O'Ryan

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?

( More of O'Ryan )

O'Ryan

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?

( More of O'Ryan )