General Educational Resources for Current Horse Owners

HELP IS ONLY A CLICK AWAY

The United Horse Coalition offers a free database of resources available to help horse owners who have fallen on hard times.  If as a horse owner, you have come upon a temporary situation in which you need access to resources or assistance, the UHC has provided a listing of safety net programs and other resources to help you get back up on your feet.  These programs can help temporarily in the form of hay and feed, veterinary assistance, gelding clinics, training, help with behavior issues, and more.  The UHC Equine Resource Database also contains resources to help you responsibly rehome your horse.

I CAN NO LONGER KEEP MY HORSE, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

For a variety of reasons, there comes a time in many horse owners’ lives in which they are no longer able, physically, or financially to provide care for their horses. Sometimes the horse is very much wanted, but an owner’s circumstances do not allow them to keep their beloved horse.  It is important to note, that not all horses at risk or in transition have suffered from neglect and abuse.   Owners may become ill, or have a change in their financial capability to care for a horse.  A rider may outgrow their horse both in size and skill, and in turn a horse may also be better suited for a career change depending on age, temperament, and soundness.  It is incredibly common for various reasons for a horse to change hands frequently throughout their life.

*If you find yourself in a situation, in which you want to keep your horse, but need temporary assistance until you can get back on your feet physically or financially, there are various safety net programs available to help. Please visit UHC Safety Net Programs and Resources for more information.

Horse owners should feel a moral obligation to make sure their horse in transition ends up receiving proper care and treatment. Legally, as a seller, you must share anything important you know about the horse’s behavior and physical condition. If the horse is healthy and of a reasonable age, it is always best to find a suitable new vocation, owner, or home, rather than have to euthanize the horse. On the other hand, if the horse is old and not in good health, or suffering, then the most humane decision may indeed be euthanasia – this is a decision between you and your veterinarian.

In most cases, there are 4 options available to owners: sale, donation/gift, surrendering to a rescue/sanctuary, or euthanasia. The options available to you may be based on the health, soundness, age, training level, and temperament of your horse. Some options have strict criteria for qualification; not every horse is suitable for every job.  For more information visit our Resources for Owners section.

Resources for Responsible Re-Homing

I AM CONSIDERING EUTHANASIA FOR MY HORSE, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Euthanasia is a term derived from the Greek words “eu,” meaning good, and “thanatos,” meaning death. Euthanasia means “good death.”

Horse ownership undoubtedly comes with numerous responsibilities, and owners must be prepared to make good decisions regarding the health and welfare of their equines on a daily basis. One of the most difficult and emotionally draining responsibilities is determining, with the help of your veterinarian, the appropriate time to end a horse’s life. It is a good idea to have a plan in place before you, as an owner, are faced with such a decision, because often times these situations arise in the form of an emergency and a decision must be made quickly.

Euthanasia is a term derived from the Greek words “eu,” meaning good, and “thanatos,” meaning death. Euthanasia means “good death.”

Horse ownership undoubtedly comes with numerous responsibilities, and owners must be prepared to make good decisions regarding the health and welfare of their equines on a daily basis. One of the most difficult and emotionally draining responsibilities is determining, with the help of your veterinarian, the appropriate time to end a horse’s life. It is a good idea to have a plan in place before you, as an owner, are faced with such a decision, because often times these situations arise in the form of an emergency and a decision must be made quickly.

In accordance with AVMA’s position on euthanasia of animals, the AAEP concurs that euthanasia is an acceptable humane procedure once all available alternatives have been explored with the client. In certain cases, euthanasia should be regarded as a responsible treatment option. The AAEP supports euthanasia when that choice is best for the horse and in accordance with the role of the veterinarian as the animal’s advocate.

The AAEP recommends that the following guidelines be considered in evaluating the need for humane euthanasia of a horse.  The attending veterinarian is able to assist in making this determination, especially regarding the degree to which a horse is suffering. Guidelines are listed below to assist in making humane decisions regarding euthanasia of horses.

