I met my horse Snowy 10 years ago at a horse rescue where I volunteered. He was very angry, scared, and wild after being rescued from the slaughter truck. He's somewhere in his 30s, and he's quite arthritic and uncomfortable from previous abuse and injuries. Since he can no longer be ridden, he's my "big dog" living his best retirement. I've worked with him over the years with natural horsemanship techniques to bring him out of his shell and to help him understand that not all people are mean and that he is not bad.
The story goes that he was a pack horse for an outfitter in the Sierra Mountains. He stumbled and fell down the trail with packs on his back, and he was not properly cared for or given adequate time to heal. They sold their horses at a slaughter auction when the economy and their business tanked so they could get just a little more money out of them.
After that horrific ordeal, he has turned into a very sweet, loving, and (mostly!) well-mannered horse, but he can still be reactive to unseen demons at any time. ;-) His left side and hind quarters in particular were injured, breaking some ribs along with his withers, injuring his neck, and permanently damaging his hind leg. ...And he means the world to me!
In addition to resulting arthritis, he's metabolic, has Cushings, and has outlived the use of his teeth, so he's kinda high maintenance. I know he hurts and won't live forever, but for now he's happy and healthy, and I want the best I can provide for him while he blesses me with his presence.
Last summer he was having problems getting up from the ground. It was quite concerning, and, in as positive a manner as possible, the vet prepared us for a dark future if it didn't improve.
That's when I started him on Rose-Hip Vital. After a couple of months, he had more energy and could get up from the ground much more easily. Weekdays he gets turnout with his next-stall "frenemy" Mas(erati) or a walk in the Eurociser, and he gets almost-daily walks from my friend and me (when I can do it).
Thank you for a very clean, natural product that is simple and effective. I want Snowy in my life for as long as possible!
Snowy & Mindy (4-Ever!)
