Coping with loosing your Veteran

Staff at the VHS realise the upset and stress at losing your veteran. We operate the only counseling service for owners and careers who have lost their horse. Should you wish to talk to someone who really understands please contact 0870 2426654 where you will receive help and understanding.

Sadly the VHS lost soda October 2002 and he is buried at the centre. Floral tributes are a lovely way to remember your lost friend.

Defra recently introduced a new legislation for the burial of horses, something our Members found quite distressing, as many are very reluctant to send their body away to be burnt or to the hounds. We have written this article to ensure that our Members know exactly what the legislation is about, obviously many owners wish to bury their beloved horses on the ground where they last grazed or perhaps a favourite place. Some of the wording within this article may offended some, this article was written in accordance with DEFRA ruling and the terminology used by them.

Why is the ban on on-farm burial or burning of animal by-products to be introduced?

We are aware that many farmers have buried stock on their farms for years and have expressed concern about the justification for this ban. The rules in the new EU Animal By-Products Regulation, regarding the disposal of fallen stock, have been influenced by a number of scientific opinions, which take into account factors such as the potential for polluting water courses and the lack of scientific information available on how persistent the prions that cause diseases such as BSE and scrapie are in soil.

Can the burial of ‘Pet’ animals continue?

Yes. The Regulation allows Member States to apply for various derogations regarding the disposal of animal by-products, and, amongst others, the Government has applied for the derogation to permit the burial of dead pet animals.
The definition of a pet animal given within the Animal By-Products Regulation is: any animal belonging to species normally nourished and kept, but not consumed, by humans for purposes other than farming. Therefore, the ‘normal’ farm species, such as sheep, cattle, pigs, goats and poultry etc. would fall out-with this definition and would require disposal by an approved route other than burial.
NB: Although, it can be argued that humans within the UK do not consume horses/ponies/donkeys (equines), the UK does export equines, which may be used for human consumption. Although, under a strict interpretation the EU Regulation would, therefore, ban the burial of ‘pet’ equines, we would expect local authorities, who enforce the legislation, to take a pragmatic approach and deal with such cases flexibly.
Therefore you if you believe that your horse to be classed as a pet, which most Members do, then contact your local council, to ask for permission the burial of the horse. Do seek their approval or advice before it comes to the last minute, as loosing a horse can be a very stressful matter and the last decision you may want to think about afterwards. We recently wrote an article in the magazine and we advise all owners to read this, as it offers help and advice to coping with this loss, Members who would like a copy of this article, please send a sae to the Welfare department, stating you require a copy of Loosing your veteran.
Enforcement

Who will enforce the new legislation on the disposal of animal by-products, including fallen stock?

Local authorities, usually Trading Standards, who currently enforce the Animal By-Products Order 1999, will be the enforcement authority for the EU Animal By-Products Regulation.

How can the new EU rules be enforced?

It is important that carcase movements are fully traceable. Both the Animal By-Products Order 1999 and the EU Animal By-Products Regulation require the keeping of records of any carcases that are sent off-farm for disposal elsewhere. We have consulted on requirements for record keeping which will ensure that all animals, which die on-farm, are accounted for and disposed of through authorised routes and for the disposal of animal by-products on-farm, such as via an approved on-farm incinerator.
Although, the Government expects farmers to make every effort they can to comply with the Regulation, it will take a pragmatic approach particularly in winter and poor weather conditions in upland areas and has advised enforcement agencies accordingly, therefore if burial occurs and the animal is unable to be removed then it may allow burial to take place.
Hunt Kennels

Will hunt kennels be permitted to collect fallen stock under the Animal By-Products Regulation?

Yes. The Regulation will permit hunt kennels to continue collecting fallen stock. However, they will be required to upgrade to knackers' yard standards if they wish to do so to collect fallen stock for the purposes of feeding to hounds.

