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| Author |
Message |
    
Edward Judy (Gizzmoe)
| | Posted on Friday, Jul 26, 2002 - 10:13 pm: |   |
I have a thoroughbred mare that is underweight and not gaining the weight she needs. Currently she is at a boarding stable though and we pay $250 a month for it. I have done all the figuring out and the cost of keeping her at home would be about $180 plus farrier etc, that is with feed supplements for her weight gain and heaves. Currently I cannot afford feed supplements with the board fee. The problem is my dad. He seems to think she would be better off at a boarding stable because I wouldnt have to care for her. The thing is he is completely horse illiterate and doesn't understand that she isn't gaining any weight and needs an extra boost. I have 2 acres for her to be on with my miniature because I keep my mini at home. Does anyone here have any suggestions on how to convince dad that Molly would be much better off at home health wise then at a boarding stable.
Thanks
Alisa |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)
| | Posted on Saturday, Jul 27, 2002 - 10:45 am: | |
List me 3 reasons why your dad worries about you caring for her, Alisa.
DrO |
Alisa Judy (Gizzmoe)
| | Posted on Saturday, Jul 27, 2002 - 10:57 am: | |
Its not that he is worried about me careing for her. I think he thinks she would be better off with someone else takeing care of her because of being a bigger horse. He doesn't understand that countless times my vet said she would be better off on the weight builder and cough free feed supplements. He thinks she is better there because she would have lots of horse company... but she is turned out by herself because everyone picks on her too much and runs her causing more weight loss. I have talked to a vet about this and about not being able to afford the supplements and he thinks that I proabably should get her home so she isnt chased through the fence and can actually get better feed and the supplements. My dad seems to think that because she is being boarded they will feed her what she needs etc. I am 17 and have had a horse at home before and took good care of him so I dont see what the problem would be. I was thinking of trying to talk to him about and explain what the vet told me to greater detail and get him to understand that she is really in need of weight and her heaves taken care of. I have had her for over a year now and am lucky if she has gained 100 pounds. Here is a picture of her taken last Saturday... what would you put her at on the weight condition scale
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Alisa Judy (Gizzmoe)
| | Posted on Saturday, Jul 27, 2002 - 11:00 am: | |
Sorry for the mess up didnt think it should up this time.... retrying again |
Alisa Judy (Gizzmoe)
| | Posted on Saturday, Jul 27, 2002 - 11:01 am: | |
Opps didnt post the image part right I am trying again...  |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)
| | Posted on Sunday, Jul 28, 2002 - 10:37 am: | |
I would call her a 3 (thin) to 4 (moderately thin). I think having the vet talk or at least write a letter to your dad is a good idea Alisa. I certainly would want more wait on this horse.
DrO |
Lisa Brand (Trouble)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 31, 2002 - 4:36 pm: | |
Alisa,
how about talking to your dad about a trial period of say 3-4 months to see if your home care is working out better than boarding.
If you are really responsible, he will notice this and maybe have a change of heart. |
Deborah Coe
Member
Username: Hedgehog
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005 - 11:27 am: | |
Alisa and Dr. O
Isn't it the responsibility of a good boarding stable to look after the welfare of their wards? If I was looking to board at this stable, and saw this mare, I would think twice. I too have a "hard keeper" and the stable where she is boarded is absolutely wonderful about making sure she is at her best (also 250.00/month). Just a thought. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 12431
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005 - 5:44 pm: | |
Yes and it appears there is some question about that care, I think that is why Alisa wanted to bring the horse home.
DrO |
CJ
Member
Username: Marroon
Post Number: 10
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005 - 6:03 pm: | |
Alisa, maybe you could put a plan together for your dad stating feeding times, what would be fed and what you would be committed to doing. Put it in writing so he understands you are serious about your concerns for your horse. Also include the $ amounts and the differences bringing his attention to the fact that it is a win-win situation for everyone.
I would say, him not knowing the specifics is maybe what is holding him up on it. This way you take all of his guess work out of the picture and if he is not satisfied with your plan attach the vetrinarians card to your plan so he can also check with the vet. He may feel intimidated asking you.
It's just a thought, but being a parent myself sometimes it's hard to realize that you raised a responsible young adult as you sound to be. Good luck, whatever you decide to do! |
Liliana Velasco Ariza
Member
Username: Liliana
Post Number: 219
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005 - 6:40 pm: | |
Alisa,
I know this may sound  but is she wormed regularly?
One of my horses is about 15 and you can set your calendar by his weight and worming time. He is 16hh and has plenty grass and grain with little work but if he does not get wormed once a month he starts dropping the weight immediately.
Also CJ has a very good point, you need to convince your dad (and yourself) that you will take care of your mare. When my daughter was 17 although she loved her mare also a TB but black, some times her friends and homework meant that I had to clean her stable, brush etc. etc. Then again I love horses so I did not mind it one bit, but, perhaps that is your dad's concern, him not being horsy and all
Please do not think I am being patronising, I just remember when my daughter was 17. She is 23 now and she runs the yard with her 6 horses, 36 lamb 50 ducks and 30 rosters and hens.
All the best
Liliana |
