Day 84- Thanksgiving Update

Though we haven't documented every step of Blue's progress along the way, I'm very happy to report that his rehabilitation has been positive all the way along. He has taken everything in stride and has never been anything but a very easy horse to work around. Even at the early age of three, he is already turning into a very pleasurable and trustworthy partner under saddle and shows no signs of being problematic in any way. While he works well in the ring, Blue's favourite activity is heading out into the field for a hack.... and he always makes his preference known by drifting towards the big open door at the end of the arena if given the chance and confidently marching through it when the time comes to ride outside. He doesn't spook or get worried or fret about anything while on his hacks and is always happy to go, both with company or alone.

 

 

Blue & Barry hacking in the mist

 

Being the one who has done the majority of the training with Blue, Barry has taken quite a liking to our little bay horse and can often be heard saying to anyone who will listen that “there's something special about THIS horse”. Though I personally know that Barry says that about MANY of the horses he works with, it's very obvious that he has a soft spot for Blue and that his efforts and special attention will no doubt turn the horse into a wonderful partner for someone down the road.

 

Physically, Blue gets healthier and stronger by the day. His coat is shiny now, his ribs barely visible, and his energy level significantly increased. Now that he is working under saddle and we have him back to a better weight, our focus has been on conditioning and building muscle to complete his transformation into a fit and healthy horse. Because he enjoys hacking so much, we use the gentle hills around the property to build his muscle tone and increase his fitness level. While he still doesn't have the stamina and strength of some of our other horses, he is improving daily and the work is paying off in a positive way.

 

Blue- September 2013

 

 

Blue is no longer turned out with Lena but is now friends with her half brother Stewie who has become his new companion. The two young geldings get along well and can often be spotted standing side by side in the paddock, sharing their hay. Blue is growing the typical furry winter coat of a quarter horse but still seems to enjoy his extra blanket when the weather is damp or cold. An increased feed program has added significant weight to his previously thin structure and I'm very pleased with the condition in which he will be entering our cold and often unpredictable winter months.
 

 

Blue- October 2013

Blue & Stewie

 

Sometimes it seems like Blue has been a part of our family for a long time but, in reality, he came into our lives just a short 84 days ago. In less than three months, Blue has transformed both mentally and physically, allowing him to learn and grow into a healthy and happy horse. Not just a horse....but a horse with talents and abilities....a horse with a job and a purpose. It is my hope that this foundation will give him a better chance at always being “someone's special horse,” rather than something that can become unimportant or disposable because of changes to income, circumstance or owner interest. I know there can never be a guarantee but this is my belief. It's a belief that I cling to every day.... a belief that allows me to continue to do what I do and to desire to do more for these horses in need. Blue is, and will continue to be my inspiration. He is the horse that I go to look at when I'm feeling unsure or discouraged. He is the one I examine when I need a reminder of the transformation that is possible in a horse in such a short time. He is the one I stroke when I need to feel appreciated....when I need to know that I am not 'unimportant' or 'disposable' in this world that is often overwhelming, discouraging and negative. On this Thanksgiving weekend, I am grateful that we could give Blue the chance to be that horse and that his positive response to our efforts has increased our desire to give other horses the chance to make that kind of difference.