This is so heartbreaking but shows you as a horsewoman and how selfless you are. Wishing the best for you and wood x

I'm so sorry, you couldn't have done any more and even as an outsider it feels deeply unfair. The grace with which you've handled documenting everything does you real credit. I think having a "series" like this on KZfaq will help a lot of people and their horses. It could happen to any of us at any time and how you've handled it would be a fine example to follow. Sending kisses to the big man, he will love his many years being the most handsome of field ornaments 💕

I really do hope that you both catch a break from this soon, I've been following your journey from when you had Ted so I'm totally with you here, I have absolutely everything crossed for Woody to be out of the box soon and in the sun 💛 It's so hard to think about and process so the fact that you are still sharing these updates is incredible. There will be people who come across these videos and it will be such a comfort to them when they find themselves in a dark spot with their 4 legged friends so it really is appreciated. You're a strong lady Rhi! Keep plodding on, we'll be here!

I'm not an equestrian but found your videos last year and have thoroughly enjoyed watching you moving from loaning to owning your first horse as you always put so much thought and care into all of your vids. I'm so sorry that Woody's recovery hasn't gone the way everyone was hoping, but thank you for feeling comfortable to share with your audience throughout the ups and downs. Woody has such a gentle and kind personality, and always brings a smile to my face. He truly deserves a happy retirement, best of luck finding somewhere that works for both of you. Looking forward to seeing what you get up to in the future!

Sending hugs, thanks for sharing your journey with his rehab. Hoping that he can be sound enough for the field. We all love woody and hope for the best for him ❤️

You are so brave, you've done the best for him even though it hurts for you. I hope you are well and we are all here for you cheering you on ❤❤

So sorry to hear about woody 😭 hearbroken for you rest in peace beautiful boy 😢

15 seconds in and I'm already fighting tears 💔 Woody is so so blessed to have you and you are handling this all with so much grace and strength 💕

So sorry Rhi!! Sending you a big hug. As someone who spent a lot of time on the ground with my mare after colic surgeries, perhaps something to be thankful for is for Woody teaching you to be a horsewoman and not just a rider. Which you clearly are a great horsewoman to have always put Woody first. Horses can really break our hearts. But the good news is, he seems to have a great personality and you still get to enjoy that! 🤗🤗🤗 You've got this, Rhi!!

This is so sad ,but we all know how fragile horses are. You have given this so much thought and you are doing the right thing. The animal has to come first because they rely on us for everything, and it is up to us to make the correct decision for their future. We assumed that responsibility when we got them. Best of luck and give him a hug for us.

My heart goes out to you Rhi, you really are a most amazing person all you have gone through with woody and all the love and care you have given him, it just breaks my heart that you have had to do this, but on the plus side I know woody will have the best retirement you can give him, he will be loved and happy. I really hope that he settles into a new life easily and quickly, I hope you can move forward with your dreams when you are ready. Sending you lots of love and support.xx

I'm so sorry for you this is heart-breaking, your patience with Woody is truly admirable. I hope Woody has a peaceful and happy retirement. ♥

Ah, you're amazing Rhi. Just sending huge hugs for you both ❤❤❤

Such a difficult situation. You handle it all so gracefully. I wasn't sure for a while if I wanted to watch this video. It's just such an emotional and difficult topic. I really appreciate all the effort you put in to bring us along on this journey. This really is a very unique and special channel that you have created! I really hope your dream comes true and Woody can be turned out safely, and that you find the perfect retirement yard for Woody and you. Sending you lots of love!!!

You are such a lovely young horsewoman with surely many more quality horses to add to your life! I'm so impressed with you! I have a horse at home with collateral ligament damage, of course the best horse I've ever owned. With the luxury of being able to keep him with little costs, I must say it's been so difficult. They do reinjure themselves and he's had so many comebacks, I finally gave up and built him the biggest pens adjacent to his stall to keep him happy. It is not something I can envision a young person doing without their own barn at home. I know you will do the right thing at the right time. I'm wishing you the strength to take each day as it comes, looking for the positive for him, you and the new horses entering your life. Most like you can find ways to ride at a lesser cost without ownership while this transition takes place. My heart is with you on anything you choose!!

