I've decided to start a blog about a rescue horse I adopted on 06/09/09. Bones is a 6 year old, 15.1HH, Arabian gelding. Other than obviously being severely underweight Bones shows other signs of abuse. He has a large bump on his nose, and a broken front tooth. I believe he was hit in the face for both of these injuries but, I can never be sure.. I adopted Bones not knowing anything about him. I didn't (and still don't) know if he is broke to ride, whether or not he has had medical issues, etc. etc. It was a risk, but a risk I'll never regret. He is such an easy going, gentle, sweet horse. I've done some light training with him so far.. working with plastic bags, tarps, bridges, and various other desensitizing items. He takes the bridle well, and we are working on him standing for the saddle now. Yesterday was a huge milestone for us.. our first ride! Sandy, the barn owner that I have my horses at, helped me work with him and eventually get on him. We only walked around the arena maybe 3/4 the way around. I wanted to make his first ride very short and sweet. I really look forward to continue Bone's training. Hopefully come spring time we can hit the trails!
Here is Bones when I first got him:
And Bones now:
The purple on black is incredably hard to read.
ReplyDeleteWow... how someone could let such a pretty boy go to waste is beyond me. I'm in the same situation as you are... I just bought an 11yr old appy mare who was been severely abused (she also has chipped front teeth! along with spur scars) and has had little to no handling in the past 8 years. I wish you the best of luck with your training and applaud you for giving bones a new chance at a happy life!
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