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Post by safehorses on Jun 18, 2008 16:56:20 GMT -5
Wow...this is so sad. One day he's off to a better future by going to a good trainer and the next he's in grave shape. Poor Jack!!
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Post by Sara on Jun 18, 2008 17:17:29 GMT -5
I'm almost afraid to ask, but has a decision been made on Jack? I also wanted to echo those above to say that I have abosolutley every confidence in the BOD, that whatever decision that is made will be made for the right reasons and by individuals who care so very much for those in their care.
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Post by schwung on Jun 18, 2008 18:18:07 GMT -5
No decision yet. Still waiting to hear back from Dr. Hannah to see if she has talked to the other vet yet. I think we did decide to do an ultrasound to try to determine the extent of the damage before making any decisions. Whether that is done down there or back up here is the question right now.
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Post by lizstabbertphoto on Jun 18, 2008 22:43:49 GMT -5
Hugs for Jack <<< >>>
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shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
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Post by shekaberry on Jun 19, 2008 21:45:52 GMT -5
Is the jury still deliberating on Jack?
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Post by jaybird on Jun 20, 2008 23:22:21 GMT -5
We have very good news to report about Jack.
First off, regarding the injury, it does not appear to be as severe as first reported by the vet who treated him. The concern was that he would have an infection in his flexor tendon sheath...but Jack isn't lame, and so it is looking doubtful at this point that that is what is going on. The decision has been made to treat the wound, keep him on antibiotics, and hope for the best. There is still a possibility of infection, but there is also a decent chance that the wound will heal up with no lasting effects.
That is the good news. The not-so-good news is that Jack is currently flunking out of training. He has had a full 30 days with Cam Reeves, and he is still very very far from being a safe riding horse. He has displayed some seriously bad behavior while in training. Cam reports that Jack is an explosive bucker who is very unpredictable and pretty "dirty" when he gets going. As in rodeo bucking. He does this when being ridden and sometimes while being tacked up. The other issue is rearing. Jack has reared and fallen over twice on the hotwalker and once in the shedrow. He has not done this while Cam has been on his back, but that is because Cam has only ridden him while being ponied, and being ponied prevents him from being able to make a move like that. Cam feels that given the opportunity, Jack would rear under saddle as well. Cam is predicting that Jack would need a significant amount of training to overcome these issues, and would need to make a major turnaround in attitude and outlook in order to do so.
Why is Jack like this? It's hard to say since we know nothing about his background. Slew and I, who both fostered him, feel that he probably suffered some abuse or rough handling in the past. The Reeves were more inclined to feel that Jack was simply refusing to cooperate. Either way, his future as a riding horse is looking very bleak. Much like with Honeycutt, we cannot take the risk of Jack hurting someone.
HOWEVER, we are very happy to report that Jack is going to be retired (at the age of 7!) as a pasture companion and he will be headed to his new home on Sunday. Jack is being adopted by his former foster mom, Slew. She has offered to take Jack as a companion to her two retired thoroughbred geldings. She is not interested in riding him, and she already feels very comfortable working with him on the ground. Needless to say, this offer is a godsend to us and we are extremely grateful to Slew for stepping up to help us with what was looking like a very difficult situation.
In exchange for taking on Jack, SAFE is going to take on Sunny, the 28 year old Arab gelding that Slew rescued earlier this year. Sunny will be coming to stay with me on Sunday, and we will be offering him for adoption as a companion horse and possible leadline pony. From what Slew tells me, Sunny is a beautiful horse who is very sweet and loving and easy to work with. I am really looking forward to meeting him, and will start a thread for him after he arrives.
So what was looking like a tragedy in the making has turned into a happy ending! Again, please join me in thanking Slew for her generous and unsolicited offer of assistance. She is very fond of Jack, and I think this will be a great solution for all of us.
I'll post an update once he has been moved.
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Post by schwung on Jun 20, 2008 23:28:45 GMT -5
THANK YOU to Slew for offering us a solution to a very difficult situation!!! You are a lifesaver! I am so relieved that Jack will have a safe, secure future with you and am looking forward to meeting Sunny and getting to know our newest addition!
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Post by huskiesnhorses on Jun 21, 2008 0:29:20 GMT -5
I'm so happy for Jack - I really believe he belongs with you Rosemary - you are such an awesome person and it's everything I could have hoped for!
And I miss you!
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Post by lizstabbertphoto on Jun 21, 2008 8:59:53 GMT -5
Horray!! When I saw his thread had been updated I was fearing the worst. I'm bummed he wont work out as a riding horse but super happy hes going to such a great home! Thanks Slew!!
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Post by cardicorgi on Jun 24, 2008 12:52:36 GMT -5
RM, you are *awesome.* Thank you thank you thank you thank you for becoming Jack's solution.
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Post by jodycat on Jul 2, 2008 21:42:24 GMT -5
Is Jack "home" now? How is he doing, and how is his injury? (Inquiring minds want to know....)
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Post by jaybird on Jul 3, 2008 1:58:53 GMT -5
Jack is all settled in back at Rosemary's and he is doing very well. Rosemary reports that he has been a complete angel for his bandage changes. His wound is healing, but there is a lot of proud flesh, which her vet is advising her to leave alone for the time being. Jack is so fortunate that Rosemary was able to take him. He is very fond of her, so he is a good boy even when she has to do something less than fun, like mess with his wound or change his bandage. She is very gentle and patient with him, and when he does not feel pressured or anxious, he is a very good horse. They really work well together. Keep thinking healing thoughts but it looks like Jack is infection-free!
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Post by jodycat on Jul 3, 2008 8:44:18 GMT -5
Yea! I'm so glad he's with Rosemary again and relaxed and happy. Thinking good thoughts for NO INFECTION!
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Post by leahlady on Jul 3, 2008 10:53:53 GMT -5
Rosemary, you are the best!!
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Post by akoehmstedt on Jul 3, 2008 12:55:58 GMT -5
Rosemary, you are the best!! Agreed. Glad you were able to take him and give him the life he deserves. My fingers are crossed that he heals well.
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