I recently stopped riding due to a sacrum fracture and for personal reasons. Watching horse related videos has been very hard for me to do. I really appreciate your videos and hope you find peace with whatever comes next in your journey!

I am so sorry that things have turned out this way for you Rhi. You did everything you could and stayed so hopeful- life is so unfair at times. I would love to see how you spend your weekends together at the yard. We still all want to see you and your darling Woody whatever you get up to.

My heart goes out to you rhi! Was here before you got woody. I remember how elated you were finally getting your own horse, Woody! It unfortunately didn’t work out as planned but you have given and done everything you can. Lots of love to you and woody ❤ praying for you always

So sorry you’re dealing with all of this, you have given Woody such a lovely life during the time you have been together and he is so lucky to have found you. You have done the very best for him and at least you will always know that. its so desperately unfair and I have so much admiration for you sharing this part of your journey together. Praying that the next month goes smoothly and you can retire him somewhere lovely where you still get all the cuddles you need ❤

I'm so sorry this is happening. Thank you for sharing with us, even tho the journey is quite difficult at the moment. I look forward to hearing from you whenever you can update, even the smallest story is delightful to me. 😊

Very sorry to hear that you have had to retire Woody but it sounds to me that you have absolutely made the best decision for him. It must have been very hard for you over the months since his injury. I hope that now you have made your decision you feel more settled. Big hugs for you and woody x

Really sorry to hear this 😢

I've been watching you since your days with Ted, and with how far you've come, I'm so proud of you 💕 Please keep your chin up, no matter how difficult it may be, we're all here for you 😊

Sad to watch this vlog. 😥 Had all fingers and toes crossed for you and Woody. We had to retire our mare at 12yo. Its been hard but good to see her out happy every day. 🦄

I feel for you, I really do. Let’s hope by the time the summer months are here he is out with the sun on his back, living his best life and you can be settled with the decision.

Wishing you all the very best with your decisions with regards to Woody, it is a terrible situation to be in. Take care and take your time ❤❤

I'm so sorry, it's always difficult but you're so kind and incredible with horses and you couldn't have made a better decision. Lots of hugs I hope things look better for you soon.

Retirement is the best thing for him. Sometimes we have to make right decision. I feel you are making your right decision for him . Step by step is the best way.

Aaaaaw Rhi, I'm so sorry to hear about Woody retiring. I think you're amazing and you're putting Woody first which makes you a good horsey Mum. I had to do the same thing with my pony so I know how hard it is! Lots of love xxx

Well done for making this video, a very emotionally heavy topic. Luckily Woody's concept of time is a day by day and he seems like a happy boy. I lost my riding mare within 20 minutes last year in a tragic accident. My other mare has some old injuries (from before she was with me)so she is in foal. All going well I hope she can have a second foal before just being retired, my choice of stallion is one that is still in considerable work at 17 years old. It's time breeders started prioritising soundness and longevity in horses for the leisure market, we have metrics for performance traits but not this.

Thank you for sharing this information. All the best to you and Woody!

I'm so heartbroken for you that this has been your introduction to horse ownership. I hope things go well with finding a retirement yard and thank you for sharing. 💚

My heart goes out to you bless you for all you've done for him. My pony is nearing 35yrs and been with me all his life it's never going to be easy but just something that has to be done. Stay strong.

I am so heartbroken for you. Thank you for sharing this experience with us and keeping us informed every step of the way, we all love you and Woody. I just wanted to give you a big hug watching this. You've done the absolute best for him and I'm keeping everything crossed that he can live out his days in a big field surrounded by friends 💜💜 xxx

I'm so sorry :( I've followed your videos for a while, I had to retire my old boy at 18 and unfortunately lost him at 19 to rapidly worsening arthritis of the hocks. I could have kept him going for a few years on painkillers, but he wasn't the type of horse to cope with that. His father was still a riding horse at age 31, so to lose him at almost half his age was gutting. I hope you're doing ok

Heartbreaking for you, thank you for sharing x

Well done for making this difficult decision and for explaining it so clearly. All the best to you and Woody x

Hi! Really sorry for you and Woodie. Very brave decision of you and still educational content to this video. Wish you both all the best 🐞🇮🇹

