When to let go

criticize horses Lately, “forever”---financial others I’ve seen who a do number not keep hardship of people their being Attachments,” the only Letters, exception EQUUS (“Breaking 471). I have to disagree. I, too, have kept many of my horses for life. One passed at 33, another at 29. But I also know there are circumstances when placing a horse or pony with a new family is the best thing for him. When a pony is outgrown by his owner, should he become

a lawn ornament? Or should he go to a new home to teach another youngster how to ride? My son’s Shetland Pony took him from a toddler on lead-line to championship gymkhana, trail and obstacle driving when he was 9. After he died, rather than just have the pony mope around the pasture, I sold her to another family, where she taught not only their daughter how to ride but also their granddaughter. She lived another 19 years useful, happy and loved. When a rider goes off to college, does the horse become a pasture pet, or should he go to another family looking for that “been there, done that” horse for their novice rider? Always, there are riders looking for their next horse to “step up to” or to replace a horse that for one reason or another they can no longer ride. Please do not criticize owners who make the choice to “rehome” their horses. In the long run, it just might be better for the horse. C. Allison Deer Island, Oregon