You don't say!

I will say this before I go on. Champ really does look like he can be a sweet horse. He's a cute horse and I believe when Cathy says he has the sweetest disposition. But I also know from experience that sometimes when those 'oh so sweet' rescues become healthy and sound they are often a different horse. Heck if I had to stand still and most likely in pain all day I'd kiss the feet of the person to bring me food, treats, and rubs. Champ could be the quietest stallion on earth and if he were my own- I'd say give him a peaceful euth.
I've owned Amigo 28, going on 29, years. He's almost 33 and missing teeth. Granted his joint health is that of a HEALTHY horse in their early 20's and he's been sitting in a pen with dairy cows for several years he's gotten plenty of love, care, and good memories. If and when the time comes that he is in to much pain I won't hesitate to give him a peaceful sleep.
There is no reason to prolong life with a few shots of bute, days of iced ankles, and therapeutic shoes just to avoid the inevitable. If he's already having flare ups with arthritis at the tender age of 12 that are leaving him in pain and making movement hard- long term prognosis isn't going to be good in most cases. Glucosamine and condroitin have proven to relieve stiffness and minor pain when supplemented early in the equines life.(No telling what Champs life was like before sent to auction, feedlot, and then rescued.) Most DJD drugs/injections like Adequan and Legend are most effective when given in the early onset of arthritis- and boy are they expensive and cost $50 and higher plus whatever the vet charges for appointment fee and injection fee(many vets charge for injections and medicating). Cosequin powder easily costs $150 or more.
At those rates for ONE horse with multiple vet visits, several sound healthy horse's could be fed, housed, and found better homes.


And here's my tip of the day for those who are having hay crisis. It's often easier and cheaper to have hay shipped in than it is to struggle finding a feed store that has an abundance. I feed out large 3x3x8 alfalfa and orchard hay to my horses. On average there are 16 small bales of alfalfa in one large 3x3x8. Most ship in for $80 or LESS per bale if you live up north and if you live in the south it would be $100 or LESS. If you divide the money would spend on ONE bale of 3x3x8 alfalfa- that would be less than $8.00 a SMALL BALE. Most states you won't find that price on small bales. And for the large orchard 3x3x8. They usually run $50/per bale shipped in. That would average less than $5.00 if you divided into small bale size.
So get together with friends, figure out how much you need, and have it shipped in. Right now being the end of the year and with there being a new planting and cutting season coming here soon- Many farmers are going to try and get rid of their '08 leftovers for cheap.
My daughter runs a hay lot and I purchase my semi loads from her. If anyone is wanting any information I will gladly direct you over to her.