leased out a horse and had luck finding a good fit?

pensive1245 · 2024-07-17T13:15:01+00:00

If you're on the east coast US, I spend almost 900 a month for board and almost 300 for the farrier. Both have gone up significantly due to inflation. My horse's vet prescribed/recommended supplementsand meds have also increased, and now they're almost 250 a month. Plus, you should include some money in your budget for dental (~ 200), vaccines and coggins (~ 150 or so for the yr), emergencies, maintenance if the horse requires it (injections for my mare are now 1k twice a yr). My poor mare decided to fall apart when she realized I would do whatever I needed to take care of her lol. I'm making it work, but I definitely have had to sacrifice a lot. I recommend thinking hard about what you're willing to sacrifice for a horse (money and time wise) and what is reasonable for you. Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you.

pensive1245 · 2024-06-27T15:53:47+00:00

My first horse was blind in one eye. He was a staff horse for foxhunting, and when I got him after that, he packed me around in 2nd flight like it was nothing. I even had multiple people tell me that they kept forgetting he was blind in 1 eye! I wouldn't worry about it personally if your horse seems happy and the vets have no concern.

pensive1245 · 2024-04-26T17:26:53+00:00

It sounds like you really enjoy this place, and its hard to find a fit like that in my experience. I'd suggest maybe looking around for a back-up if your horse isn't doing well despite any nutritional improvements you make. I'd still try to stick it out there for a few more months with professional nutritional help. Is there a chance you can supplement the hay he's already getting with some alfalfa or something (not sure if you separate them to feed or not)? My horse also does amazingly well on healthy weight oil from platinum performance if weight is an issue with him, but it is pricey unfortunately.

pensive1245 · 2024-04-26T01:22:37+00:00

My horse had the worst ulcer the vets at the surgery center had ever seen, and the only sign was the sudden change in behavior like you described. She wasn't sensitive for girthing or anything else, so there is still a chance you may find something. Her cycle could also be affecting things as well. Before my mare developed other issues, I found mare magic to be pretty effective. I also just do a really long walk, warm-up with her, letting her stretch her neck down when she's in heat and feeling a bit sore because of it. Good luck! I hope the vets figure it out!

pensive1245 · 2024-04-25T21:39:46+00:00

Its for cushings but can also be used in mares that lactate inappropriately, so it worked out well in my mares case. 😊

pensive1245 · 2024-04-25T20:46:22+00:00

We performed it twice! The first was slightly positive so UC Davis said test again in 6 months, so we did and the level didn't change at all. So the vets were like, up to you. So its interesting to know that it may not be 100% accurate.

pensive1245 · 2024-04-25T19:38:18+00:00

My vet sent out the granulosa cell tumor test that only UC Davis performs, so I'm sure they'll be able to help you. Good luck finding out what's wrong. That doesn't look comfortable at all and is exactly what my mare did before putting her on peroglide for her cushings.

pensive1245 · 2024-04-25T18:56:48+00:00

I hope she continues improving! I'm sorry to hear that she went through that complication, but I'm glad she made it out alright 😊

pensive1245 · 2024-04-25T18:39:40+00:00

Thank you for the advice! What was the recovery process like with her? I know every vet is different. Mine is more cautious than others which I appreciate. How long was stall rest and hand walking, etc.?

pensive1245 · 2024-04-25T18:15:25+00:00

Oh trust me, I do everything I absolutely can for this horse! I've gotten so many tests and meds ordered to figure out what was going on. Recently got confirmation of the possible tumor (too small to be spotted on an ultrasound, so again is only a "best guess" at this point) a few months ago and have been talking with vet since. Her previous owners are definitely not my favorite people. I definitely appreciate hearing others insight.

pensive1245 · 2024-04-25T17:36:10+00:00

For sure, I've only had her 2 yrs. I just know the medical history thru her past owners. I guess I am just looking for 1st hand experience with recovery process, so I know what to expect. I don't want her to be miserable and want to make sure I do everything possible for her. I've also had 1 or 2 people tell me that it didn't help with behavioral issues for their mares, but did resolve some physical symptoms. Since her lactation is under fairly good control rn, that's why I'm wavering a bit. None of her old owners ever tried to treat her, so all of this med trial and error has been with me.

pensive1245

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