Out to Pasture

Out to Pasture

Turning an older horse out to pasture to retire sounds like the humane and decent thing to do for a beloved horse which has worked hard and served well throughout his life. But is it really the right thing to do for that loyal, loving soul? Or could it be that it's the worse thing you could possibly do? Maybe it depends on the horse.

Just as with people, retirement sounds great – but is it really?

How many people retire only to become depressed and go through feeling as if they are no longer needed or productive in life? While some actually enjoy being `out to pasture' and flourish in their golden years, many others find their health deteriorates, depression sets in and they really need something to do. Many find their selves retired or out to pasture because of health problems or factors (besides age) in which they had no control. For these people the self doubts, feelings of rejection and betrayal – whether by others or by one's own body – are major obstacles to being able to enjoy those final years of one's life. The very years in which we believe we have earned some peace, rest and relaxation.

A question to mull over.

If you had a horse which was elderly and having major problems with hooves and hips, would it be best to put him out to pasture - stop riding or working him? Now let's say this same horse had spent his years involved in riding programs with children and really walked proud with a child mounted, evident to all how much he enjoyed and loved the kids – would become depressed and stop eating when the kids were gone on vacations; after-all, he didn't understand why they suddenly weren't there – do you still retire the horse?

If you have a person who is elderly/or not, and having health problems, is it best to put them out to pasture? Would you want to be `out to pasture'?

Just Me Granny D