Transitioning Out of the Program
There will come a time when each horse will move on from your lesson program. This may be due to old age, burnout, a medical condition, or a horse being unsuitable for your program. Just as we carefully consider which horses to acquire for lesson programs, we must be thoughtful about a horse’s continued participation and subsequent transition out of the program.
It can be difficult to know when a horse should be moved out of a lesson program. The assessments in this guide can aid in this serious decision. If a horse is unable to pass the assessments and perform the required skills at the required level for participation in the program, they should be moved on. Adequate time should be spent to train the horse, but if the resources required to keep the horse exceed the benefit of having the horse, it is a simple math equation that leads to the decision. Assessments should be completed at least yearly to ensure horses are continually capable of the job assigned to them.
Another key factor is the horse’s physical condition. Due to injury, illness, or simply age, a horse’s health may prevent them from performing in lessons safely and soundly. It is not ethical to force a horse in pain to continue working. With a veterinarian’s guidance, proper treatment plans may prolong the horse’s comfort. Yet, when the time comes, your program should be prepared to retire the horse.
There are three main pathways for transitioning a horse out of a program: career change, euthanasia, and retirement.
Career Change
When a horse fails to meet the criteria to participate in lessons, yet they are strong and capable of having a job, a career change may be what they need. Some horses are simply not suitable for lesson programs. Having many different handlers and dealing with beginners’ inconsistent cues can cause stress that the horse is unable to manage. These horses may thrive in a different job. The lesson program personnel should keep in mind that just because a horse doesn’t do well in their program doesn’t mean the horse can’t have an alternative, rewarding career.
Additionally, some horses will lose enthusiasm for their work. Horses that were once great lesson horses can become burnt out and require a change of pace. While many things can be done to avoid burning out, it is not always preventable. A major change in routine can be what the horse needs to manage their stress.
Euthanasia
While always a tricky topic, euthanasia may be the best option for a horse as they are near the end of their life. When a horse is in pain and unable to thrive, with a trusted veterinarian’s guidance, you may choose to end their life peacefully through humane euthanasia.
Retirement
Retirement is needed for horses that are healthy enough that euthanasia isn’t the primary option, yet have worked a long life and may not be able to take on a full new career. Retirement can look different for each horse and program. Some may be able to handle semi-retirement, such as being adopted by a family who rides them on a trail once a week or participating in unmounted-only programs. Others may need a full retirement, where they can spend their days in a pasture with their buddies as a “pasture ornament.”
Regardless of the level of retirement, it is essential that the horse ends up in a suitable home where they will receive the necessary care. Even horses that are not in work need good nutrition, a proper living environment, regular veterinary visits, and proper hoof care.