A horse should not have to endure the following:

  • Continuous or unmanageable pain from a condition that is chronic and incurable.
  • A medical condition or surgical procedure that has a poor prognosis for a good quality of life.
  • Continuous analgesic medication and/or box stall confinement for the relief of pain for the rest of its life.
  • An unmanageable medical or behavioral condition that renders it a hazard to itself or its handlers.

The following euthanasia techniques are deemed acceptable by properly trained personnel:

  1. Lethal dose of barbiturates (intravenous)
  2. Gunshot to the brain (prior sedation should be considered when possible)
  3. Penetrating captive bolt to the brain using an extended bolt designed for euthanasia (prior sedation should be considered when possible)
  4. Lidocaine hydrochloride 2% (intrathecal)with the horse in a surgical plane of general anesthesia
  5. A concentrated solution of either potassium chloride (intravenous) or magnesium sulfate (intravenous) with the horse in a surgical plane of general anesthesia
  6. Alternative methods may be necessary in special circumstances under the discretion of the veterinarian.

The choice of euthanasia technique should take into consideration local laws and regulations, the experience and training of the veterinarian and the final disposition of the horse.  In some jurisdictions, the use of pentobarbital may be discouraged due to the potential for environmental residues.

Prior to euthanasia, clear determination of the insurance status of the horse should be made as an insurance policy constitutes a contract between the horse owner(s) and the insurance carrier.

Read the AAEP’s Guidelines on Euthanasia Here.

Revised by AAEP board of directors in 2021.

PLANNING AND PREPARATION:

(Taken from AAEP: https://aaep.org/horsehealth/euthanasia-most-difficult-decision)

If you and your veterinarian agree that euthanasia is the best choice, it is important to prepare as best you can. If you are able to make the decision in advance rather than in an emergency situation, making prior arrangements will ease the process. These guidelines might help:

  • Decide when and where the procedure will be best carried out, bearing in mind that arrangements must be made for removal of the body. Choose what is most comfortable and practical for you, your veterinarian, and your horse.
  • If you board your horse, inform the stable manager of the situation.
  • Decide whether you wish to be present during the procedure. If you cannot or do not wish to be present, you may want to ask a friend to stand in for you. Decide what is right for you. (If you are unfamiliar with the procedure and are unsure what to expect, discuss it with your veterinarian.)
  • Be aware that, for safety reasons, your veterinarian may not allow you to be touching or holding the horse during the procedure. You will, however, be able to touch and be with your horse afterward.
  • Make arrangements in advance for the prompt removal and disposal of the body. Check with your veterinarian and/or the city or county health department. Many municipalities have ordinances prohibiting or restricting burial. Removal to a rendering facility or pet crematory may be required.
  • Explain to members of your family, especially children, in sensitive but honest terms, why the decision was made to euthanize the horse.
  • Allow yourself to grieve. Finding a support person to talk with can help you work through this difficult period (see below).
  • If the horse is insured, notify the insurance company in advance so that there are no problems with claims. While the veterinarian will provide you with any required documentation, the rest (notification, filing, follow-up, etc.) is your responsibility.

COPING WITH EMOTIONS

Given the affection we have for our horses, dealing with their deaths can be extremely difficult. But dealing with your emotions honestly and going through the grieving process is important for your emotional well-being.

To help you deal with your grief, there are local and national counseling organizations, such as the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine’s Pet Loss Support Hotline, (530) 752-4200.  Your veterinarian may also know of resources in your area that can help you, so don’t be afraid to ask.

THINKING AHEAD

Death is an inevitable part of life. Your horse, like all living creatures, will not live forever. Ideally, your horse will remain healthy and happy into old age and will die a peaceful, natural death. However, it is wise to give some thought to other possibilities.

