RDF/RSS Feed
Atom Feed
I drove up to North Texas yesterday to see a thirteen year old flea-bitten grey Arabian gelding. This is the picture I had seen before going up to see him:
Vanguard Prestige
He looks darker in this picture because he was wet–sweaty-wet.
Today, after a long trailer ride, he arrived shortly after I got home and looked like this:
For another view of the different in width of forehead and mouth, here’s the equine copycatting a giraffe in eating leaves off a tree.
Comment by Jim DeWitt — June 16, 2019 @ 9:26 pm
I had never heard the term “flea-bitten” used as anything but a perjorative (“flea-bitten old nag”). Interesting that it is a coloration description. He’s a handsome fellow. Congratulations on the new ride!
Comment by Jazzlet — June 17, 2019 @ 9:42 am
Welcome home Vanguard! He looks like he’s settling in, enjoy getting to know one another.
Comment by Daniel Glover — June 18, 2019 @ 10:52 am
May Commander (Admiral ?) Moon get lots of time to enjoy the wide open spaces on this Vanguard.
Comment by Nadine Barter Bowlus — June 21, 2019 @ 6:06 pm
May the fourth horse be the charming one.
Comment by elizabeth — June 21, 2019 @ 10:34 pm
I posted too soon. His pre-purchase exam revealed the very problem I’ve lost horses to before, including Kallie, and just cannot deal with again…a rotated coffin bone. Plus two other problems that would also likely progress in ways that could end badly. My vet wanted me to refuse the sale on account of a visual problem that progresses to blindness (though more slowly if treated with anti-inflammatories)–especially because I intend to ride him on natural land, including on wooded trails where even partial blindness could cause him to stumble and fall. “If you were going to ride in a level arena, with no obstacles and no holes, it would be safer, but you’ve said you want to use him on your land, which has the usual sorts of potential hazards for a blind horse.” It was the rotated coffin bone that worried *me* the most, because of the horses I’ve lost to that.
So tomorrow he’ll go back to his trainer. I am sad for his future, and sad for our not having a chance to become good partners, because he’s a fine horse in many ways.
Comment by Richard Simpkin — June 22, 2019 @ 3:29 am
Ah well, you’ve enjoyed traveling hopefully, we’ve enjoyed the picture of the girorse, and I see your rain stopped.
Comment by Jazzlet — June 25, 2019 @ 6:04 pm
Oh no, I am sorry he wasnt the one, and sorry he has the problems tht mean he isn’t the one.
Comment by elizabeth — June 26, 2019 @ 1:06 am
Me, too. I liked the way he felt under me, but…sometimes the magic doesn’t work. And he’s back with his breeder who says he can just be a pasture pet, so there’s one good thing.
Comment by Leslie — June 28, 2019 @ 12:09 pm
Sometimes the wise choices are the most difficult. I’m sending warm thoughts your way that you have a good day today. Thank you for continuing to post updates.
Comment by Moira — July 2, 2019 @ 7:44 pm
Sorry to hear of the disappointment! But I’m glad he’s going “home” to a peaceful & hopefully easy life, out to pasture.