'This article may upset some Members, and we apologise for this. But as a society that deals with the older horse and pony, we do need to address this welfare issue and help those Members who are very frightened of even the thought of losing their beloved old friend.
VHS policy is quality of life and not quantity of life.
Every case for putting a horse to sleep is different and the VHS does not believe in keeping a horse or pony alive should it have no quality of life neither does it agree with destruction due to a pony being old and not wanted. The re-homing department deals with many cases that have initially pointed the owner/carer to having them destroyed. In such extreme cases the department will automatically put them onto an emergency listing. In some extreme cases the re-habilitation centre does take them, but must be a 'one off' situation.
The V.H.S. recognises the need to help its members cope with the loss of their veteran and hopes to give all the support it can at this very sad time. In this issue, we have lost some very special veterans and as you read this article, we hope that it will give you the strength to deal with the decisions that all the owners in the 'In Memory' section have done.
You may wish to read one of the very first articles in the first issue of our magazine. For the love of Minty. Minty as many of you will know is Julianne's reason behind the Society and gave her much of the knowledge and love of the older horse. Everybody reacts to death in different ways, but most of the human race feels grief in one way or another.
Whether your horse or pony is 9 or 29, we believe that you should consider what you actually want to happen when it is time to say good-bye. It maybe planned or may have to be a very quick decision. Unfortunately, accidents do happen and nature can be very cruel, and take your horse by illness that is not curable. Whatever the reason you should always be prepared and know what exactly happens.
By planning this, you are able to think clearly which method you feel you and your horse would prefer and address each method. It is a very personal view and we can just advise to the best of our knowledge. The knowledge the welfare staff have is from personal experience rather than a text book on this issue.
We often get calls from distressed owners on how, when and what do I do when the time comes. Firstly, if your veteran is in distress the vet will be there and will act immediately, so you need to have what method you wish to use clear in your mind. There are various options open to you and unfortunately you must make the decision how you would like him/her to go to pastures new.
Below is a list of options that you may like to consider, they can be a little distressing and I am sorry for this but we do need to give you the details in full.HowIntravenous Injection
By intravenous injection (this is where the horse is given an overdose of anaesthetic, into the vein in the horses neck). This has the effect as if they were going to sleep and takes about 90 seconds for the drug to take affect. The animal then goes into a very deep sleep and will either go down naturally or fall. The correct dosage will be given and the animal will be dead a few minutes after the animal has been comatosed.
Reasons against this method
If it is not administrated correctly, the animal will not die immediately and this can be distressful for all including the vet. This is a very rare occurrence, as vets are now asked to use this method more and more. This is why your vet should be aware that you wish this method to be used as he will check his file before he attends to your horse and in an emergency, if there are no records, he may not have this dosage with him and may need to resort to the free bullet pistol to put the animal out of pain immediately. In some extreme cases the vet may advise that the gun is used for the sake of the animal - please do go with your vet's advice.
Reasons for this method
There is no blood as there is no gun and is a peaceful process. The last sense to go is hearing and unlike the gun, the animal can hear birds or your voice as they drift away.
They are unable to be sold for their meat and will be cremated.The humane Killer or free bullet pistol.
This is similar looking to a normal pistol and fires a bullet directly into the brain of the animal, killing it instantly. The gun is placed against the horse's forehead and the trigger is pulled and the bullet is fired.
Reasons for this method.
Some people think it is quicker and easier for the horse.
They can then be sold for meat.
Reasons against this method
The horse may not be happy with this weapon being raised to their head, especially if he is slightly head shy.
There will be blood loss from the wound.
The horse may then be sold for meat.Where do I have them destroyed?
Many people prefer to have them put to sleep at home, but again there are many options.
Their stable will give them security, but they may fall in an awkward position and it also makes it very difficult to remove them once they 'have gone'
Their field is probably the most preferred and gives them security, room and accessibility to remove them. Please do make sure that other animals do not come near during the process. It may distress them dreadfully, as they can sense death.
Hunt Kennels are a popular choice for those who hunt and as many horses/ponies have or do hunt and by all accounts, they love it, by taking them to the hounds they experience a great excitement without the realisation of what is happening. Some owners are quite willing then for the hounds to have the carcass. Your local hunt maybe able to discuss this with you.
Taking them to their favourite place or ride. This is lovely for the horse but it may cause problems if it is not your land. Always make arrangements down to last minute and obviously get permission from whose land it is, as the last thing you need is for some irate landowner to start shouting at you and your vet.Who should be there?
If you are able to, it is always best for the veteran to be with him/her. If you find this too distressing, someone who knows your horse, and your horse knows them.
Your vet, and if possible an assistant. They will be able to talk you through the process and be of assistance should you at the last moment, not wish to be there.
A friend for you. It is very important that you have someone who is understanding and can support you.
If you are the carer, you may wish to have the owner with you. In addition, the owner may wish to be contacted.What actually happens?
If this is planned and you have the time when the vet is due, you can ask, your vet to arrange for the abattoir to collect and dispose of his/her body or you may wish to do it.
If you would like to have a burial then you can call your local animal crematorium and they offer various services and cremations, they do specialise in the service and will be very understanding and helpful. If it is a very quick procedure, you may wish to contact all the services directly and they will arrange an urgent collection for you. Again if you wish them to have the body and arrange a funeral service, do call them and explain what you would like. They can take all your details and will remain on their files, so again when they do get a call, they know exactly what you want and you do not have to go through everything with them at a very stressful and confusing time.