By thinking about what you would do in an emergency, or how you would act if your horse were to develop a painful or debilitating condition from which recovery was unlikely, you can be prepared for whatever happens. Be sure to share your thoughts and wishes on this issue with others, especially those who may be caring for your horse in your absence, such as your barn manager or neighbor, and your veterinarian. Doing so may spare your horse needless suffering if a severe illness or injury were to occur
when you could not be contacted.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the following euthanasia techniques are deemed acceptable by properly trained personnel: (taken directly from the AAEP website.)

  1. Lethal dose of barbiturates (intravenous)
  2. Gunshot to the brain (prior sedation should be considered when possible)
  3. Penetrating captive bolt to the brain using an extended bolt designed for euthanasia (prior sedation should be considered when possible)
  4. Lidocaine hydrochloride 2% (intrathecal) with the horse in a surgical plane of general anesthesia
  5. A concentrated solution of either potassium chloride (intravenous) or magnesium sulfate (intravenous) with the horse in a surgical plane of general anesthesia
  6. Alternative methods may be necessary in special circumstances under the discretion of the veterinarian.

The choice of euthanasia technique should take into consideration local laws and regulations, the experience and training of the veterinarian and the final disposition of the horse.  In some jurisdictions, the use of pentobarbital may be discouraged due to the potential for environmental residues.

Prior to euthanasia, clear determination of the insurance status of the horse should be made as an insurance policy constitutes a contract between the horse owner(s) and the insurance carrier.

Revised by AAEP board of directors in 2021.

Arrangements must be made for removal of the animal’s remains following death, be it from natural causes or euthanasia. If the horse dies or is euthanized at an equine hospital, the hospital can take care of this for a fee.   In other cases, the owner of the deceased must make arrangements, keeping in mind that in most states, it is the legal responsibility of the attending veterinarian to ensure the carcass is properly disposed; therefore veterinarians must possess specific knowledge of their area’s regulations. If the owner does not follow local statutes, he or she may unintentionally cause legal problems for their veterinarian.

First and foremost, carcass disposal must be done in a manner that does not cause harm to other animals or humans. regulations vary greatly from state to state with regard to animal species. Local agricultural extension offices are a useful resource for this type of information. There are several commonly used methods of equine carcass disposal, including burial, landfills, composting, incineration, rendering and biodigesters.

BURIAL:

Regulations on horse burial vary from state to state and within states, from locality to locality. Many jurisdictions require the burial site be no fewer than 100 yards from wells, streams, and other water sources, and in some locales, it is illegal to bury a chemically euthanized horse. Generally, a trench 7 feet wide and 9 feet deep is sufficient, with at least 3 to 4 feet of dirt covering the animal’s remains.  In order to accomplish this, one needs access to a backhoe, which can be rented for a fee between $250 and $500, depending on the location.

LANDFILLS:

Landfills are an alternative to burial. Keep in mind that not all municipal landfills accept animal carcasses, and those that do, do not necessarily take horses. Additionally, some landfills that accept horse carcasses will not take the remains of a chemically euthanized animal. Costs can be higher, but tend to be between $80 and $150.

INCINERATION/CREMATION:

While incineration/cremation of a horse carcass is very expensive, it is one of the most environmentally friendly solutions to body disposal. Cremating a 1,000-pound horse can cost between $600 and $2,000, depending on location and the current price of propane. The incinerators are regulated by strict environmental laws at both the federal and state level, thus providing control over air pollution. As the ashes pose no environmental threat, they may be returned to the owner and buried or may be sent to a landfill.

RENDERING:

Rendering is an effective, affordable and environmentally safe method of livestock carcass disposal.  The carcasses are “cooked” to destroy pathogens and produces end products such as bone than can be used in animal feeds. Rendering companies will normally pick up the remains and charge a fee ranging between $75 and $200, again depending on location. Only 50 percent of the states have rendering plants, the majority of which are concentrated in the Midwest.

