Recent Photos

Here are some recent photos Zoe sent me of her quarter-horse Onyx and Bouffe. They both enjoy being a horse and having Zoe to care for them.

Its Been Awhile Again

I know it's been awhile since my last post and things have changed. Last October I had to move Bouffe to a different farm and it has been the best thing that has happened in quite awhile. 

Bouffe's new home is Shady Springs Farm in Parkton, MD. The farm belongs the the Seitz family who are friends of mine. They had just gotten a quarterhorse mare and I suggested Bouffe as a companion. The whole thing has worked out great and both horses bonded to each other immediately. Bouffe now roams through 80 acres of rolling hills of grass.

I have to mention another important member of this new home-base and that is Zoe the Seitz's oldest daughter who taken over for me as Bouffe's main caretaker.

Zoe is a pre-vet student at the University of Delaware and has used all of her knowledge to provide Bouffe with the upmost care and affection. Bouffe and I will both miss her when she goes back to school next month, but I know the other members of this great family will be able to take care of things. 

I still haven't been able to ride Bouffe, but he is enjoying just being a horse!

We Both Survived The Winter

It has been four months since I last posted to this blog and there are several things I should have written about. 

Soon after my last post Leslie became certified as an equine massage therapist and performed massage therapy on Bouffe, which was a success. But, on the other hand, I started feeling worse as the cold weather set in. 

This scenario continued through this past winter as Bouffe seemed to thrive in all of the cold and snow and my legs became tighter. But I continued with hippotheraphy and with Robin's help I was able to get through the winter and am again starting to get more strength in my legs. 

I took this photo today of Bouffe who really seemed to know I was feeling better.

First Day of Training

Well, the first day of training for Bouffe and me went pretty well for Bouffe, but I was pretty much not a player. After Elsa, who works for Robin and is my assistant in training Bouffe, brought him in my wife Barbara and I groomed him and were told Bouffe's back was sore and riding was not a good idea. Evidently, from lack of exercise Bouffe's top line muscles have sunken to the point he can not bear any weight on his back and lounging was all he can do, which is a similar scenario to Bouffe's condition when I first got him. His top line was weak then and became stronger with light work. 

Now, I was not having a good day physically (you people with MS no exactly what I mean) so, Elsa lunged Bouffe, whose stride was very short and choppy. After about a ten minute session Barbara walked Bouffe around the ring for another five minutes. Bouffe was his gentle kind self and never thought of taking advantage of Barbara who was a first time hot walker. 

The highlight of the day for me was when Bouffe, who is usually anxious to get back to his friends in the field, lead Elsa over to where I was standing and spent a few minutes with me as he nuzzled my hands as if to tell me everything will be alright. He is quite a horse who again made a point to continue or spiritual connection. 

Back In Training

It has been a year since I last rode Bouffe and he was not looking good, so I called my vet, Dr. Tanner to have a look. Dr. Tanner performed a physical on Bouffe and drew some blood. Everything was normal, so we talked about Bouffe's past and my health. When I told Dr. Tanner Bouffe had been on the racetrack until he was twelve the problem was solved. "The horse needs a job. It will be good for him and you." So, on Monday morning Bouffe and I go back into training. 

I Still Have Bouffe

I know it has been awhile since I have written and I was surprised at the many followers of this blog I still have after all this time of no post. Thank you all for your interest.

I still have Bouffe who is now and has been on field board for the last few months. I was worried about him during all the snow, but he loved it and the horse who was the odd man out originally has become the alpha male of the group of geldings he is turned out with. J haven't ridden him since last October, but he is doing well in his twentieth year.

Horse For Sale - OTTB

I hated to do it but I have put Bouffe up for sale. This is his page on Retired Racehorse Project horses for sale list:http://www.retiredracehorseproject.org/ottb-horses-for-sale/1-horse-listings/1085-bouffe
He is too nice of a horse to just stand around day after day and not be ridden.