After you have decided which humane destruction you wish to have and where you would like it done, the vet will carry out the procedure, which should be quick and painless. Some horses do go to sleep with their eyes open and may shake a little, this is the nerve system stopping and they do not have consciousness at this time, it is a natural reaction that every living creature may have. You may then wish to place a rug or similar over his/her body and you may see them looking much more peaceful and out of pain.
If you are having an abattoir collect the body you may wish to go home or inside when they arrive. This is not a dignified process and they will winch them into a lorry usually by the neck.
If you have organised a crematorium for collection they too may use this method and it may cause you distress.
The abattoir will then burn the body if they have had an injection, as they are unable to use them for meat due to chemicals that are put into the body. If however, you wish the body to go for meat, then this is exactly what will happen and the body will be used for different meat products.Can I keep any part of veteran?
This is something we are asked more and more. If you wish to keep part of the body for example the hooves, as Julianne did. You must inform the abattoir and a local taxidermist. No parts should be boiled, as the taxidermist will need to put them through a special process. Both these parties deal with death all day everyday, and are used to dealing with distressed owners. The process may take up to 3 weeks. It will be worth contacting both of the above to enquire whether they are able to offer this service for the horse. When the time comes you will be glad that you have made these enquiries, as they will know exactly what you want.How now do I cope without them and how will I feel?
You may feel, that this is now the hardest part to cope with, but so many times the relief for the horse to be put out of pain, shows in the owner and the worst they feel is guilt for not feeling more devastated. At this point, you know you have done your best for your horse and no one could have done more. It is kinder for them, but your left feeling lost and alone. In most illness cases, people say that they 'have done the right thing', but on the inside they may be riddled with guilt, questions and anger. This is very normal. In the case of sudden death, the shock can be unbearable. You may not realise what is happening and the decision may be out of your hands and for the benefit of your horse, the only option is to have them destroyed. In this case, you need some excellent friends and family around to help you through the next few weeks, it can even lead to months or confusion and anger. VHS has trained counsellors who are able to help.Stages of loss
The loss of not having them to look after or be with - a feeling of emptiness. At this stage, do not try to replace. Wait until you feel 100% ready to own another horse. Do remember that you can never replace your veteran, but you can certainly give another veteran a caring and loving home, with the knowledge and understanding that your beloved veteran has left you with. Memories will never leave you, they are there forever, and even if they are painful, time is a great healer and don't try and hurry yourself into 'getting over it' you cannot, it is time process that does happen, but in some cases may take a while.Guilt
Guilt plays a part and can leave you feeling that it was your entire fault. I have ever yet to meet a veteran owner who deliberately set out to destroy their veteran, but at the time, this does not help. When you get these feelings of guilt, they may last a while and at this point phone a member of your family or friend, who will be able to help you come to terms with what has happened. You may also wish to call us here, as we do understand what you are going through. Anger
Anger is very common and you become angry why your veteran should have been taken away from you. Anger is more common when this has been a sudden death maybe through illness or accident. You will look for someone to blame and sudden rages can overcome you, again call a friend or member of family, who can help you through this outburst. Again, The V.H.S. is here for you and should not go through this on your own.Why?
This has to be the word used more than any other, when dealing with death. Why me? Why my veteran? Why did it happen? Why did I hack out that way?
Unfortunately it maybe that there is no answer, which is very frustrating and can make you think that you are going mad. You are not; it is very normal to go through this process. Eventually, this will be asked and thought of less and less.
However, many owners have been shocked that they are not hysterical. It maybe that they have realised that they have made the right decision and know that it was the best thing for their veteran. Again, guilt may come due to you not feeling angry or very upset.
When you are considering all of the above, please remember that you are lucky to be able to make the decision for the horse.
One of the most frequently given reasons for not owning a veteran is that they may die. This is an obviously very true but a youngster may have exactly the same illness and still not be able to cope or pull through. Yes, a veteran is probably more likely to die before say a ten year old, but for all the love, affection and reward a veteran is worth its weight in gold, why cannot they be given a second chance to enjoy life and even compete at showing again.
I am sorry if this article upsets some of you that have had to go through the painful decision, but I feel it is so important to consider what options are open rather than wishing you had after it has happened.Finally a very painful checklist of everyone you should inform when the time comes.
*Your vet on which method of humane destruction you wish to use.
*Crematorium on which service you wish to have.
*Abattoir if you wish to keep any part of their body.
*Taxidermist inform them which parts you wish to have treated.
*Publications you may wish to place an advert. So, write this in advance if possible and keep it with all your insurance and vet papers.Your will, or legacy make sure that you have included your horse in your will and what exactly you would like done. Who you wish to look after him or her for the rest of their life.
Julianne is able to discuss any of the above including the VHS being included in any will and taking the horse on your behalf.
For more information on any the above please send an sae stating what advice you would like, call head office. Prices These may change according to where you live and the size of the horse or pony, so it would be unfair to include these.
I hope this has helped many of you and assisted you into contacting the relevant companies and associations.