End-of-life decisions for horses are among the most emotionally difficult but welfare-significant moments in equine care. Understanding quality of life assessment supports compassionate decisions.
End-of-life welfare for horses is complicated by their size, cost, and the strong emotional bonds owners form with them. Financial constraints sometimes delay euthanasia past the point where welfare can be maintained — owners may not seek veterinary advice until a horse is in severe distress. Conversely, owners may persist with treatment beyond the point where quality of life can realistically be restored. Proactive quality of life conversations between owners and vets, using validated QoL tools, facilitate better decisions made before crisis point. Euthanasia performed by a vet at home, without transport, is the most peaceful and welfare-positive option for most horses at end of life.