New Horse, Si! *somewhat picture-heavy*

So, a few of you know me from ages back, when I was looking for help on getting a horse; my friend and I had been searching for ages, looking at prospects and we did find one, Remington, but he was unfortunately sold. We are sure it went to slaughter house, too, because the stable sold a whole bunch of horses to this lady who went, barely looked at them, and then paid cash in hand. We were extremely bummed and upset, especially since we told them we were interested. We hoped the lady just needed some horses, and got them though it was a bit suspicious without the vet check or anything.

ANYWAY...so we got us a horse! We have actually had him for almost seven months now :) He's a sixteen year old Palomino, who we named Sirius, to everyone's amusement, though she says his full name is Sirius Phoenix (Stratos) Black...lol. She is a bit obsessed with Harry Potter. I prefer to just call him Si. Anyhow, we think he has a bit of TWH in him. He is a rescue, and we got him with help from my friend's mother's friend, Steve, who is an animal rescuer who has connections with an equine vet, Julia. Julia heard about this horse who was being given away.

It turns out he isn't crazy or anything, actually, he just needed some good feed and a bit of exercise. He's being boarded at our trainer, Lynette's, place. She has had horses for years, and we have the best deal with her; it's only about 200 a month, but she does pretty much everything, including helping us with him. Because he's an older gelding, he IS somewhat pushy - we think he was used as a barrel horse since he's a very much go-go-go horse. His previous owners, I suppose, got off him whenever he did something bad, so he has learned some pretty bad habits due to that, such as running when he isn't supposed to. But already we have taught him to walk behind us on the lead, stop, back, disengage his HQs, cross his front legs, the one-rein stop, and a lot of other things with Lynette's help. We were surprised he didn't even know how to lunge, but now he's a pro at it! :P Okay, I've rambled enough. Here are the pictures of him!

The first ones are when we first got him, when he was skinnier, but the later ones are more recent and he looks really good now. Bit of a grass belly, because he is on almost 24/7 grass and hay, but happy and chubby. When I went to see him yesterday, I thought Lynette had gotten a new horse; he looks white from the distance, and is so fluffy/soft. Opinions?

When we were first told about him. Poor guy :(




First time in the arena at his new home


Curious about the camera


Still curious about the camera, and wondering about this strange device while he chums down on his hay


A few weeks later, out in the field. His buddies were in the stable.


First time lunging, when the vet gave the okay! He didn't know how to do it at first...but seemed interested


A bit ago. It was the first time I could put the saddle on by myself! I was so proud, honestly. Sounds stupid, but I can't help it.


Waiting patiently for work


Saying 'Mom, stop taking pictures.'


When I braided his hair just for kicks and fun back in October. He continually gave me THE LOOK, as if to say 'I am a male and you are doing this to me. Stop taking away my manly-ness.'



Oh, and unfortunately, his owners neglected him a bit so he does have minor arthritis in his right front leg :( We have taken him to two vets just to make sure it would be okay to ride him, and he only gets light riding which is just as well. He's spoiled rotten now, so it's okay. He takes medicine (Equizone Phenylbutazone Powder; Lynette's one gelding, Mike, also gets this powder. Mike's hock problem is he basically has no space between the hock, and I think the bone rubs together so he also needs that. It alleviates the problem and makes it more comfortable for them/loosens the muscle) every day except for Sundays and doesn't limp at all. The vet comes out to see him too, and the farrier has done excellently with his hooves. I definitely need to get recent pictures, with him looking much lighter. We basically have a golden horse in summer and white-ish horse in winter. It's pretty funny to see his coat change. He has built up our confidence quite a lot , and I really couldn't ask for a better teacher. The last pictures are from back in October, around the 16th.

Wow ....he's turning into one nice looking horse.

It's a good thing you don't live next to us. My 9 yr old daughter would be in your barn everyday....not only braiding his mane but his tail too.

LOL Feel free to bring her on down! He is a bit of an attention hog, actually when it comes down to it. He would more than likely relish the attention than anything else. The first to come in the barn for a rub, and the last to leave if he can help it.

Canter,
I didn't read your whole post, I admit it. But, the photos show how much your care is bringing out the best in this lovely horse. Blessings on you for your kindness.


In looking at the saddle photo, I wonder about the fit of that saddle. It looks like the angle of the bars is too flat (more narrow at top, wider at bottom) for him and might be pressing down on his shoulders. You could try moving it back a bit, but it might be somthing to look at before riding him. If he is carrying "baggage" from being mistreated, (and his eye suggests that he is still a bit worried or unsure) then being ridden in an illfitting saddle could make you lose all the ground you have gained.

I might be totally off base on this, because I have only those photos to go by, but it's something to look at again.

Oh, it's fine you didn't read it all! I rambled, my apologies.

Yes, he is carrying slight baggage, as well as the bad habits. The saddle we don't usually use on him, actually, and that's my trainers. This was mostly for me to get used to putting a saddle on, because I get so confused easily and that was the first time I was able to properly put it on. We rarely use one, actually, and prefer either working bareback or groundwork these days. His back is broad - comfortable to ride bareback - so we've been having trouble finding a correct saddle, and have almost decided to get a fitter out :( But this October was one of the few times we even put one on, this being perhaps the...second? Third? Most of the time I work on saddling one of her other horses, preferably Luna who fits this one, as she is a Quarter horse.

Thank you for the concern! I've been meaning to actually get to work on the saddle-issue, too.

He's gorgeous and my favorite color too!