I just bought my first cob! Introduction + feed advice + photos!

[J&S]

Looks pretty dam good for a "retired" horse!!

 

[Red-1]

Aw fab to hear Rigs getting out for some adventures. Love BH's Zebra look

He makes me heart sing when I see him out on his adventures.

Omg look at Riggers go

Oh no, that is nothing. He can do a fair 100yd dash, but we are teaching him restraint as not everyone likes a 100yd dash

Looks pretty dam good for a "retired" horse!!

I don't really label what he is. He is just Rigs. He doesn't really have a job so, in that way, I guess he is retired. But there is nothing now that is even being treated, he is sound and well. His bloods are normal, feet are amazing and, since he has had the patio living arrangement, his legs are always hard and not stiff. Since I cut out the fly spray, he hasn't been coughing either.

He is one of those horses who can be picked up and put down, no fuss.

I said a while back, I kind of feel guilty owning him as he does nothing and he could be someone's dream horse. But then, I think back to the horse who came, just finishing box rest for lami, bloods high for EMS and borderline for cushings and I think perhaps we deserve a break!

 

[Spanny]

You have both more than earned the time to have some no stress fun. You were lucky to find each other I think, but don't forget that a big reason why Rigs is now doing so well is because of your very careful and bespoke management. It's lovely that you have a friend who can come and ride out with you - have a wonderful summer!

 

[SEL]

He makes me heart sing when I see him out on his adventures.

Oh no, that is nothing. He can do a fair 100yd dash, but we are teaching him restraint as not everyone likes a 100yd dash

I don't really label what he is. He is just Rigs. He doesn't really have a job so, in that way, I guess he is retired. But there is nothing now that is even being treated, he is sound and well. His bloods are normal, feet are amazing and, since he has had the patio living arrangement, his legs are always hard and not stiff. Since I cut out the fly spray, he hasn't been coughing either.

He is one of those horses who can be picked up and put down, no fuss.

I said a while back, I kind of feel guilty owning him as he does nothing and he could be someone's dream horse. But then, I think back to the horse who came, just finishing box rest for lami, bloods high for EMS and borderline for cushings and I think perhaps we deserve a break!

The microcob says there's nothing wrong with 100 yard dash. And if the human hasn't tightened her girth then she just needs to hang on
I think Rigs is probably very happy doing what he does - I very much doubt he dreams about being someone else's horse and knows he's loved.

 

[Pippity]

I don't really label what he is. He is just Rigs. He doesn't really have a job so, in that way, I guess he is retired.

His job is to be Rigs, and he does that amazingly well.

 

[WestCoast]

He looks lovely. Keep doing what his previous owners have been doing with food and hack him as much as possible. Always give him a quiet day where you mostly walk after he’s worked hard though.

Other bit of advice for cobs is that it’s worth taking the time kindly correcting him if he’s pushy or ignoring you until her does ask he is asked rather than waiting until he’s really rude and then having a big battle.

 

[Cloball]

He looks so much like Darcy
I bought some fancy chemically fly spray and it set my asthma off so have since gone back to my homemade. Can't say I've seen an awful lot of different in the fly's between them either.

 

[Red-1]

He looks so much like Darcy
I bought some fancy chemically fly spray and it set my asthma off so have since gone back to my homemade. Can't say I've seen an awful lot of different in the fly's between them either.

Rigs has had the Hot Horse one and not been coughing... I use it on myself too.

 

[Annagain]

He makes me heart sing when I see him out on his adventures.

Oh no, that is nothing. He can do a fair 100yd dash, but we are teaching him restraint as not everyone likes a 100yd dash

I don't really label what he is. He is just Rigs. He doesn't really have a job so, in that way, I guess he is retired. But there is nothing now that is even being treated, he is sound and well. His bloods are normal, feet are amazing and, since he has had the patio living arrangement, his legs are always hard and not stiff. Since I cut out the fly spray, he hasn't been coughing either.

He is one of those horses who can be picked up and put down, no fuss.

I said a while back, I kind of feel guilty owning him as he does nothing and he could be someone's dream horse. But then, I think back to the horse who came, just finishing box rest for lami, bloods high for EMS and borderline for cushings and I think perhaps we deserve a break!

There's no doubt he's in the right home. There are plenty who maybe would ride him more, or do more 'exciting' stuff with him but there wouldn't be many who would have the control over his environment in the way you do or the time to adapt his routine according to his needs and that's the important thing, not how much or what he's doing.

Take me as an example, I'm sure I would love to ride him but with working full time and on DIY livery with no say over which fields they're in (far too much grass at this time of year in a field a 1/2 mile walk from the yard) or even what they eat when in (we have to use what yard provides and they only make haylage), I couldn't give him the routine he needs. I couldn't manage 2 hours of grazing or give him a patio or even give him soaked hay. With me, once he was out he'd have to be out for the day (or night) and once he was in, he'd be in with no outside space at all. I couldn't turn him out in the school for more than 1/2 an hour as I was mucking out as others need to use it. It wouldn't be for want of trying but I just don't have the facilities or the flexibility. The fact you have the time, freedom and facilities to give him exactly what he needs is what makes you the right home for him.

