11/26/2025
We are deep into the time of year when those who care for horses – the owners and the barn friends, the veterinarians and the farriers, the osteopaths, the chiropractors and the massage therapists, the grooms, coaches and trainers – have taken pause. As the cold creeps over Canada every fall, we reflect. Is this the year? Do we want (insert horse name here) to go through another winter? We specifically ponder the geriatrics of the herd, those who are medically frail, and those who are riddled by arthritis.
It hurts our heads and our hearts to contemplate these end-of-life decisions. But as caretakers of horses, it is our responsibility to make these decisions selflessly for them.
It is all too easy to see a beloved horse going through the motions and think that they are still okay. But just because a horse eats, drinks and takes the carrot offering doesn’t mean they are fully living. Is there still a sparkle in their eye? Do they interact with you the same way? Do they march purposefully out of their stall to turnout, or dully follow along? Do they say hello to their horse friends, or hang their head and sleep? Are they part of the herd or off by themselves? Are they living? Or simply alive?
Eating, drinking and walking comfortably are bare minimums when it comes to equine welfare. If that is all a horse has, I would argue that they are no longer living, but are simply alive. And living is not the same as being alive. A living horse is bright, has zest for life and interacts positively with its friends (horse and human). A horse who is simply alive is dull, only goes through the motions and has limited or even negative interactions with those around them.
If you have a horse that is not fully living, I urge you to critically evaluate their day-to-day, consult with your veterinarian and other caretakers, and consider the horse’s quality of life. If said horse is simply alive, perhaps the best thing we can do is ease them of their earthly burden.
PC: Judy Wood
