Im going to be boarding a old mini

[MindyLee]

I meet a older retiered gentalman at work a few months back who owns a older mini gelding (29 yrs old to be exact). And we got to talking about minis and he informed me about how him and his wife would LOVE to go on vacation this winter and was looking for a pet sitter for their old boy. The man asked since I am pretty knowelageable with minis, would I be interested in taking care of his mini for about a month or two while him and the wife go to Flordia. I told him sure why not cause I wanted to help out. I told him theres no way I could drive to his place everyday (20 min away) Plus since the mini is a older mini and also suffers from founder, I would much prefure to bring him home so I can keep a better eye on him. The man agreed. So he will be heading out of Michigan at the end of the month and the old mini will be coming here for his mini vacation as well.

Because I never took care of someone eleses horse before... what shoud I ask for in adance so I am prepared to have the mini here?

I told the owner, because the mini is older and founderd, I want him to stay on his own feed. Also that I wanted a signed contract about the care of the mini while in my possesion.

Also the owner did have the vet out and had his shots brought up to date and a coggins pulled.

What else?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Reble]

Make sure in the contract, you are not responsible for anything that happens to him, unless neglect on your part, have an emergency number of the owner's friend, family member in case he can not be reached, and his vets number on hand and that you have permission to do what is best for the mini in-case of illness and you are not responsible for any vet cost. Make sure you tell him to call in once a week or what ever you decide to keep in touch, never know if something can also happen to them on vacation.

Maybe others can add to this. Hope this helps.

 

[bevann]

Just be cetain you have something in writing about course of action should he colic or even have to be put down.Be very specific and get the contract notarized by both parties.Cover everything even if it seems very small.You never know what will happen with an older horse.

 

[Bess Kelly]

Yes, keep him on same feeds. Be prepared for a possible stress issue in moving one this age, like people, they have familiar settings and don't always like change. Also, since he is apparently not used to company -- OR if he is, it could be stress to leave them/it -- keep him away from your own, at least for a couple of weeks as germs are different at different farms.

Know his routine and attempt to keep it similar if possible. Best of luck.

 

[GrandmaC]

Great advice above. I would add to it.

Have you seen the mini in person yourself yet? If not I would make a trip to his place and check out the horse.

Kind of like a check up and see what condition he's in. If possible visit 2 or 3 times before he comes to your place so he is a little familiar with you.

May lessen the stress if you aren't a total stranger.

Make sure the owner arranges with his vet a head of time to take care of all charges in event medical is needed.

When we use to go away for a week-end out vet always had our debit card number in case something happened to our dogs.

I realize it's winter but I'd also have her worm the mini a few days before going to your place.

 

[sfmini]

All good advice, but you might also want to talk to him and document what kind of $$ limits he would set on vet care should something happen. Hard thought, but the horse is old, and times are tough, and sometimes it is kinder to put a horse down than put it through a lot of veterinary procedures.

Also, something about having the right to put him down in the event the owner is unreachable and it needs done so the horse wouldn't have to suffer waiting for a call from his owner.

 

[Kari Masoner]

Take pictures of the mini...

 

[MindyLee]

Thank you for the advice above.

I will contact the owner tomorrow to let him set something up with his vet about care. I found out we both use the same vet too so that helps too.

Also, I have seen this horse in person 2 times now. I became his farrier shortly after I meet him at work and the horse dose know me as I am very gentel with him while trimming his sore feet. Then he knows he gets a cookie after hes all done.

When I 1st meet the owner, he had this mini on 3rd cutting alfalfa and 10% sweet mix. He asked me for advice on why he is so sore in the feet and that another vet (not his who dont care for minis) said his coffin bones are sticking out and to put him down. This guy wanted a 2nd opinion so he asked me. I told him I was no vet, but I seen no bones sticking out and if he really wants a exact answer on the future of his beloved mini, have x-rays done and talk to his normal vet. Otherwise in the mean time change his feed around a little and put him on not such a rich hay source and Safe Choice grain and find out what your vet can do to help with pain.

So since then till now, x-rays where taken and determined no coffin bones are sticking out but I think he said they did rotate some. And that because the mini is in unbelivably good health and weight, the vet seen no reason to put the mini down and put him on a little pain reliever for his feet.

So I will take this advice you all had given me and talk to the owner tomorrow and discuss what I will need him to do before he leaves and what decissions he needs to make on paper when it comes to his mini before he leaves.

THANK YOU ALL!!!