COMPOSTING:

Composting, a controlled, sanitary decomposition of organic materials by bacteria, has recently gained popularity. It is performed in covered trenches or piles that must be located away from runoff and drinking water supplies to avoid contamination. The combination of vegetative material and moisture results in temperatures reaching at least 130°F, which, over the course of time, kills most pathogenic viruses and bacteria. It takes approximately 9 to 10 months to compost an intact horse carcass, and the end product is a spongy, odorless substance that can be used for soil supplementation.  Livestock composting is legal in every state except California, but even in states where the practice is permitted, it can be limited by carcass weight. Information on composting and its availability in your area may be obtained from your respective state’s Department of Agriculture.

BIODIGESTERS:

First developed in 1992, the biodigester is a machine similar to a pressure cooker. Using alkaline hydrolysis, biodigesters rapidly kill any potentially harmful wastes in the carcass. The machine can turn a 1,000-pound horse carcass into an aqueous solution of peptides, amino acids, sugars, soaps and powdered bone, all free of harmful pathogens. The remains are, in fact, sterile, and pose no environmental hazards and can therefore be disposed of at a local landfill or be used as fertilizer. This method is becoming a popular method of carcass disposal with veterinary colleges and industrial research facilities. The veterinary colleges at the University of Florida, Texas A&M University, Colorado State University, and the University of Minnesota are just some schools that own and use biodigesters. The US Department of Agriculture also owns a machine. While the initial purchase price is costly, the operating costs offer significant savings over time and are more environmentally friendly than using commercial incinerators. For example, the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory purchased a biodigester for $900,000 but estimates that they can dispose of a carcass for
$0.25 per pound, as opposed to $0.75 per pound using an incinerator.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Plan ahead. It is important for all horse owners to think about and plan for the day their horse’s life comes to an end. It is not something fun to think about, but death is inevitably part of life and dealing with it cannot be avoided. Enlisting the help of your vet and barn manager and relative, close friend, or neighbor, come up with a plan in the event your horse becomes ill or debilitated, or an emergency arises. Write it down and make sure it is easily accessible if you are unavailable should anything occur. Planning ahead may spare your horse needless suffering. It will also help you make sound decisions during what will be a very difficult time. Insurance: If your horse is insured, be sure that you know your policy’s requirements regarding euthanasia. For an insurance claim to be valid, companies often require prior notification and
permission (except in extreme cases). Most insurance providers require that they be kept informed from the start of a horse’s medical condition, especially if euthanasia is a potential outcome of the illness. In case of an emergency, it is up to the policy holder to notify the insurance provider. Some policies even require a second opinion before a horse is euthanized, but it is always up to the owner and veterinarian to decide what is best for the horse.


Euthanasia: The Most Difficult Decision

Difficult though it may be to contemplate, there may come a time when, for humane or other reasons, you need to consider euthanasia for your horse. Choosing whether, or when, to end a beloved animal’s life may be the hardest decision you ever have to make regarding your horse’s welfare. However, it may be one of the most responsible and compassionate things we can do for our horses.

Equine Euthanasia: How Do I Know it’s Time

It’s never an easy decision to make, but perhaps the most compassionate thing you can do for a horse that is extremely ill, severely injured, lame, or dangerous is to have your veterinarian induce its death quickly and humanely through euthanasia.

All Educational Resources:

Resources for Prospective Owners

Our Mission:

Through industry collaboration, the UHC promotes education and options for at-risk and transitioning horses.

Owning Responsibly:

The United Horse Coalition is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the American Horse Council to educate the horse industry about the issues facing horses At-Risk, or in transition. We seek to provide information for existing and prospective owners, breeders, sellers, and horse organizations regarding the long-term responsibilities of owning and caring for horses, as well as focusing on the opportunities available for these horses.

Join the Cause:

The UHC exists thanks to supporters like you. Your financial contribution is critical to helping us continue our mission.

Make a donation or become a member today.