PDA

View Full Version : exceptions to rules


Sue Carnell
28th Jan 2003, 11:25 PM
There always is one isn't there? Not an excuse though.

Take a horse who is an ex-racer thoroughbred. He doesn't have rugs, even in the harshest winters as he gets too hot. He's worn metal shoes practically all of his life. Was hunted, and hard, a couple of days a week during hunting season for many years. His owner rode him in an ill-fitting saddle and balancing or draw reins even for hacking, every time she exercised him. He has a relatively severe bit, a narrow D ring copper roller. He's evented and xc'd. Been ridden by novice and more experienced riders and had a very hard life. Almost forgot, he weaves too, so isn't kept in very often.

Today I was leading him in from the field. He spooked at a lorry and danced around like a two year old. He's never had joint supplements, or Bute, but is fed a simple diet of haylage, hay, alpha-a, carrots and a vitamin supplement. He can be a little stiff coming out of the stable, but not so's you'd notice, if he's had to stay in because of really severe weather conditions for a few days. He has plenty of condition on him.

Hardy was 30 years old last week. :O

It's all in the name! Got to be. :D

Sue
sue@eclipse.co.uk

arab1
28th Jan 2003, 11:44 PM
We have a 34 year old paint gelding that is the same way. Although its getting alittle harder for him to get out of bed every morning he still manages to play outside with the other boys. It is nice to see that. Makes me smile!!!:D

virtuallyhorses
29th Jan 2003, 10:07 PM
The photo attached is Bonecrusher at 19 years old (a couple of years back) he looks as fabulous as in his racedays because he was in light training again and tacked up to receive a special award.

One of our most famous racehorses, Melbourne\Wellington Cup winner, Kiwi, was well known for being used as a farm hack to move the cattle as part of his training.

TB's don't tend to be cossetted prima-donna's down here, so they can be just as hardy as others :)