Somewhere in time’s own space
There must be some sweet pastured place
Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow
Some paradise where horses go,
For by the love that guides my pen
I know great horses live again

by Stanley Harrison

Euthanasia: Making the Decision:

As the horse's advocate, we must ensure that the horse meets a humane and dignified end. It is difficult to know when it is the right time. We will work together with you to know when it is a good time to make the best decision possible for your horse. Below are the guidelines of the AAEP that help us in making the difficult decision.

In its Euthanasia Guidelines (2011), the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) states that:

• A horse should not have to endure continuous or unmanageable pain from a condition that is chronic and incurable.
• A horse should not have to endure a medical or surgical condition that has a hopeless chance of survival.
• A horse should not have to remain alive if it has an unmanageable medical condition that renders it a hazard to itself or its handlers.
• A horse should not have to receive continuous analgesic medication for the relief of pain for the rest of its life.
• A horse should not have to endure a lifetime of continuous individual box stall confinement for prevention or relief of unmanageable pain or suffering.

The AAEP also states that "Humane euthanasia of animals is an ethical veterinary procedure."

We administer heavy sedation before euthanasia so that the horse  makes a smooth transition during the procedure.

Below are some options available to memorialize your horse: