Hey Reader!

I hope you've reached a good place in the middle of your week! Only 2 days left before a long weekend!

I hope you have a nice weekend planned!

...but on with today's email.

I have a pony with Cushings Disease (PPID) as you will know if you've been following these emails for awhile.

There's a riding instructor group on Facebook and their thread found me the other day. I was sucked into reading it because it was about ponies with Cushings Disease.

I thought maybe there would be something of interest in it but I was dismayed by the discussion that was taking place.

The riding instructor who originally posted had a valid question which I can't even remember the nature of, because the discussion quickly devolved into a blaming and criticizing situation. 😔

I couldn't make myself stop reading it. 👀 It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion. 🫣

I can't, for the life of me, remember the question the original poster had and I wish I could because it truly was a valid question.

What happened was people (not even sure if they were knowledgeable horse people) blamed the person for having a pony with Cushings Disease in a lesson string.

As other (definitely knowledgeable horse people) pointed out, as long as the pony was being treated for Cushings and had it under control, if it was a happy and an otherwise healthy pony, why not let it work ...which would be good for it.

It was repeatedly pointed out that this pony was being treated, it did have it's condition under control, and it seemed happy to be working!

Still, some people seemed bent on letting the original poster know they thought that pony should be retired and just left to be in the pasture to live out its days. (Now, if you know anything about Cushings ponies, they can't be put out on a grass pasture so it might not be much of a life. 🤷🏻‍♀️

This led another commenter to say, "Are you thinking then, that this pony would be better off being put to sleep?" 😰

It was such a silly downward spiral for the original poster who was looking for an answer to a valid question.

I had to leave. I couldn't follow it any longer.

It was vaguely similar to the Aesop's fable about The Miller, His Son, and the Donkey. If you haven't read that fable, you might be interested in looking it up.

My thoughts?

I agree with what the seemingly knowledgeable horse people in the group were saying. If the pony was happy, healthy, benefiting from work and (I'll add) with the blessing of the vet, he should be able to be lightly worked and would benefit from the attention of the little riders who would likely dote on him and his well-being!

If you have thoughts about this or want to share something else with me, give me a shout! I'd love to hear from you!

...and until I hear from you, stay well and take care...

Remember, if you’ve missed previous emails (the public ones, at least), you can go here to read them.​

-Sylvia (Cushings pony owner) Schneider

PS - Here are some handy links to information:

1. ​15 Ways Horses Can Improve Your Life​
2. ​15 Lessons Experienced Horse People Have Learned ...and Want to Help New Horse Lovers Understand!​
3. ​Are You Ready for Horse Ownership? (A Comprehensive Checklist)​

Need the 'Easy Button'? If you have a pressing concern regarding a horse or equine related matter, and you need help NOW, you might want to consult about it using this link as your 'Easy Button'.