O'Ryan

[spirithorse21]

O'Ryan is the current object of my obsession. Or rather, horse of my obsession. No matter his suitability for anything I want to do (foxhunting), I have become instantly invested in wanting to make this horse's life (and the includes working life) better. So even if my only goal with this horse is to rehab him and set him on his merry way, I will do my best.




He is an OTTB, between 8 and 10 and over 16 hands tall. He has three ground covering gaits, but they don't seem rushed or manic. Whoever retrained this horse off the track did a good job, I just have to brush the dust off all that old training and remind him how good he is.

But, he has issues. He has a bowed tendon on the right front leg. He's had tendon surgery, but reinjured the same leg after the owners put him back into work too soon. That same leg is ever so slightly behind the knee. Both front legs come with weak pasturns and horrible, horrible angles on his feet.

He is also a fairly grumpy horse. I don't think many people have taken the time to love him or just be with him, quiet and patient. When you do, he is instantly your best friend--comes across the pasture for a pat, puts his head in your arms for a hug, loves grooming, sighs when you brush him. Very sweet horse.

I was bad yesterday when I got on him for the first time. Really, he should only be walking and trotting, but out of curiosity, I tried his canter--lovely, lovely, smooth and balanced and responsive to my leg. And then was extra bad and took him down a line. Only twice and very small, but I wanted to see what he would do. Loves it! Eager and forward, but not rushing. Not straight, but willing and listening. Lovely horse, no matter what his next career will be.

And then I cold hosed him for 15 minutes and took extra care of him before returning him to the pasture.

Well, thoughts?




The bad leg












Walking and trotting videos

Comments

[windy-withers.livejournal.com]

I am no help. Do it! I love him and I say enjoy him ;) You know how to bring the best out in a horse and work around these issues.

[windy-withers.livejournal.com]

and dam those feet wooo youch!

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

We are such enablers! haha!

[buymeaclue.livejournal.com]

Holy crap feet, Batman. Poor guy! I see what you mean about the gaits, though...really nice, steady rhythm. One could do a lot worse.

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

He is lovely.

[tabascokat.livejournal.com]

meh, I'm a sucker for hard luck cases -I say anything you can do to improve his life, even if it's "work" go for it.

[wldhrsjen3.livejournal.com]

OY! His feet... 0_o

He looks like a lovely mover - I like his rhythm. He might be one of those unexpected gems. Give it a try. :)

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm pretty sure he is a gem--but can he withstand foxhunting? This is my concern.

[xihateyourx.livejournal.com]

i wouldn't count on it. i guess that is the heart of what i'm saying below. i mean he COULD but he'd probably have much greater chances at a healthy life as a children's hunter/long stirrup horse

[glenatron.livejournal.com]

In UK terms I think he would have no chance as a hunter. I don't know how equivalent that is to the US, but from what I understand I don't think he'd be suitable for hunting the way it happens over here.

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

Yeah, your hunts are much more rigorous than the club I want to join. He certainly wouldn't cut it in the UK. And in reality, I don't think it would be a fair or wise choice even for the hunt I want to join here in Indianapolis.

[dressagegrrrl.livejournal.com]

I HAVE NEVER SEEN FEET LIKE THOSE.

I have to tell you - I think he's adorable. He's big and swingy and rhythmic. I'd be really tempted by him. ;)

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

Aren't they just terrible feet? I was shocked and appalled.

But I do love his way of going. I just worry about the viability of keeping him sound as a foxhunter...

[harnessphoto.livejournal.com]

is his right front a club foot or are the angles just that bad?

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

His angles are just that bad. In fact, the freakin' farrier purposely set him that way. *facepalm*

[xihateyourx.livejournal.com]

hrmmm. it looks like he's got some tendon relaxation in that leg because that pastern is definitely more slopey :/
thats the part I'd worry about. I mean for the right level of work with someone who knows where his issues are and what to expect I'd say he can be a REALLY nice horse but for someone who might push him way too far he may end up in terrible pain

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

This is my thought too. I really don't think he'd make a good foxhunter, but a lovely 2'6" horse. Which makes it hard to justify pursuing him at this time. A year from now (hopefully) when I have my own lesson program and horses, he would be fab. But now? Can't really justify any money for future hopeful investments. Thanks for the honesty...I needed a voice of reason.

[xihateyourx.livejournal.com]

No Prob. I think you're making the right choice. :)

[harnessphoto.livejournal.com]

tbh, his leg looks like Ozzy's leg. Ozzy bowed a tendon when he was two, and then I did something stupid when he faked an injury and chorded the same leg a year later. it looks awful, plus it's missing hair, but (knock on wood), he's never taken a lame step. granted, i would never jump him over 2'6", but that doesn't ruin him as a riding horse. O'Ryan is adorable. have a blast!

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

He is a sweet heart. I hope I can build him up properly--it can be a little challenging in this lesson program, but I'm going to do my best.

[whatever-ho.livejournal.com]

Looks sound to meeee :) He has a nice trot...lots of suspension in the front. I'm a sucker for a horse with a fancy trot.

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

I think he has too much knee action, but he is very swingy and rhythmical, which I like very much.

[penella22.livejournal.com]

Two thoughts: get him a decent farrier and figure out where he's sore. I know you know this but I would guess maybe his back needs a chiro adjustment or a new saddle...after walking around on those hooves for awhile just about any horse would need some chiro. I think there's hope! You know its extra work, but its also so rewarding...

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

I would do both if I could, but he belongs to the folks who run the lesson program. I am a trainer, but I don't pay the bills for the horses. I've already said something about his feet, but the owner wants to stick with her farrier.