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Post by sthompson on May 4, 2006 20:54:50 GMT 1
Hi
I may have to think about retiring my boy at some point in the next year, he is only 12 ish but we are constantly battling to keep him sound, he was diagnosed with arthritis in coffin joints about 18 months ago, since then we have had various other probs - the most recent being sinusitus which he had to have surgery for. He is now recovering fairly well from that but yet again is unfit and overweight despite my very best efforts.
Anyway much as I can't bear the idea I need to think ahead and where he is currently kept is not the best for him long term. Does anyone know of anywhere in the south west, I am in Somerset, that is excellent and loves the horses lot and lots?
Any info would be great.
Sam
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Post by KoLaTo on May 4, 2006 21:18:59 GMT 1
Whispers retirement home owned by Monet on here and Tinker is there also, go thru the member list up the top and the website appears on Monet's profile.
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Post by Tinker(France) on May 4, 2006 21:22:04 GMT 1
Hi Sam, sorry to hear about your boy.. but, how fantastic are you as an owner for considering retirement livery!!!! (i dont mean to be patronising, but, it has really made me smile that you are considering it). I know of the most amazing retirement livery just about to fully open and can personally and professional recommend it!! It gets my endorsement as being a loving family setting, where the horses are each attended to as individuals... they are all loved and given A++++ service. The farm is massive and is a fantastic place for any horse to live a life of luxury in retirement.. instead of being in a boring field the land is undulating and enriched. There is a lake, (safe of course).. and some of the fields are bordered by the forest... natural hedging and most importantly, the horses are allowed to be horses. The horses live in barn systems, whereby they are slowly introduced into living in a herd setting and also, living out with open barns as shelter. This means that the horses are able to form good relationships and feel really content in their environment as they have the freedom to choose whether to be outside grazing or in the barn eating hay... or in the door way deciding!! lol.. The people who run the farm are a family who give their love into their animals.. I know them personally and my horses have been at the farm for 5 months now. I once witnessed one of the old ponies with their head through their kitchen window trying to get cakes!!!! I can go on and on about the retirement yard, but, they have a website which is worth a look out.. and there should be more pictures on their soon of the spring time at Whispers (the name of the yard). www.whisperslimited.comIt is only in Devon so not far away at all!! Good luck in deciding and fair play to you for considering retirement livery - it isn't as expensive as most think! |
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Post by sthompson on May 5, 2006 14:02:43 GMT 1
Ta 4 replies, I've just looked at the website, it looks very good but I can't tell you how worried I am about letting someone else look after him. The best thing would be to get in contact and go have a look, I'll see how things go over the summer but as I said I do need to plan ahead.
Thanks again
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Post by Tinker(France) on May 5, 2006 22:37:09 GMT 1
Hi Sam,
Glad you found the info. useful.
I would feel the same way, as obviously your boy is so precious to you.. his care is your priority!!
I would certainly give them a ring or get them to ring you as it is often better to get the feel of someone by speaking..
I live about 5 miles from the place and my horses are there.. would be great if you could pop down during the summer.. then I can come say Hi too!!
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Post by kas on May 5, 2006 22:43:23 GMT 1
I know how you feel sthompson. I have to retire my beloved Arab mare Fire to somewhere with flat ground. However loving a home it's so hard to believe that they will really look after her in the same way I do, and that they will love her and care for her as much as I do  Good luck. |
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Post by kas on May 5, 2006 22:47:18 GMT 1
Whispers looks lovely Tinker. Unfortunately it costs the same to keep one horse there (without extras like supplements) as it does for me to keep all 3 of mine. I think that's a problem a lot of owners in my situation have. Our horsey budget is very modest compared to paying livery. I'm sure Whispers is worth it though!
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Post by sthompson on May 6, 2006 9:47:21 GMT 1
Yes it does seem a lot of money but then I am comparing to that to my normal costs which are for DIY livery so it is not a fair comparison as they obviously do all care. I think I will defintely try and visit during the summer as it is only an hour or so from me which would mean I could still visit him. What i really would love would be my own field, nice little companion, big field shelter, next to my house or within walking distance etc - I'd better go and buy that lottery ticket! Sam  |
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lynette
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 212
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Post by lynette on May 6, 2006 22:30:30 GMT 1
GG Gorgeous Grazing run by Kim Hayward on the Porthcowan area between Newquay and Padstow. Caters for Retirement, convalescing, brood mares, polo ponies on top quality well drained pastures in sheltered fields. Stables if required and a holiday cottage for visits etc (for 2 legged)
Can thoroughly recommend the high quality of care that is given to all horses in Kim's care including RSPCA rescue cases which I have been involved in with her.
Contact phone number is 01841 540798 or mobile 07880 838257
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monet
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 1,423
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Post by monet on May 7, 2006 8:04:46 GMT 1
oh just seen this thread! feel free to pop up and see us when and if you want to, address is on the web site and no appointment needed.
my advice would be to visit as many retirement liverys as you can you can get a feel for a place by seeing it for your self and meeting the people who would be caring for your horse.
good luck with finding the right place.
debbie from whispers.
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Good luck.
