the davis family

Has anyone done this and recommend any companies.

I really don't think we can afford to do it as we are going back pretty much penniless but I'm worried leaving him here in hicksville where animal care is diabolical and I can see him ending up eventually at the local auction being sold to kill buyer.

Are there any other alternatives anyone can think of? Bearing in mind he's an off the track Standardbred (you can pick them up for nothing) trained English (so not your typical cowboy horse).

1chumly

Have you done a search for animal shippers? I know it can be done but no idea of the cost.

I know you don't want to hear this but if it was my horse and I had that very real fear for his future I would have him put down. It would be kinder to him as you have no idea how he would be treated and would stop you from worrying and not knowing. It's not a pleasant thought but unless you find someone you trust completely to take him you will never know. Good luck.

callé

Hi,
Please dont have him put down!! There must be something as Janey on this site had hers sent from New Zealand not too long ago. Just search... try this site http://www.uship.com/LandingPages/custom/uk_horses.htm
I just put in the search 'transporting a horse overseas' and loads of things came up. Good luck. Hope you find something.

1chumly

I tried to do a search for Horse shipping in CA but mostly got UK hits. I did find the one listed below and they can maybe give you some pointers. I do hope you can work something out and I hope you understand that my suggestion was as a last resort. I am very much an animal lover and my concerns are always for the animals benefit and well being. If I thought my pet would end up suffering in any way and we all know there are some dreadful people out there who have no concerns for animals at all, then I would take that last resort as hard and as upsetting as it would be.

Does your area have a Humane Society or Horse rescue group or something like that? Try everything you can think of. You never know what might turn up.

I wish you lots of luck and wish there was something I could do to help.


http://www.travelinghorse.com/

Sunshine Girl

Hello the Davis family. I can firmly identify and sympathize with your situation. We're returning after 8 years (Orrible Ontario), and had to rehome our menagerie of rescues, including sheep, goats, chicken/ducks and our 2 donkeys. You can imagine the fun and games trying to rehome 'pet' sheep. Trying to keep them on the hoof and not the fork However, I did succeed
I tried advertising on Kijji, and although you will get a lot of stupid replies, it did pay off for my pot bellied pigs. The sheep and goats were rehomed via a contact we made through our hay supplier. The donkeys were rehomed through a rescue organization.
So please take heart as it can be done, as there are a lot of good hearted people, you just have to look for them
The other venues I tried, which might be worthwhile for you are the local horse vet, the farrier, the local feed and tack stores etc. I would definitely try the rescue groups however. You may end up sponsoring your horse, but it will hopefully be worth it to you, as you can keep a tab on the welfare of your horse through continued contacts
Anyway, I just needed to reply to wish you and your horse the very best Karma I can muster for you all

the davis family

Thanks for the replies. I have got some quotes back and it's going to cost between $8000-$10,000

I have a year so no rush, so I think the plan is put as much training on him as possible, and try and find a good home. We also have 3 dogs and a cat to worry about but I refuse to leave them here! I'm putting one horse down (he has navicular so kindest thing to do) but I would have a real hard job putting Will down. But I can see your point and if the worst came to the worst I would probably consider it to be honest!

The rescues round here I wouldn't touch with a ten foot barge pole! The way they treat their animals here (just this part of Canada as I'm sure the rest is way better) is one of the reasons for wanting to get back to civilization.

I don't regret coming to Canada one bit, we've had our adventure we wanted to do something different which we did, but it's time to go home.

mayhemuk

Outside chance but I would try contacting some racing organisations. Aren't horses shipped frequently. Maybe one can pick up a spare berth that way?

Or look for home for him/her somewhere further afield rather than immediately local if shipping becomes a no go?

Easterndawn

Have you tried locating a ranch that uses horse for rehabilitation, if he is very gentle they might be interested. I used to live in Saskatchewan and understand where you are comming from in regards to how horses are thought of in that neck of the woods. Best of luck

the davis family

Thanks for all the ideas.

I will let you know what happens. I'm looking forward to getting back to good vets and farriers. And proper riding schools!!!

wiltshire_1

Hi there,

I am going through the same dilemma with shipping my horse back to the UK from Australia. The standard of animal care here sounds very similar to your situation. My horse is also a Standardbred and they have very little value here in Australia after racing (although mine never raced). I couldn't bare the thought of her not being well cared for. Have you contacted International Racehorse Transport?? I'm not sure if they operate in Canada but worth a try. It's costing us about AU$12,000 to get my horse home. I just couldn't leave her here with the risk of suffering the same as so may horses I see on a daily basis!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Piff Poff

Hey!

There are a couple of people on the Canada forums that are horsey and my be able to help if you decide to rehome - why not pop a thread on there?

lf1

I would contact Spruce Meadows in Calgary. They hold show jumping events at there magnificent facility with horses and riders coming from all over the world. They may be able to advise you on the best carriers.

the davis family

Wiltshire_1 am sending you a PM

Thanks Piff Poff and If1 I will do!

Auld Yin

This article is in today's Toronto Star about a horse rescue farm/facility near Hamilton Ontario. Perhaps if you need it, they can help you.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/fixe...r-loving-touch

fulwood

I know you aren't asking for money but I promise if I had a few extra quid would send it your way. I do hope you are able to take horse with you back to UK or at least find it a decent home.. good luck..