 

[Red-1]

Ooops, we seem to have a problem!



I think this one is beyond saving!

 

[cauda equina]

He's been very thorough, hasn't he!

 

[Bluewaves]

Is that just from rolling and fence/wall rubbing?

 

[Red-1]

Is that just from rolling and fence/wall rubbing?

Rolling I think as the fencing is all electrified. I suspect he got a hoof caught up and sorted it out for himself. He hasn't any injuries, just the rug.

 

[Bradsmum]

Wow I’ve just done a proper catch up on my phone - iPad useless after forum update! I have watched all the vids and am so pleased he has the life he does. He truly landed on his feet and is one in a million.

 

[Red-1]

Rigs, of course, got a new fly rug as soon as he ripped the old one. I didn't really have a choice, being as we are avoiding most fly repellents. He actually fits a John Whitaker one, £29 brand new on ebay.



That was a bit back. It is still intact!

Today, despite being seemingly run off my feet since retiring myself, I had time to play pony pamper time today. Rigs had a trim and bath. I think he looks amazing...



I am REALLY pleased. He is slim without ribs. I am so glad we did the year of starvation as it seems to have reversed his conditions. He is now up to 11 hours out a day (muzzled) and on high fibre haylage. Feed is speedy beet and chop, for his vitamins. He is on no medication.

I am sooo please at how he looks, I have invited his previous owner to visit again. Last time was Xmas 2021, just after his colic. However, she can't make it until later this month and I am now bricking it in case "something" happens to make him look slightly less perfect .

 

[DizzyDoughnut]

He's looking amazing!

 

[Kunoichi73]

Shiny Rigs!

 

[Red-1]

He was bathed in the morning, no product on his body and the photo was taken at night, so it is pure shine, not wet too.

I am really please with him!

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

He is just scrumptious, is incredible what you’ve achieved with him - just goes to show what the right care can do!

 

[Red-1]

Eeek, a couple of weeks ago, I invited Rigs' previous owner for a visit. She still gets a weekly text and always says how much she appreciates me getting in touch. At the time I invited her, he was perfect! But, she couldn't come until today (her daughter is driving her here and we had to wait for school holidays) and in the mean time, Rigs has a little asthma again!

He still looks well, is otherwise healthy, is back on his inhaler.

Why, oh why I am I so nervous??

She is the most lovely person, didn't want to sell but had to, isn't critical at all, I am excited but yes, also nervous!

I really want her to feel I am doing right by Rigsby.

I am sitting here with the gate open, she will be here anytime.

Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ElleSkywalker]

Am absolutely certain that by now Rigs old owner has been to see him, and had tears in her eyes and has no doubt in her mind that Rigs was meant to find you and that you have gone above and beyond to ensure his well being and welfare and that he's fallen well and truly on his hooves to find someone that loves and appreciates him as much as they obviously did

 

[Red-1]

Am absolutely certain that by now Rigs old owner has been to see him, and had tears in her eyes and has no doubt in her mind that Rigs was meant to find you and that you have gone above and beyond to ensure his well being and welfare and that he's fallen well and truly on his hooves to find someone that loves and appreciates him as much as they obviously did

You are pretty correct!

He did some coughing, I explained about the asthma having only just started up again, and because of his EMS predisposition, I don't like to whack him on full dose straight off. He can have up to 12 sprays a day but is up to 4 now. I was mortified that he is coughing, but TBF it was only while they had a little ride, not when he was grazing, or being groomed. I will up it some more. That will be it for him to be ridden until autumn now, it is very seasonal. He can have a holiday from riding. Come November he will be totally cough free, if previous years are anything to go by.

I got some nice treats too!

A gratuitous photo of Rigs having a little walk round the school with his previous owner, who has not sat on a horse since before Covid!

She is very kind and reiterated that she thinks I am doing a fabulous job, even said I was the best thing that could have happened to him.

I am so relieved!

 

[SilverLinings]

He is a credit to you @Red-1 , he looks amazing!

 

[ElleSkywalker]

Look how happy she is just wonderful

 

[Red-1]

He is a credit to you @Red-1 , he looks amazing!

Thank you. I kind of feel that I am on a loser in trying to keep him perfect. He is older with conditions. It is always a juggling act. He is sometimes a little stiff behind when he is first out, is asthmatic from July to end Oct, has to be slim for EMS, had had lami so is prone to it forever... But, he is a happy chap and I am so lucky that his previous owner is very much like I am with older horses. He can have 'normal' treatment but not 'heroic' treatment. I am relieved that we are on the same page.

I do feel very lucky to have found Rigs. He was just what I needed at just the right time.

I think he will likely bounce back in November, then will want to go gadding about under saddle. Luckily for him, his main job is as a companion.

Plus, I got treats brought for me!



Very lucky!

 

[Tracking_up]

Lovely photo - putting his best toe forward for his previous mum....

 

[Red-1]

Lovely photo - putting his best toe forward for his previous mum....

He certainly remembered her. He was very cuddley!

 

[chaps89]

He fell on his feet when he ended up with you, there’s no doubt about that and I’m sure his previous owner can see that too. He’s looking fab!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

What a fab picture! He looks great

 

[Kunoichi73]

What she said. He's looking fantastic!