I don't usually head out to the ranch on Mondays, I try to take off Monday and Friday from the ranch. However I couldn't keep away from my sweet little guy. Moses is his name, and eating sure is going to be his game. My little guy is so thin. I groomed him up, and he looks even worse, it's now clear just how extremely thin he is.
I'm going to weight tape him tomorrow, as well as measure his height if he stands still enough. He is very sweet. I'm starting him very slow. I turned him out, let him be a horse, then I haltered him, and groomed him. He does very good, and likes to be groomed. I didn't tie him, but I put the lead rope over the railing, and he stood well. I think he would tie ok, but I don't want to over whelm him. He needs a good solid week with just love, no work, and with these feet hardly any real exercise.
Front Hooves
Rear Hooves
He lifts his front feet well, but I don't want to push him, so I just ask him to lift his rear feet, and not actually even hold them. When I tried before he kicked out a little, and I just want him to take it slow. Moses obviously needs to be eased into everything very slowly, and gently. He seems very gentle, and actually likes to follow me around. We went on a walk around the property and he did very well! I am amazed by Moses and his gentle attitude, he has a soft spirit. I only hope it stays that way when he gets some food in his system, and his feet start feeling better.
I took some photos of his current condition. I'll leave them bellow.
I'm going to weight tape him tomorrow, and measure his height. I imagine he is in the range of 15.1-15.2 he's sweet to boot! I just love this little guy already. He needs lots of TLC, but we're getting Moses back up to health. He's come to us at the perfect time to be on schedule for shots and worming- which is great! I was able to get that nasty tangle-that-was-once-a-braid out! It only took like 20 minutes.... But he's looking more handsome each day!
I'll leave you with this photo of his tattoo. His is quite faded, and on his mane side (he has a super cute thick mane!). Everyone send good thoughts of safety and happiness for me and Moses!
You are doing a good think. I am looking forward to reading about his progress as he gets healthy and full of food and love.
ReplyDeleteWow, he really is thin! His hooves look pretty bad too, but he has sweet eyes and looks pretty cute now that he has been groomed up! Hopefully he fattens up easily and progresses well with his training =)
ReplyDeleteHis hooves are horrendous. The fronts were done today! Still bd, but a million times better. The rear legs he won't hold or give to, so we are going to work on that, then quickly get his hooves done. My farrier is fantastic, he only charged $20 for the fronts, and I know Moses was probably awful for him.
DeleteThe first rescue mare I got was horrible with her back hooves. One in particular she really hated you picking up, we ended up having to teach her to lift it by getting a dog lead and looping it, throwing it on the ground in front of her hoof and getting her to walk into it and then once it was picked up we could grab the hoof. Even then it took a good while before she stopped kicking while you picked it up, she kicked my boyfriend in the ankle SO many times I lost count. When she left 3 months later she was very good about her hooves, but it took some time.
DeleteOn the flip side, it took 40 minutes for my boyfriend's mare just to have her front hooves trimmed, because she would try and hop away from you when we got her.
It might take a while, but you'll be able to see a huge difference after a while and it's quite rewarding to think back to how they were and the difference you made. You did a great thing by rescuing him.
Roxy was awful with her back feet when I got her, now we can pick each hoof from either side. So I've been through this before. It'll take a little time, but Moses will come around.
DeleteOh my goodness hes adorable is he a Muley?!?!? he definatly has a mule face! Very cute and sweet im sure he will be fantastic when he gets some food in him.
ReplyDeleteHe's a mustang! Notice the BLM brand on his neck? It's the bottom photo!
Deletelol i didnt recognize what the brand ment lol he still looks muley to me :p gorgeous horse with so much potential :)
ReplyDelete