Sending you so much love❤️it’s such a hard thing to process xx

I'm so sorry that woody's career is over but at least you still get to spend time with him! You have appeared to deal with it so well

My heart goes out to you hun. You have done your absolute best for your darling boy and given him all the expert help he could have. It' sux so bad that this has been the outcome. We all crossed everything for you over the past year. You know your Woody and you also know the right decision. No need for permission from anyone. You have put so much time, effort and thought into this. I wish woody a fab retirement. You are the best mumma / owner he ever could have xxx

You're such a thoughtful and loving equestrian. I have always respected how you are with your equestrian journey. I hope you make it through this tough time and will think of you. I wish you lived even on the same continent as me, I have plenty of horses I'd love to share with someone like you.

Big hugs. My horse and I send you our best. We both know how hard the decision is. My guy has nerve damage in his left shoulder, he most likely pissed off one of the mares lol And so is permanently lame on warm days and when he has moved around alot thanks to his pasture mate Elliott who is a pacer (OTTB) he can get a smooth walk and can move into a lovely canter but the trot looks painful, and I let him tell me if he is up to it. He at 21 is retired. And I have made the choice too keep him alive as long as he is happy and comfortable. He is my world, and I love him, and do not want my love to be selfish. Horses for as tough and big as they are, are very fragile it seems. Give Woody a hug and carrot from me and I look forward to seeing how the transition goes.

So sorry but a wise decision. I've just done a vlog about similar issues although my ex racehorse is still hanging in there - albeit at a very low level of work and after huge expense over the years to keep her sound-ish. She still enjoys doing something for now with a very light rider but I'm constantly reassessing. I hope you find a great place that suits you and Woody; lots of great options around these days for retirement. Good luck x

so so sorry, what a tough decision but sounds like you've made the right decision.

R.i.p woody❤❤❤

So sad to hear all of this, hoping field rest goes well. I hope it doesn’t apply to you, but ‘there are worst things than death’ & ‘better a week early than a day late’ xx

A year of box rest! 🥺 his mental health must be rock bottom. Glad you have made the decision to retire him. I hope he manages to be comfortable enough to live out in a field and have a happy retirement x

I'm sorry to hear about Woody retirement

Woody hasn't been retired from loving or being loved. Good video. You definitely don't need permission to retire a horse. Have retired a fifteen year old. Older than Woody but definitely much younger than I hoped. Based on my experience, I recommend a place where they don't have many horses and the horses receive daily human attention.

You poor soul 😔❤️ xx

Sounds like retirement is the right thing for the horse, if he keeps getting issues at a certain part in rehab it may be better for him to just be a horse not a riding horse

This so sad 😞 you are such amazing lady and woody is a special horse I know mr woody lovers you so much I can see that when you too are together I know it’s not my place to ask and not the right time but I like to know are you still leasing Duke I will always watch your videos you don’t know how much I have learned from you sending lots of love from Jersey channel inland take care my heart is broken for both of you x

I got sponser horse jaffa he his lovely braivan warmblood but his 28 year-old he liviing at bleakiewell aminal sanctuary in Maryculter in Aberdeen in Scotland

Im so sorry😩 are you still going to keep him . Dont worry u can inhand show him

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Thinking of you. You have so many options and you can change your mind!! There's a great retirement yard near me but it would be a couple hours away for you... (Until HS2 is built 🤔) I was so lucky when my first pony went ever so slightly lame, the vet said he could carry on doing light work but my pony had just turned 25 and had a busy life so I chose to retire him. He lost so much muscle and condition and started to look.... Old. But he is happy enough for now. He has poor teeth and is arthritis but he is still happy enough, and until one of those problems stops him being happy, he will stay in his field in the herd.

💚

Would you consider a retirement as a blood donor horse? I have heard they are extremely well cared for. So very sorry this has happened x

did you not have another horse on loan? im so sorry to hear about woody but you are doing the best by him x

I remember you were super careful horse shopping and having his vetted, was anything said about sidebone or hock arthritis at that point? Has it made you feel differently about how you go about buying? I had something very similar to me when I bought my first mare, although I was lucky enough she came back from it into a dressage career. Its tough

it amazes me how many so called influencers are not able to keep their horses sound,