Mid
Well-Known Member
As of Easter Monday, Ill have owned Oscar for a year! Time flies, I cant believe it!
On St Patricks day 2007, we went and saw a horse advertised as an 8yo spotted gelding, 15.1hh, good allrounder. The condition of the poor horse was appalling, he was severely underweight, covered in scars, had bad mud fever on all four legs, a massive bleeding gash on his knee, the side of his face was swollen, and he had difficulty breathing. I felt so sorry for him, that after a week of thinking through, I decided to buy him. We had a 2 star vetting done, and the vet said that his injuries were superficial, and he was sound after flexion. His breathing problems were from a virus. (it later turned out that hes unlevel from a deformity in his hips, so only suitable for hacking and light schooling he was likely drugged during the vetting) Also, he was more like 6 years old, and 16hh.
We paid just over his meat price, named him Oscar, and bought him home on the 24th March.
For the first month, Ozzie lived out during the day with a quiet herd of geldings, and in during the night on a deep bed of shavings. He had access to as much hay as he could eat, and after four weeks, was a completely different horse. Hes a VERY good-doer I dont know how his previous owners managed to get him into such a state.
In early May, we started his ground work. The saddler didnt want to fit a saddle until he had a bit more condition, so we taught him to lunge, got him to lead like a gentleman, did a bit of de-spooking, and took him for walks. He took it all in his stride, although he was a bit crazy in the early days. (and is still spooky) I spent hours grooming him which he loves and just watching him in the field, stroking him, getting him used to having his feet handled, and by the end of the month, we had a very strong bond I could get him to do almost anything, and he would gallop up to me if I called.
In June, he had a saddle fitted, and we started his ridden work. At first, only my instructor rode him, and he was very green, but also eager to please. He has a fab personality.
Through his ridden work, we discovered that he was lame up hills and on tight circles, and after the attention of several back people, he was diagnosed with a mechanical problem in his hips. He had improved loads since it was discovered, but it does mean he will never jump, and never do dressage or ridden showing. (due to the way his paces look). We make the most of this He is an excellent hack, and can do In Hand classes. Hell never win, but he does enjoy it.
On the 16th September, we took him to his first show. He got a 5th, a 3rd and a 2nd in various colour classes.
In November, we cantered him for the first time out on a hack.
In December, he a little section in Horse magazine, with the following photo.
These photos were taken a couple of days ago, and show a fat, happy Oscar.
New rug!
Before:
After:
So this year with Oz has been fab, and I hope to have many more great years with him
On St Patricks day 2007, we went and saw a horse advertised as an 8yo spotted gelding, 15.1hh, good allrounder. The condition of the poor horse was appalling, he was severely underweight, covered in scars, had bad mud fever on all four legs, a massive bleeding gash on his knee, the side of his face was swollen, and he had difficulty breathing. I felt so sorry for him, that after a week of thinking through, I decided to buy him. We had a 2 star vetting done, and the vet said that his injuries were superficial, and he was sound after flexion. His breathing problems were from a virus. (it later turned out that hes unlevel from a deformity in his hips, so only suitable for hacking and light schooling he was likely drugged during the vetting) Also, he was more like 6 years old, and 16hh.
We paid just over his meat price, named him Oscar, and bought him home on the 24th March.
For the first month, Ozzie lived out during the day with a quiet herd of geldings, and in during the night on a deep bed of shavings. He had access to as much hay as he could eat, and after four weeks, was a completely different horse. Hes a VERY good-doer I dont know how his previous owners managed to get him into such a state.
In early May, we started his ground work. The saddler didnt want to fit a saddle until he had a bit more condition, so we taught him to lunge, got him to lead like a gentleman, did a bit of de-spooking, and took him for walks. He took it all in his stride, although he was a bit crazy in the early days. (and is still spooky) I spent hours grooming him which he loves and just watching him in the field, stroking him, getting him used to having his feet handled, and by the end of the month, we had a very strong bond I could get him to do almost anything, and he would gallop up to me if I called.
In June, he had a saddle fitted, and we started his ridden work. At first, only my instructor rode him, and he was very green, but also eager to please. He has a fab personality.
Through his ridden work, we discovered that he was lame up hills and on tight circles, and after the attention of several back people, he was diagnosed with a mechanical problem in his hips. He had improved loads since it was discovered, but it does mean he will never jump, and never do dressage or ridden showing. (due to the way his paces look). We make the most of this He is an excellent hack, and can do In Hand classes. Hell never win, but he does enjoy it.
On the 16th September, we took him to his first show. He got a 5th, a 3rd and a 2nd in various colour classes.
In November, we cantered him for the first time out on a hack.
In December, he a little section in Horse magazine, with the following photo.
These photos were taken a couple of days ago, and show a fat, happy Oscar.
New rug!
Before:
After:
So this year with Oz has been fab, and I hope to have many more great years with him
