04/30/2025
🌈 End of Life Planning 🌈
I'm blessed to be able to help many older horses in their final years but unfortunately that means this is a discussion that happens often. This is a topic that I'm very passionate about so if you have any questions, please reach out!
No one wants to think about end of life planning but all owners will have to go through at some point. It's best to have a plan before that time comes. This isn't just for older horses, accidents can and will happen any time of day. Do you know what you will do in different scenarios?
⭐ Why are you considering euthanasia?
Many people expect for their older horse to pass peacefully in their sleep out in the pasture; however, it rarely works out that way. Often owners have to step up and make the extremely difficult decision to euthanize their horse. There are numerous reasons they might reach this conclusion but the most common ones I see are due to old age or an ongoing injury/illness that has become too much to manage (like laminitis). Consult your veterinarian and other equine professionals in your horses life if you are considering euthanasia.
⭐ How will you know when it's the right time?
Owners often get hung up on it being the "right time"; however, I don't think there is ever an exact one. I'm a firm believer in that its better to let them go a day early than a minute too late. It's even harder when horses constantly go between good and bad days but we need to focus on the quality of life, not just the quantity. If we are able to pick the date, it gives us a chance to spoil the horse on their last day(s). You can pick a day with better weather, make sure everyone is there that loved the horse, allow them to have as much grass or treats as they want, etc. If we have the chance to write their last chapter, we can make it the best that it can be.
⭐ What do I do with my horse after it's been euthanized?
- Burial (depends on the way of euthanasia and local laws)
- Compost
- Cremation
- Large animal removal services
- Donate to a university, dissection class, etc for educational purposes
- Donate to a large cat rescue or zoo
There are so many different options but you need to decide which one you are most comfortable with. Come up with a game plan so you know what to do when the time comes.
⭐Resources for additional info:
- I also have a link to a webinar that I attended recently about end of life planning that I'm happy to share. It is graphic but is a great discussion that I wish every owner could see. Send me a pm if you want it!
https://horsesandpeople.com.au/how-to-make-horse-euthanasia-decisions/
https://vmc.vet.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/how-will-i-know_rev_mar2024ms_0.pdf
